Apple is developing an innovative approach to the screen of its next foldable smartphone, tentatively known as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold. The company adopts a dual-screen strategy that seeks the ideal balance between cutting-edge performance and cost optimization for the device.
Recent information suggests that Apple will integrate Samsung’s M16 and M14 OLED panels into its foldable iPhone. According to data released by informant Schrödinger, the external screen of the iPhone Ultra will be equipped with Samsung’s native 10-bit OLED M16 panel, while the internal screen will use the previous generation M14 OLED panels. This strategic decision by Apple reflects an effort to combine the innovation of the external screen, crucial for the user’s first impression, with the economic and production viability of the internal panel, whose visibility and brightness requirements may be different. The choice is supported by the stabilization of production of Samsung’s M16 panels, which reached a yield of 80%, exceeding the 70% target imposed by Apple.
The external covering screen will be equipped with advanced Color Filter Encapsulation (COE) technology. This innovative method eliminates the conventional circular polarizer, replacing it with a color filter printed directly onto the thin film encapsulation layer. This feature results in a notable reduction in panel thickness, while promoting significant gains in energy efficiency.
Samsung’s M16 OLED panel is capable of reproducing a native 10-bit color depth, offering a superior visual experience. Additionally, this technology replaces the blue fluorescent OLED material with a blue phosphorescent material, contributing to a substantial increase in the display’s energy efficiency.
Schrödinger also revealed that Apple has entered into a multi-year exclusive supply agreement with Samsung for the next-generation M16 E7 OLED panels. These will be incorporated into the future iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. For the iPhone Air 2, the M14 OLED panel will be used, and the basic iPhone 18 model will come with the M12+ panel, an improved version of the M12 displays present in the iPhone 14 Pro and the Galaxy S23 series.
In addition to the screen innovations, the iPhone Ultra promises a revolutionary, crease-free design. This will be achieved by the extensive use of Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG/UFG), with a reduced thickness in the hinge area to alleviate structural stress, and by applying a flexible adhesive between the various layers of the screen. Uma dobradiça sofisticada de Liquidmetal, fabricada por impressão 3D e que também funciona como dissipador de calor, auxiliará na minimização do vinco da tela para um quase imperceptível 0,15 mm.
Expected features for the next iPhone Ultra
The expectation is that Apple’s new foldable device will bring a series of high-level specifications:
- It will feature a dedicated vapor chamber for better thermal management.
- It will feature a resolution of 2,713 x 1,920, with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
- It will have Touch ID mounted on the side, replacing Face ID.
- Equipped with the A20 Pro processor, 12 GB of RAM and Apple’s own 5G C2 modem.
- Dual rear camera setup with 48MP resolution.
- A front camera with a capacity of up to 24MP.
- Battery with capacity between 5,400 and 5,800 mAh.
- It will launch exclusively as an eSIM-compatible variant.
- The launch is scheduled for autumn 2026.
- The estimated base price should be around US$2,000.