Apple is cooking something. Yes, it’s the fold. But not just the fold. If the reports are anything to go by, Apple is planning to stretch its “Ultra” branding well beyond the Apple Watch and its top-tier chips. The next set of products under this naming cloud include a foldable iPhone and an all-new kind of MacBook.
According to a report by Macworld, cited by 9to5Mac and based partly on earlier insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s first foldable iPhone may not be called the “iPhone Fold” after all. Instead, the company is said to be leaning towards the name “iPhone Ultra”, likely positioning it as its most premium offering yet. The report also hints that Apple is exploring “Ultra” branding for a future MacBook, potentially creating a new top-tier category across its lineup.
If that happens, the foldable iPhone won’t replace the Pro models. Instead, it’s expected to sit above the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, more expensive, more experimental, and likely more limited in availability.
iPhone Fold or the iPhone Ultra?
The foldable itself is shaping up to be a major leap. Speculation suggests a book-style design, with a smaller outer display and a larger inner screen that could measure around 7.8 inches when unfolded. There’s some variation in leaks, with the cover display said to be between 5.3 and 5.5 inches. Apple is also reportedly focusing heavily on reducing the display crease and improving durability—two areas where foldables still face criticism.
On the software side, things could get interesting. The device may run a customised version of iOS—possibly iOS 27—designed to take advantage of the larger screen, with iPad-style multitasking features like split-screen apps and updated interface layouts.
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is expected to pack Apple’s A20 Pro chip along with its in-house C2 modem. Camera specs could include a dual rear setup with 48MP main and ultra-wide sensors, along with front cameras on both displays. There’s also talk of a sizable 5,500mAh battery and a titanium–aluminium build. Interestingly, Apple might ditch Face ID here in favour of Touch ID integrated into the power button—likely due to space constraints in the foldable design.
MacBook Ultra
Alongside the iPhone, Apple is also said to be working on a MacBook Ultra. This device is rumoured to feature an OLED touchscreen—something users have been asking Apple for for years. But instead of folding it into the existing MacBook Pro lineup, Apple may position it as a completely separate, more premium offering.
Expect a redesigned chassis, a touch-enabled display, and possibly even a Dynamic Island-style cut-out replacing the notch. Some reports also hint at cellular connectivity via the same C2 modem, which could make the MacBook Ultra even more distinct from current models.
When is the new Apple Ultra lineup coming?
That said, the timeline here is less certain. While some supply-chain reports suggest OLED MacBook panels could start shipping later this year, others indicate delays, potentially pushing the launch to the first half of 2027 due to RAM supply issues. As for the foldable iPhone, the much awaited launch is said to happen this September along with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
