There were rumors that the launch of the Apple iPhone Fold, also referred to as iPhone Ultra, was delayed. But we later heard that the iPhone Ultra’s launch was on track, and it would be unveiled at Apple’s autumn 2026 product launch event alongside the iPhone 18 series. That launch timeframe has now been corroborated by reliable tipster Ice Universe, who posted an unofficial photo of an iPhone Ultra and Apple’s new CEO John Ternus on X, with the caption “2026 iPhone autumn new product launch.”
While Ice Universe hasn’t mentioned the launch date, it’s safe to assume the launch event will be hosted sometime in September. Probably in the second or third week of September. And if that happens, then the iPhone Ultra will be the first big product announcement made by Apple under the leadership of John Ternus, who will take over as the Cupertino-based tech giant’s new CEO on September 1, 2026.
Image posted by Ice Universe on X
Recently leaked images of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra’s dummy units compared the sizes of the three smartphones.
Some images also showed how the iPhone Ultra compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPad Mini in its unfolded state. While the source of these images didn’t mention the iPhone Ultra’s thickness, a new schematic of this folding iPhone that has surfaced suggests the iPhone Ultra will measure about 9.23mm when folded. That’s slimmer than the previously rumored 9.6mm thickness.
Apple iPhone Fold/Ultra schematics
The same source also said that the iPhone Ultra’s maximum thickness, including the camera bump, is around 13mm, and that the smartphone will come in two colors – black and silver.