GoKawiilDhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
The world’s first commercially available folding phone was the Royole FlexPai, and I still distinctly remember using it at CES 2019, thinking to myself, “There’s no way anyone’s buying this.” And, probably nobody did. But that product lit the spark for companies like Samsung and HUAWEI to take up the challenge and lead us to where we are today with foldables.
Since then, I’ve reviewed and used many Android foldables, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, OnePlus’ brilliant OnePlus Open debut foldable, and various flip phones from Chinese manufacturers. While foldables aren’t for me personally, I’ve seen and used enough to know what separates successful ones from failures.
All leaks strongly suggest that Apple might indeed announce its first folding phone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, during its September 2026 hardware event. Prepare your mind and wallet for what’ll most likely be the most expensive iPhone yet. Apple can still justify it, though, if it nails these fundamentals.
What would make you consider buying the iPhone Ultra? 20 votes A true iPad-like experience. 30 % If it's priced under $2,000. 20 % If it's as light and slim as a standard iPhone. 0 % All of the above. 10 % I'd rather buy an Android foldable. 40 %
Form-factor and durability will be the key differentiators
Brady Snyder / Android Authority
The in-hand comfort of a folding phone is a make-or-break moment for me. It took Samsung years to warm up to the idea of a wider aspect ratio for its Z Fold series, something I felt OPPO nailed with its debut Find N, back in 2021. For Apple, the iPhone Air is a solid blueprint to start with. The screen size is perfect, slightly larger than the standard iPhone but not unwieldy like the Pro Max models. Plus, renders of the iPhone Ultra from June 2026 suggest Apple is going the OPPO route, with a wider aspect ratio and heavily rounded corners.
Ergonomics will also play a big part in the iPhone Ultra’s success. It’s reportedly expected to measure 4.5mm thick, which is even slimmer than the Air, but only a bit thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The iPhone Ultra doesn’t have to compete for the “thinnest foldable” crown; it just needs to be slim enough when folded to still feel like a standard smartphone. Weight is another factor, and I hope Apple can make it lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone Ultra doesn’t have to compete for the thinnest foldable crown — it just needs to be slim enough.
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