Apple is gearing up for its highly anticipated Surprise and Shine event on Wednesday, September 9, where the tech giant is expected to unveil its ambitious 2026 hardware lineup. While attendees can expect the usual updates to Apple Watches and AirPods, the center stage belongs to a seismic shift in phone design. For the first time, Apple is rumored to debut a foldable device, potentially dubbed the iPhone Ultra, marking a departure from the traditional slab style that has defined the series for nearly two decades.
The iPhone Ultra appears to be a book style foldable that opens into a roughly 7.8 inch display, reminiscent of an iPad mini. When closed, users will interact with a 5.5 inch outer screen. To achieve an incredibly slim profile of just 4.5 millimeters when unfolded, Apple has reportedly made some significant trade offs. Space constraints mean the device will ditch Face ID in favor of a Touch ID side button and omit the telephoto lens found on Pro models. Despite these cuts, the device remains a powerhouse, featuring a cutting edge 2nm A20 Pro chip and a massive battery capacity that could outperform current flagship models. However, this innovation comes with a premium price tag, with estimates suggesting it could start at 2,000 dollars and climb even higher for top tier storage options.
Alongside the experimental foldable, Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. These devices are expected to maintain most of their predecessor’s aesthetics but will pack several internal upgrades aimed at photographers and power users. The standout feature is a new variable aperture lens on the main camera, allowing for better light control and more professional background blur effects akin to a DSLR camera. Performance gains should be evident thanks to the same efficient A20 Pro chip and new LTPO plus display technology designed to stretch battery life further than ever before.
While enthusiasts might hope for a radical redesign across the board, Apple seems to be playing it safe with the standard Pro line’s appearance beyond some fresh color choices like dark cherry and light blue. Even the Dynamic Island may only see slight shrinkage rather than disappearing entirely_ This balanced approach suggests Apple wants its first foray into foldables to steal the spotlight while ensuring its reliable Pro lineup continues to serve as the dependable backbone of its ecosystem.
