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After years of speculation, the chances are higher than ever that Apple will launch a foldable smartphone this year, marking a significant revamp of its iPhone lineup come September.
According to 9News.com.au, they have acquired “dummy” prototypes of the upcoming iPhones. These models are created by manufacturers in China, based on leaked details from Apple’s supply chain.
The purpose of these “dummy” models is to enable third-party accessory makers to develop cases and other add-ons in anticipation of the new iPhone’s official release.
In the competitive smartphone market, Apple’s primary rival, Samsung, introduced its foldable device, the Samsung Galaxy Fold, nearly seven years ago. Since then, whispers of Apple entering the foldable market have been a constant.
Previously, these rumors lacked concrete evidence, but the appearance of a foldable iPhone mock-up now adds weight to the speculation.
These mock-up models have reliably showcased the iPhone ahead of its release for many years now, meaning there’s a strong reliability to this evidence.
Perhaps just as interesting, though not as headline-grabbing, is the lack of a standard iPhone 18 model. Last September, Apple released the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with the iPhone Air.
This year, it appears Apple will switch its September launch event to the premium range of iPhones, with just an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone to be released.
Both the Pro model devices look to continue the exact specifications of the previous generation; any improvement in the processing power, performance, battery life, and camera specifications is unable to be gleaned from these mock-up models.
An iPhone Ultra – a possible name for Apple’s foldable phone – features the ultra-thin design and construction launched last year with the iPhone Air, but in two halves. Critically, it has a design more akin to a passport (with a similar aspect to the Microsoft Duo device) rather than a traditional smartphone that opens like a book.
This design allows the “opened” format to be an aspect ratio more useful for watching video content as well as operating apps side by side.
A dual-camera system appears on the back, a step up from what was launched on the iPhone Air last year, and there also appear to be speakers top and bottom, something the iPhone Air was criticised for not having.
By the time Apple is able to announce this phone and bring it to market, Samsung will be on its eighth generation of Galaxy Fold. Meanwhile, Motorola continues its flip-folding Razr smartphone models, and Oppo just released its foldable Find N6 into Australia.
This year is shaping up as a battle of foldable products, and while Apple isn’t first to market, far from it, like with many other products before it, the tech giant may well define a market segment and create a new demand which all its competitors may in fact benefit from.
Whatever the case, I’m now confident in calling it – Apple will release a foldable iPhone in 2026, what it’s called we most certainly don’t know.
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