As the traditional smartphone form factor reaches a plateau of refinement, the industry’s gaze has turned firmly toward the next frontier: the foldable device. While competitors have been iterating on foldable designs for several years, the leading manufacturer in Cupertino has remained characteristically silent, watching and waiting. However, a surge of credible leaks and supply chain reports in late 2025 suggests that the waiting game is nearly over. The “Flip” or “Ultra” foldable is no longer a question of if, but when.
The prevailing rumor points to a “clamshell” design, reminiscent of the classic flip phones of the early 2000s but reimagined with a continuous, bending glass screen. Unlike early foldables that suffered from visible creases and fragile plastic screens, reports indicate that the company has patented a unique hinge mechanism and a hybrid ceramic-glass material. This technology aims to create a display that is not only durable enough to withstand hundreds of thousands of folds but also remains perfectly flat when opened, eliminating the “valley” that has plagued other devices.
The primary appeal of this form factor is portability. In an era of ever-expanding screen sizes, a device that folds in half to fit easily into a small pocket or purse offers a tangible solution to “phablet fatigue.” When closed, a secondary external display would offer quick access to notifications, widgets, and camera controls, encouraging a “digital detox” behavior where the user doesn’t need to fully open the phone for every minor interaction.
However, the rumors also point to a premium price tag. This device is expected to sit at the very top of the product hierarchy, potentially costing upwards of $2,000. This positioning suggests that the company views the foldable not as a replacement for the standard smartphone, but as a luxury “Ultra” tier for early adopters and fashion-forward consumers.
The development of this device highlights a cautious but deliberate strategy. Rather than rushing to be first, the goal is to be best—to solve the durability and utility issues that have kept foldables as a niche category. If these rumors hold true, 2026 could be the year the foldable phone finally has its “mainstream moment,” transforming from a tech demo into a durable, desirable, and everyday object.
This article discusses the rumors surrounding the iPhone Flip or iPhone Ultra, a foldable device from Apple expected to launch around 2026.