The journey of foldable phones began with the conceptually ambitious, yet commercially limited, Royole FlexPai in 2019. This pioneering device, despite its initial market reception, ignited innovation among major players like Samsung and Huawei, leading to the sophisticated foldable devices we see today. Having extensively evaluated numerous Android foldables, including Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, the remarkable OnePlus Open, and various flip phones from Chinese manufacturers, a clear understanding of the attributes distinguishing successful foldables from their less fortunate counterparts has emerged.
With strong indications suggesting Apple's imminent entry into the foldable arena with the 'iPhone Ultra' at its September 2026 hardware event, consumers should anticipate a premium price point. However, Apple can justify this expense by meticulously executing several fundamental aspects. Key among these are an ideal form factor and exceptional durability, which are critical for user comfort and longevity. The ergonomic design must ensure the device feels natural and manageable, akin to a standard smartphone when folded. Achieving a slim profile, potentially even surpassing the iPhone Air's sleekness, and maintaining a lighter weight than the iPhone 17 Pro Max are essential. Furthermore, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance is imperative, offering users peace of mind, a feature currently found in only a few Android foldables.
The display technology is equally vital; a completely crease-free folding screen, mirroring the quality of devices like the OPPO Find N6, is a must. This requires not only a robust, ultra-thin glass but also an advanced hinge mechanism. While Apple is reportedly sourcing displays from Samsung, the design of the hinge will be paramount in eliminating the visual crease that has plagued some existing foldables. Additionally, the integration of Apple Pencil support, though a departure from Steve Jobs' historical stance on styluses, would significantly enhance the device's utility for tasks such as photo editing and note-taking. This would necessitate a smaller, perhaps inductively charged, version of the Apple Pencil. Finally, a cohesive software experience, possibly drawing inspiration from iPadOS with features like enhanced multitasking and adaptive app interfaces, will be crucial. This adaptability, highlighted in a WWDC 26 developer video, would allow iOS apps to seamlessly transition between the outer and unfolded screens. To power these advanced features, the iPhone Ultra will require a battery capacity exceeding that of the iPhone Pro Max to ensure prolonged usage, ideally delivering multi-day battery life comparable to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. While some compromises, such as a potentially reduced camera array, may be necessary due to design constraints, these are acceptable if the core foldable experience is exceptional.
The impending launch of the iPhone Ultra in the year of the iPhone's 20th anniversary marks a significant milestone, promising a resurgence of excitement in smartphone innovation. This entry by Apple is poised to intensify competition within the foldable market, potentially driving other manufacturers to elevate their offerings. Despite the likelihood of high initial prices, the iPhone Ultra could usher in a new era of dynamic and engaging smartphone releases, moving beyond the conventional designs that have characterized recent years.
