Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Debut in the US With a Stunning New Design

• Apple Foldable iPhone may debut in the US

• iPhone Ultra could feature a 7.58 inch inner display

• Foldable iPhone may use a new hinge design

Apple is reportedly getting closer to entering the foldable smartphone market, with its first foldable device expected to carry the iPhone Ultra name. The company could introduce the new model alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, although its availability may initially be limited to a single market.

According to a media report, the foldable iPhone could launch first in the US before expanding to China. Both countries are important markets for Apple, but the company may take a cautious approach with its first foldable model instead of releasing it globally at the same time.

The report also suggests that Apple may not reveal the price of the iPhone Ultra during its upcoming launch event. The foldable model is expected to sit above the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in terms of pricing, making it one of the company’s most expensive smartphones.

Apple is believed to be facing manufacturing challenges with the new device. Production at scale was reportedly expected to begin in June but was pushed back. This could be one reason why Apple may initially restrict availability instead of attempting a simultaneous global launch.

The company is entering a market that has become increasingly competitive over the past few years. Samsung currently has a strong position in the foldable smartphone segment and recently expanded its lineup with new foldable models. Apple’s entry could bring significant attention to the category, particularly in premium markets.

Industry estimates also point towards renewed growth in the global foldable smartphone market. A report from Smart Analytics Global has projected annual shipment growth of more than 30 percent this year, with Apple’s upcoming iPhone Ultra and Samsung’s latest foldable devices expected to contribute significantly to that expansion.

Several hardware details about the alleged foldable iPhone have also surfaced. The device is expected to feature a 7.58 inch internal display and a 5.25 inch external screen. When opened, the larger display could offer a user interface closer to the iPad experience, giving users more space for multitasking and other tasks.

Apple may also use a dual layer combination of ultra thin glass and flexible glass technology for the display. The company is reportedly working on a 3D printed hinge system as well. Such a design could help reduce the visible crease that has remained a common concern with foldable displays.

Battery capacity could be another major highlight. The iPhone Ultra is expected to have the largest battery capacity ever offered in an iPhone, although the exact capacity has not been confirmed.

The foldable model could also use a next generation Apple chip manufactured using a 2nm process. If this materialises, the processor could offer improvements in performance and power efficiency, although actual gains will depend on the final hardware and software optimisation.

Apple’s reported decision to launch the foldable iPhone in the US first suggests that the company may be treating the device as a carefully controlled premium product. Its eventual price, production volume and launch timeline will determine how quickly Apple can challenge established foldable smartphone makers.