Apple iPhone Ultra/Fold Again Tipped for Autumn 2026 Launch, New Schematic Reveals Slim Design

image credit - @UniverseIce at x.com

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is back in the spotlight, and this time the leak is not just about launch timing. A fresh schematic has surfaced online, giving a closer look at the possible dimensions of the device that many reports are calling the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.

The foldable iPhone is again being tipped for an autumn 2026 launch, likely around Apple’s usual September iPhone event. Bloomberg recently reported that Apple’s first foldable phone remains on track to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, though the company has not officially announced the product yet.

The latest leak suggests Apple may be going for a book-style foldable, not a flip-style iPhone. That means the phone could open like a small tablet, closer to the Galaxy Z Fold series than the Galaxy Z Flip series.

New schematic hints at slimmer-than-expected body

The biggest talking point is thickness. According to leaked schematics reportedly linked to a case manufacturer, the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra could measure around 9.23mm when folded. That is slimmer than earlier rumours that placed the folded thickness around 9.6mm or even close to 11mm.

When opened, the device is expected to be around 4.5mm to 4.8mm thin, putting it in the same ultra-slim territory as modern premium foldables. However, the camera area may still be quite thick. Some reports suggest the maximum thickness could reach around 13mm to 13.7mm when the camera bump is included.

The leaked drawing also points to a footprint of around 167.59mm x 120.59mm when unfolded. In simple words, this may feel more like a compact iPad-style screen than a tall Android foldable.

Display: iPad mini feel in a pocketable design

The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. Multiple reports say Apple may choose a wider 4:3-style inner screen, which could make the unfolded device feel more useful for reading, videos, browsing, gaming and multitasking.

This design direction is interesting because many Android foldables still feel tall and narrow when folded. Apple appears to be taking a wider, passport-style approach. If the leaks are correct, the foldable iPhone may not try to copy Samsung directly. Instead, it may work more like a small iPad that folds into a phone.

That could become Apple’s biggest selling point.

Touch ID may return, but Face ID could be missing

One surprising detail from recent leaks is the possible return of Touch ID. Reports suggest Apple may place Touch ID inside the side power button, similar to some iPad models. The reason could be space. A foldable iPhone this thin may not have enough room for the full Face ID and TrueDepth camera system.

This may divide Apple fans. Some users still like Touch ID, especially for quick unlocking. But for a phone expected to cost over $2,000, the absence of Face ID could also feel like a compromise.

Leaks also suggest the phone may use a punch-hole-style selfie camera on the inner display, which would be a very different direction from the Dynamic Island seen on current iPhones.

Camera setup may be powerful, but not Pro Max-level

The iPhone Ultra/Fold is expected to come with two rear cameras, likely including a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. Some reports mention dual 48MP sensors, but a telephoto camera may not be included.

That would make sense from a design point of view. Foldables are already difficult to engineer, and Apple may choose thickness, battery life and hinge durability over a triple-camera Pro Max setup.

For buyers, this means the iPhone Fold may not be a direct replacement for the iPhone Pro Max camera experience. It may instead be Apple’s most premium lifestyle and productivity iPhone.

Expected price: this could be Apple’s most expensive iPhone

The iPhone Fold is not expected to be affordable. Current rumours suggest a starting price around $2,000, while some estimates go as high as $2,500. MacRumors notes that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to become the most expensive model in the 2026 iPhone lineup.

For India, direct conversion alone would put the price above ₹1.65 lakh before taxes. After import duties, GST, storage variants and Apple’s usual premium positioning, the iPhone Ultra/Fold could easily move into the ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2.3 lakh range if launched here.

That is not confirmed pricing, but it gives Indian buyers a realistic idea of where Apple may place this product.

What X and Reddit are saying

On X, the leak is spreading through tech accounts and Apple-focused pages, with posts highlighting the 9.23mm folded thickness, case schematic and the “iPhone Ultra” naming. Indexed X results show accounts such as TechKard and PhoneArena discussing the leaked schematics and design.

On Reddit, the story has appeared in mobile-focused communities such as r/mobiles under the headline “Apple iPhone Ultra/Fold again tipped for autumn 2026 launch, schematic reveals dimensions.” The Reddit discussion is still early, but related posts show users debating whether Apple’s wider foldable design will feel practical or awkward compared with existing Android foldables.

The overall mood online is curious rather than fully convinced. People are excited because this would be Apple’s first foldable iPhone, but many are also asking the obvious questions: will it have Face ID, will the crease be controlled, will the battery last, and will the price be too high?

Why this leak matters

Apple entering the foldable market would be a major moment. Samsung, Google, Honor, Oppo and Huawei have already moved ahead in foldables, but Apple has waited longer than most brands. That delay may work in Apple’s favour if the company manages to solve the two biggest foldable problems: crease visibility and long-term durability.

Reports suggest Apple may use advanced display and hinge engineering to reduce the crease. MacRumors has also reported expectations around a thin titanium frame, reduced-crease display, 7.8-inch inner screen and starting price near $2,000.

Still, the first foldable iPhone will not be for everyone. If it misses Face ID, a telephoto camera and MagSafe, some buyers may prefer the regular iPhone 18 Pro Max. But for users who want an iPhone that can turn into a mini tablet, this could be Apple’s most exciting hardware shift in years.

Should Indian buyers wait?

If you are planning to buy an iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year, it may be worth waiting until Apple’s September event before making a final decision. The foldable iPhone may launch alongside the Pro models, or Apple may announce it first and start sales later.

For India, the biggest factor will be pricing. If the iPhone Ultra/Fold crosses ₹2 lakh, it will become a very niche device. But if Apple positions it closer to the top Pro Max model with strong storage options, it could attract premium buyers who want something completely new.

For now, the iPhone Ultra/Fold remains a leak-based story. The design is becoming clearer, the launch window is getting stronger, and the schematic gives the most detailed look yet at Apple’s foldable ambitions.

But the final answer will come only when Apple takes the stage.