Apple Reportedly Begins Work on iPhone Ultra 2 Before First Foldable iPhone Launch
Apple’s first foldable iPhone may still be months away from its official debut, but the company is reportedly already looking ahead to its successor. The device, widely rumored to launch as the iPhone Ultra and also referred to by some as the iPhone Fold, is expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
According to recent supply chain rumors, Apple has already started development on the second-generation iPhone Ultra. That timing would not be unusual, as the first model is believed to be nearing the final stages before mass production. If accurate, this suggests Apple is treating its foldable iPhone lineup as a long-term product category rather than a one-off experiment.
The first iPhone Ultra is expected to introduce Apple’s take on the foldable smartphone market with a book-style design. When closed, the device is rumored to feature a 5.49-inch outer display. This secondary screen may be slightly wider than the display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though it is expected to be noticeably shorter, giving it a more compact shape for one-handed use.
Once unfolded, the iPhone Ultra could reveal a larger 7.7-inch main display, offering a tablet-like experience in a device that still fits in a pocket. This wider foldable screen format may help Apple differentiate its first foldable iPhone from other foldable phones, especially for users who want more space for multitasking, media viewing, gaming, and productivity.
Interestingly, early reports claim that the iPhone Ultra 2 may use the same foldable display as the first-generation model. If true, Apple may keep the overall size, shape, and aspect ratio largely unchanged for the second version. Instead of a major redesign, the company could focus on refinements such as durability, hinge improvements, performance upgrades, battery life, camera enhancements, and software optimization.
While the iPhone Ultra lineup appears to be moving forward, the future of the iPhone Air is less certain. Apple is reportedly planning to release a second-generation iPhone Air in spring 2027, but the company has not yet decided whether the series will continue beyond that model.
The decision may depend heavily on how well the iPhone Air 2 performs in the market. If sales are strong, Apple could move ahead with an iPhone Air 3. If demand falls short, the company may choose to end the lineup and focus on its core iPhone models, including the Pro, Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable Ultra series.
Apple’s foldable iPhone has been one of the most anticipated devices in the smartphone industry for years. With development reportedly already underway on the iPhone Ultra 2, it appears Apple may be preparing to make foldables a major part of its future iPhone strategy.
