Apple is preparing to unveil its first-ever foldable smartphone, widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, at its upcoming "Surprise and Shine" launch event scheduled for September 9. Ahead of the official keynote, new supply chain reports and leaks have revealed critical details about the design, display architecture, and internal hardware of Apple’s most ambitious device to date.

Display Architecture and Passport-Style Design

The iPhone Ultra reportedly features a book-style foldable form factor with a wider, passport-inspired aesthetic similar to competing ultra-premium foldables. When folded closed, the device relies on a 5.5-inch outer cover display designed for quick one-handed tasks. Unfolding the phone reveals a large 7.8-inch inner OLED display, providing a tablet-like canvas. To address one of the biggest drawbacks of foldable devices, Apple has reportedly engineered a durable liquid-metal hinge mechanism aimed at reducing display crease visibility to under 0.15 mm.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra will be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process. It is also expected to house Apple’s custom-designed C2 cellular modem for optimized power consumption and enhanced 5G connectivity.

• Body & Chassis: Ultra-thin design measuring approximately 4.5mm thick when unfolded, constructed with a lightweight titanium frame.

• Camera System: Ships with a dual rear camera setup housing two 48-megapixel sensors (main wide-angle and ultra-wide), omitting the telephoto lens to maintain a slim profile.

• Biometrics & Charging: Replaces traditional Face ID with Touch ID built into the side power button and retains full support for MagSafe accessories despite the ultra-thin chassis.

Software Enhancements and Prototype Stylus

To make the most of the larger 7.8-inch inner screen, Apple is introducing custom software capabilities within iOS. The new system features iPad-like multitasking optimizations, allowing users to run multiple applications side-by-side with full drag-and-drop integration across active windows. Reports also indicate that Apple internally prototyped a compact, magnetic Apple Pencil accessory specifically tailored for the foldable screen, though it remains uncertain whether the stylus will launch alongside the device at the event.