The Apple's First Foldable iPhone (Ultra): Release Date, Rumors & What to Buy Instead

Apple is planning to launch its first foldable smartphone this year as part of its suite of ‘Ultra’ products. The Ultra range, to be released in September 2026, also features a MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen and potentially an iPad Ultra. While the Ultra won’t technically be part of the iPhone 18 line-up, which will reportedly come out in 2027, this hotly anticipated device is sure to be Apple’s much-hyped flagship phone for this summer.

As the rumours have swirled about Apple’s new foldable iPhone, pieces of information have leaked that give us some idea what to expect. It’s likely the new A20 chip will power the device, which will reportedly open like a book and feature a “crease-free” display made with high-end materials. Not surprisingly, the Ultra is rumoured to be an expensive unit with a recommended retail price of $2,000 and up.

Expectations are high. Will the iPhone Ultra live up to the hype, and will it be worth the price tag? There’s one thing that’s important to know. Apple lovers looking to upgrade can find a lot more options to choose from on the refurbished iPhone market.

When you buy a refurbished iPhone you choose a reliable and sustainable option that gives you a better phone for less. You can save hundreds of dollars, potentially over a grand, while taking your pick from the full range of already-released iPhones. And unlike most second-hand smartphones, refurbished iPhones come with customer care, including a warranty.

If you’re eager to upgrade your iPhone and tired of paying high prices, here’s why buying refurbished may be a better option for you than waiting for the year’s biggest release.

The iPhone Ultra: Everything We Know About Apple’s First Foldable

While we’ll have to wait until September to get the full picture about the iPhone Ultra, here is what we’ve found out so far from some credible sources:

It’s one of Apple’s premium ‘Ultra’ devices

Macworld reports that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will carry the ‘Ultra’ branding along with the company’s Apple Watch Ultra and M1 Ultra chip. This title positions the ‘Ultra’ as on the upper end of the brand’s line-up and separate to its 18 Pro range. The ‘Ultra’ name signifies Apple’s investment into products with state-of-the-art features and higher prices.

Apple is going for pocket-sized

In April, Vadim Yuryev from YouTube channel Max Tech shared some images and videos featuring dummy units of the iPhone Ultra. It appears to be around the same width as the iPhone 17 Pro Max but more than 50% taller display in wide mode. When closed, the iPhone Ultra looks roughly the same size as the iPhone Mini, making it small and compact enough to fit neatly into a pocket.

Apple is going for slim, sleek and crease-free

Apple is apparently obsessed with achieving a “crease-free” foldable design, a feat that so far has eluded the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturers. To beat the crease, Apple will combine stainless steel and titanium alloy for the hinges. The device is rumoured to unfold to a near paper-thin 4.5mm.

Performance looks set to be a focus

It should come as no surprise that the iPhone Ultra will prioritise power, performance and durability. The device is likely to come equipped with the A20 chip, which is said to be 15% faster and 30% more efficient than previous generations. The battery is rumoured to be the largest ever in an iPhone with a capacity of between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh. According to reports, the phone is likely to pack 12GB of RAM. Of course, security will be a priority and a Touch ID sensor will likely replace Face ID due to limited space.

Two rear cameras

The iPhone Ultra is expected to include only two rear cameras – wide and ultra-wide – with no telephoto camera included. Rumours indicate that the iPhone Ultra will lack a SIM card slot like several other recent iPhone models, making it only compatible with eSIM. This means the Ultra could be missing popular features like the Face ID / TrueDepth camera array, MagSafe and an Action button.

The Reality Check: Australia’s Estimated Pricing 

Obviously the iPhone Ultra was never going to be cheap. But if you’re seriously invested in owning Apple’s first foldable phone, it pays to start saving immediately. While there are likely to be many perks to the iPhone Ultra, you’ll pay a (literally) high price for them. Here is the reality of waiting for this foldable to hit the market.

It might be the most expensive iPhone of all time

Articles published on the iPhone Ultra have speculated that it will be the most expensive iPhone released so far, or even the priciest Apple device to ever hit stores.

The cost will almost certainly exceed $2000

The iPhone Ultra won’t be the right choice if you have a tight budget to stick to. Some industry analysts claim that the cost of producing such a high-end crease-free foldable will push the retail price in excess of $2000. And that’s just for starters. Leaked pricing structures suggest the cost may increase based on the size of the storage capacity, with 1TB storage pushing the price close to three grand!

There are more affordable quality alternatives

Few people have three grand to spare on a new iPhone, so what can you do when it’s time to upgrade? If your iPhone is ageing, iOS support coming to an end or you just feel like a change, refurbished iPhones offer a much more cost-effective alternative. There are more iPhone models on the refurbished market than you may realise, including many of the most recent flagship models. If you’ve been waiting for more information on the iPhone Ultra, it’s a great time to take a proper look at the alternatives.

Why You Shouldn't Wait: The Best High-Value Alternatives

You don’t need to wait for the launch of the iPhone Ultra to upgrade to an amazing iPhone in a quality condition that meets all your needs. When you buy a refurbished iPhone, you get everything you need for a fraction of the price. The highest-quality alternatives to the iPhone Ultra currently available include:

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Although it was released in 2023, an iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished remains an excellent buy in 2026. While a few years have passed, the quality of the model remains intact. It’s still a superb choice for photographers, creatives and gamers and anyone else who enjoys a good camera, large display and long battery life.

While both the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pro Max are durable and powerful performers, the Pro Max has the additional benefits of a longer battery life, storage of up to 1TB (which measures up to the iPhone Ultra’s highest capacity), a larger 6.7-inch screen for an even better view of the Super Retina XDR OLED display and a 5X telephoto zoom, which it looks like the iPhone Ultra will lack. The high-resolution 48MP standard camera takes clear and alluring photos in all kinds of conditions including low lighting. A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max provides high-end features at a lower-end cost and remains an ideal option for serious iPhone enthusiasts.

iPhone 14 Pro Max

It’s even older, but an iPhone 14 Pro Max still holds up in 2026 as a budget-friendly but high-performance smartphone. While its quality remains as impressive as ever, its age means you can score a better deal on the iPhone 14 Pro Max than ever before. From power users to content creators and tech enthusiasts, anyone who values strong performance and long battery life will love this phone.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s features include Dynamic Island, the Always On display and 6GB of RAM.

iPhone 17 range

Despite being released this year, the iPhone 17 range is already on the refurbished market, with huge savings available for savvy shoppers. Consisting of four models – the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and slim new iPhone Air – the iPhone 17 range caters to every kind of Apple user. The base-level iPhone 17 is perfect for those who want an all-rounder smartphone, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max caters to those who want advanced performance and photography while the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone of all time.

Which model you choose depends on how important factors like battery life, variety of cameras and affordability are to you. But all four phones are high performers that are more affordable than ever before now that they’ve reached the refurbished market.

Shop Smarter with OzMobiles

As you know, not all refurbished retailers are equal. A refurbished iPhone is better for the planet and for your bank balance, but it’s important to buy from the right seller. Here are some of the key differences that OzMobiles offers so that you can shop smarter with us.  

Price Beat Guarantee

While Apple prepares to release the most expensive iPhone ever, OzMobiles offers some of the best and most affordable deals in Australia. If you’ve found a better deal on the same phone elsewhere, we’ll beat that price by $10.

Australian standards

An Australian-owned and operated company, OzMobiles tests all of our devices to the high standards you’d expect in Australia. This includes battery life, which we make sure is at least at 80%. We put all of our devices through a 80-point testing process using high-grade software to make sure they meet high levels of quality.

Warranty and customer care

All OzMobiles devices are 100% fully functional and sold with 12 months of warranty and 30 day money-back guarantees, with the manufacturer’s warranty covering the latest models.

Payment plans

If you’ve found the perfect iPhone but don’t have the money to pay for it all at once, OzMobiles makes it easy for you. You can buy now and pay later with ZipPay, AfterPay and PayPal Pay in 4.

Free and fast shipping

OzMobiles offers free standard shipping of 3-7 business days and express post shipping (1-3 business days) Australia-wide. Same-day delivery is available to Melbourne metro customers if you order before 2pm on a weekday, and we also offer local pick-up in Melbourne. 

Final Verdict: Foldable Hype vs. Practical Performance

The choice is yours. You can wait until September to buy the iPhone Ultra new, or you can take a look at the range of refurbished phones available right here on the OzMobiles website. Take your pick from a range of models from Australia’s leading refurbisher including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Oppo models.

OzMobiles’ refurbished iPhone selection includes red hot deals with huge savings on models like the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max, the whole iPhone 17 range and a host of other models including iPhone 8, iPhone SE and iPhone XS Max. Save up to a grand or more on iPhones that perform just as well and just as efficiently as new models.

While the iPhone Ultra is certain to be spectacular, it’s also months away, is likely to be one of the most expensive phones you’ll ever buy and there’s a lot about it that remains unconfirmed. If you want the very latest in technology or a foldable iPhone is your dream smartphone, you may find it’s worth the wait. On the other hand, buying a refurbished iPhone is extremely affordable by comparison, gives you a smartphone you can use immediately, provides you with a faster level of performance and is likely to last you for years to come.

From a purely practical standpoint (especially if you’re looking to upgrade), your best option is to buy a refurbished iPhone and the best way to do that is right here through the OzMobiles website.

Have questions about our range or just want to find out a little more information? Contact the OzMobiles team!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the release date for the foldable iPhone Ultra? 

Apple plans to release the foldable iPhone Ultra in September 2026. This launch aligns with the release of other Ultra devices, such as the MacBook Ultra and iPad Ultra. While it is not part of the standard iPhone 18 lineup, it will be the flagship device for the season.

How much will the iPhone Ultra cost in Australia? 

The iPhone Ultra will likely be the most expensive iPhone ever released. Industry experts expect the price to exceed $2,000 for the base model. If you choose a model with 1TB of storage, the price could reach nearly $3,000.

What are the key features of the new foldable iPhone? 

This device features a book-style opening and a slim, crease-free display. It uses the powerful A20 chip for fast performance and high efficiency. The design includes a stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge to keep the screen smooth and durable.

Will the foldable iPhone Ultra support Apple Pencil?

Current rumors suggest the iPhone Ultra may include Apple Pencil support to take advantage of its large internal display. This feature would allow users to sketch and take notes on a screen that is much bigger than a standard phone. However, Apple has not confirmed if the stylus will be sold separately or integrated into the design.

Will the foldable iPhone Ultra have better battery life than the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a massive battery with a capacity between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh. This would make it the largest battery ever put into an iPhone to date. While the large screen uses more power, the advanced A20 chip should provide enough efficiency to outperform the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

What is the best refurbished iPhone alternative to the foldable iPhone Ultra?

A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max is the top choice for anyone who wants a premium experience without the $2,000 price tag. It offers a huge 6.7-inch screen and a professional camera system that rivals the rumored specs of the Ultra. You can find these models at OzMobiles today for a much more affordable price.

Why should I buy a refurbished iPhone instead of waiting for the Ultra? 

You can save over a thousand dollars by choosing a refurbished device today. A refurbished iPhone offers immediate high performance without the long wait for a new release. These phones come with a warranty and professional testing, so you get a reliable device for a much lower price.

Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished a good alternative? 

An iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished is an excellent choice for users who want premium features now. It offers a large 6.7-inch display, a 5X telephoto zoom, and a long battery life. It provides a pro-level experience for a fraction of the cost of a new foldable phone.

Where is the best place to buy refurbished iPhone models in Australia? 

OzMobiles is the ideal place to buy refurbished iPhone handsets because of our $10 Price Beat Guarantee. We test every phone against an 80-point checklist to ensure it meets strict Australian standards. Every purchase includes a 12-month warranty and free shipping across Australia.