New rumor claims the iPhone Fold will have a different name

A new rumor from China suggests Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone may launch under a different name than previously expected. According to the leak, the device won't be called "iPhone Fold" as widely speculated, but rather "iPhone Ultra" - part of a broader Ultra branding strategy Apple reportedly plans to unveil later this year.

The Ultra lineup expansion

The rumor claims Apple is preparing to launch three Ultra-branded products simultaneously: the iPhone Ultra, AirPods Ultra, and MacBook Ultra. This would mark a significant expansion of Apple's premium product tier, positioning these devices as the most expensive options in their respective categories.

The AirPods Ultra are said to be the same camera-equipped AirPods Pro that were recently rumored, while the MacBook Ultra reportedly features Apple's first OLED touchscreen implementation on a MacBook.

Pricing expectations

According to the leak, the iPhone Ultra would start at over CNY 10,000 (approximately $1,446) with a top-tier version exceeding CNY 20,000 (around $2,893). This pricing structure suggests Apple is positioning the foldable as a true premium device, potentially competing with high-end foldables from Samsung and Huawei.

The reported price point for the entry model is notably lower than some earlier expectations for Apple's first foldable, though the massive price gap between the base and premium models raises questions about what features would justify such a difference.

Why the name change matters

The shift from "iPhone Fold" to "iPhone Ultra" could signal Apple's broader strategy for foldable devices. Rather than creating a separate "Fold" product line that might suggest foldables are a niche category, the Ultra branding would integrate the foldable into Apple's main iPhone lineup as its most premium offering.

This approach mirrors how Apple has positioned other high-end products, using the Ultra designation to denote cutting-edge technology and premium features rather than a fundamentally different product category.

Context and skepticism

As with all rumors, particularly those originating from supply chain leaks in China, this information should be taken with caution. Apple has not confirmed any foldable iPhone plans, and the company is known for maintaining secrecy around unannounced products.

The timing of this leak is interesting, coming amid growing speculation about Apple's foldable ambitions and increasing competition in the foldable smartphone market from Samsung, Huawei, and others.

What we know so far about Apple's foldable

While details remain speculative, previous rumors have suggested the iPhone Fold/Ultra would feature:

• A large internal display when unfolded
• External cover display for quick interactions
• Advanced hinge mechanism to minimize creasing
• Apple's largest smartphone battery to date
• Integration with iOS features optimized for foldable form factors

The competitive landscape

If Apple does launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, it will enter a market that has matured significantly. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series has established itself as the leading foldable line, while competitors like Huawei, Oppo, and Honor have also released compelling foldables, particularly in Asian markets.

Apple's entry could potentially legitimize foldables in markets where they've been slower to catch on, particularly in the United States. The company's track record of popularizing new form factors - from large-screen smartphones to tablets - suggests it could play a similar role in the foldable space.

Looking ahead

Whether called iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, Apple's foldable appears to be moving closer to reality. The consistent stream of rumors, combined with Apple's history of extensive product development cycles, suggests the company has been working on foldable technology for years.

The Ultra branding strategy, if accurate, would represent a significant shift in how Apple positions its most advanced products. Rather than creating separate product lines for cutting-edge technology, Apple may be consolidating its premium offerings under a unified Ultra umbrella.

As with all pre-launch rumors, the coming months will likely bring more leaks and speculation. Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September, so if a foldable is indeed coming in 2026, we can expect the rumor mill to intensify as the year progresses.