The next iPhone event, Surprise and Shine, is right around the corner. The rumors indicate that plans to announce the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, new AirPods, Home products, and more. However, the big announcement seems to be Apple could announce its first folding iPhone.
I haven’t taken to the idea of a folding phone. I don’t see the need for one. Currently, I carry an iPhone and iPad with me almost everywhere I go. While this device might be able to replace my current setup, it still feels limited.
However, I reserve the right to change my mind once Apple gives us the story at the event. Here are the things that Apple’s folding iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra, needs to do to get me excited about this form factor.
The Apple Folding iPhone Rumors
The rumors currently point to Apple creating a device that is smaller and wider than current iPhones, but thinner than the iPhone Air. This device could appeal to users because of its ability to unfold into a screen almost as large as an iPad Mini.
The iPhone Ultra or Fold will be very similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8. But where Samsung has a few years of experience with this kind of device and what it would need in software, this will be Apple’s first.
There are questions about how many and what kind of cameras will be in the setup, as well as if it will have Face ID or Touch ID.
Can It Replace My Current iPhone Setup?
The first thing the folding iPhone will need to do is prove to me that it can occupy a spot in my life. I currently always have my iPhone with me and my 11-inch iPad close. However, I don’t take my iPad with me everywhere and with this device, I could have a bigger screen with me always.
Will an iPhone that can unfold into the size of an iPad Mini be something that I would like to use?
Currently, I can’t really see it. The thing I would like the best from this setup is reading on the larger iPhone screen.
When folded, the iPhone Ultra looks to be wider than a normal iPhone. In my quest to find the best way to type on an iPhone, I have found that holding the standard-sized iPhone horizontally offers the most comfort. So, will a wider iPhone offer an even better typing experience? I would like to experience it to make my determination.
But what about the other use cases? I do like browsing the web on my larger iPad, but honestly, I rarely do it. I also don’t scroll social media on my iPad that much. For now, I don’t see myself unfolding this iPhone to do these things when I’m just walking about.
I don’t use an iPad Minibecause I use my iPad more for work than anything else, and I like to have more screen space. With the 11-inch screen size, I’m already having some issues with screen space. I couldn’t imagine abandoning my iPad for a smaller screen, even if it would go with me everywhere.
I love to use my iPad with a mouse and keyboard, but I don’t see this device getting a keyboard case.
So, what would the use case be? I imagine this device would be good for reading and consuming media. It might be great on a plane to not have to bring a larger device. It would probably be good to see something on a larger screen than an iPhone screen when you’re waiting in line for something. But I also feel like I might be more self-conscious about it in public as well.
Am I missing a use case here? Let me know in the comments.
Can It Do Enough To Overcome Folding Phone Limitations?
As cool as this device will likely be, I wonder if it will be able to do enough to overcome its limitations.
I can’t imagine that this device will actually come with Face ID, as the system would have to be on both sides of the screen to work. A Touch ID sensor on the lock button would allow the user to unlock the device if it were open or closed.
How will the battery life be on a device that thin? Sure, it will probably have two batteries on both halves, but it will have to power a larger screen on the inside and one on the outside. Will the battery be able to last all day, especially if you’re opening it to use the larger screen?
I updated from the iPhone 16 Plus to the iPhone 17 Pro because I didn’t like the lack of technology in the cheaper device. I missed the lidar sensor and the telephoto lens. Likewise, I can’t imagine that Apple will be able to pack all of these features into this Ultra device. Will that be a dealbreaker?
The iPhone Air only came with one camera and I think that limited its sales. Will users make the switch to this device even if it can’t do everything that the iPhone 18 Pro can? I’ll be interested to see if users buy this new device despite it lacking cameras and sensors.
Software
Software is the biggest question I have over this device right now, and the thing that could get me to buy one of these devices.
I would imagine that this iPhone will bridge the gap between iOS and iPadOS. It wouldn’t make much sense for Apple to release an iPad like device that doesn’t offer features like multitasking. The unfolded screen will be large enough for users to open two iPhone apps at the same time, but will that be a good experience?
I have lots of questions about how this will all work. I want to know how apps will move from the smaller front screen to the larger unfolded screen. What happens to the apps on the inside when you close the device.
I’ve toyed with the idea of a phone that you can use in different modes. For example, could I have all my data on a phone-like device that could be plugged into a monitor and used like a desktop. It would be amazing if I could unfold the device into a larger screen like an iPad as well. This gets us pretty close to all-in-one device, especially if you could plug it into a screen and use it with a keyboard and pointing device.
However, will all that be there at launch, or will that require a couple of years to evolve.
While I’m not rushing out to buy one of these folding phones at the moment, I think if Apple has made some advancements in the software like this, it could be a more intriguing proposition for me.
I’ll also be interested in how they build out the software features of this form factor. I would imagine that the developers at Apple will include software features for this particular form factor. Can you use this iPhone in a laptop-like mode, where you halfway unfold the device so part is on a table and part is standing up? I wouldn’t think that typing on a device this small would be comfortable, but maybe there could be some way to make it more than just a tablet.
Price
I’m scared to know the price of this device. The current competition starts around $2,000 for something similar. That feels like a lot of money for a device like this when you could get something that runs just as well that doesn’t open up.
If this device can replace an iPhone and an iPad, that would be something. However, as I mentioned before, I would like a larger iPad, but I don’t want a larger iPhone.
If Apple can price this competitively and the folding iPhone can replace two devices, I might be more tempted than I think right now. Still, with the AI bubble driving up the price of RAM and storage, I can’t see the iPhone Ultra coming in at a reasonable price. The regular iPhone will likely go up in price, so how expensive will this device be?
If Apple can get the price down low enough, it might become a tempting proposition and a way to reduce the number of devices I need.
Will the Folding iPhone Appeal To Me
If Apple shows the right story, I think I could get very interested in it, especially if the price can get low enough. And it might be an instant-buy if it can replace a few devices in my setup.
As it currently stands though, I’m very happy with my iPhone 17 Pro and I’m not planning on updating. However, I might have to buy the iPhone Ultra, or whatever it gets called, to try it out and see just how it works for my writing and parenting workflow.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out my iPhone Hub, where I collect all my reviews, guides, tips, and opinion pieces on Apple’s most popular device.
While you’re at it, let me know what you think about the rumored folding iPhone. If you’re already planning on ordering one, let me know why.
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