Apple may be only days away from showing its first foldable iPhone, and the biggest surprise could be the bill. Fresh carrier-linked listings suggest the device, widely tipped to be called the iPhone Ultra, may sit well above the $2,000 mark. Apple has confirmed a September 9, 2026 launch event, although it has not announced a foldable iPhone, its name or its price.
The timing has pushed the rumour cycle into overdrive. TrendForce now estimates a US starting price of $2,099 to $2,299, while higher-storage versions could move beyond $3,000. For Indian buyers, that opens the possibility of Apple’s first ₹2 lakh-plus iPhone at launch, with premium variants potentially moving much higher.
Key Highlights
- Vodafone-linked listings in Australia and Egypt point to a major premium over current Pro iPhones.
- TrendForce expects the foldable to start between $2,099 and $2,299 in the United States.
- Reports in India place possible pricing from around ₹1.98 lakh to roughly ₹2.84 lakh.
- Apple is expected to reveal its next flagship iPhones at its September 9 event.
What Do The Fresh Carrier Leaks Say About iPhone Ultra Pricing?
The clearest new clue comes from leaked Vodafone pricing. TrendForce reported that a Vodafone Egypt listing briefly showed the iPhone Ultra at EGP 155,750, around 75% above the local iPhone 17 Pro price. A separate Vodafone Australia leak indicated an A$3,699 starting price, about 85% higher than the iPhone 17 Pro there.
Those figures do not guarantee Apple’s final retail price, but they support earlier forecasts that the foldable will occupy a tier above the Pro Max. TrendForce’s own forecast is slightly more specific, putting the entry model at $2,099 to $2,299. MacRumors reported the same research estimate and said top configurations could cross $3,000.
The carrier numbers also arrive just before Apple’s September event. Reuters reported that Apple’s September 9 presentation is expected to include its next iPhones and could feature the company’s first folding-screen model. Until Apple puts a figure on stage, every price should still be treated as a leak rather than a confirmed launch price.
How Expensive Could The iPhone Ultra Be In India?
A straight dollar-to-rupee conversion does not usually tell the full India story. Apple’s Indian pricing also reflects taxes, logistics, local positioning and storage tiers. Gadgets 360 converted a $2,000 estimate to roughly ₹1.89 lakh, while more recent Indian reports have floated a likely starting point near ₹1.98 lakh and an upper figure around ₹2.84 lakh.
That makes ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh a believable early range for lower or mid-storage versions if current leaks hold. A 1TB or 2TB model could go higher, especially if Apple keeps a large gap between storage options.
For context, Apple currently lists the iPhone 17 Pro Max from ₹1,49,900 in India, while a 2TB configuration reaches ₹2,29,900. A foldable starting above ₹2 lakh would therefore place even the base iPhone Ultra close to today’s highest-capacity flagship pricing.
What Could Apple Offer For Such A High Price?
Leaks point to a book-style device with a roughly 5.5-inch outer OLED screen and a 7.8-inch internal OLED display. Reports also mention ProMotion, an A20 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, Touch ID, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras and storage options running as high as 2TB.
Why Could The Price Climb So Quickly?
The foldable display and hinge are likely to be the expensive parts. Apple has reportedly worked on reducing the visible crease while keeping the phone unusually thin. That design, combined with a new 2nm-class chip, high-capacity storage and a first-generation production run, gives Apple plenty of room to charge more than its regular Pro models.
The bigger question is whether buyers will see the foldable as an iPhone and iPad mini replacement in one device, or simply as an extremely costly phone. Samsung and Google already have established foldable lines, so Apple will need more than novelty to justify a ₹2 lakh-plus entry ticket.
FAQs
Is iPhone Ultra officially confirmed by Apple?
No. Apple has confirmed its event, but the foldable name, specifications and price remain unannounced.
What is the expected iPhone Ultra price in India?
Current reports suggest roughly ₹2 lakh initially, while premium storage versions could approach ₹2.84 lakh.
When could Apple launch its first foldable iPhone?
Apple’s September 9 event is expected to feature the device, though availability remains unconfirmed globally.
What screen sizes are expected on the foldable iPhone?
Leaks suggest a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch folding OLED display for the interior.
Could iPhone Ultra cost more than iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Yes. Every major recent estimate places Apple’s foldable above the Pro Max starting price comfortably.
