Apple maps out three generations of foldable iPhones through 2028

Apple ↗ 0.29% is already developing a third-generation foldable iPhone for release as early as 2028, even as its first foldable device has yet to ship. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in his latest "Power On" newsletter that the company has mapped out at least three generations of the device, underscoring its confidence in the foldable form factor.

Three Generations in the Pipeline

The first foldable iPhone, expected to carry the "iPhone Ultra" moniker, is set to launch this September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display, an ultra-thin design, Touch ID instead of Face ID, the A20 chip, and Apple's C2 modem, with a price around or above $2,000.macrumors+1

A second-generation model has already received development approval for fall 2027, when it would debut alongside the 20th-anniversary iPhone. The third-generation device, Gurman reports, will feature slightly larger displays on both the inside and outside compared to its predecessors.appleinsider+2

AppleInsider noted that such long-range planning is standard for a company of Apple's scale, where major redesigns require years of lead time and two to three future generations are often in simultaneous development.appleinsider

September Keynote and Broader Ultra Lineup

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be unveiled at a keynote on Wednesday, September 9, according to Forbes, which noted that Apple has never held an iPhone event the day after Labor Day. Pre-orders are projected to open September 11, with devices going on sale September 18.forbes

Beyond the foldable phone, Apple is reportedly developing camera-equipped AirPods that could debut at the same September event. The earbuds would use infrared cameras to provide Siri with visual context about a user's surroundings, with code references already found in the iOS 27 beta. A MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen, cellular connectivity, and M5-series chips is also rumored for early 2027.ghacks+1

A Competitive Landscape

Apple's entry into foldables comes years after Samsung established the category. The timing nonetheless positions Apple to capitalize on growing consumer interest, particularly in the United States, where foldable adoption has lagged behind Asia. Should the first iPhone Ultra underperform, AppleInsider reported, the financial impact would be minor enough for Apple to discontinue the line without substantial loss.appleinsider