Early testers praise Apple’s first foldable iPhone ahead of September unveiling

Apple ↗ 0.00% is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone at an event expected around September 9, with early hands-on impressions now surfacing from people outside the company who have tested pre-release versions of the device.

Early Testers Offer Positive Feedback

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in his "Power On" newsletter on Sunday that several individuals have used the upcoming foldable model, likely to be called the iPhone Ultra. Their impressions suggest the device delivers on its premium positioning. "People who have tried the Apple model like how it fits in a pocket, the feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism, and the new iPad-like app layouts that take advantage of the larger internal display," Gurman wrote, describing it as "an ultra-premium device that provides a halo for the full Apple lineup."appleinsider+1

Early testers noted that while the device is somewhat bulky when closed, it still fits comfortably in a pocket. The hinge mechanism was described as robust, and users appreciated the iPad-like app layouts enabled by the larger internal display. The device will reportedly feature Touch ID rather than Face ID, and while it lacks a telephoto lens, testers said it excels as a camera viewfinder.appleinsider

Market Timing Favors Apple

Apple is entering the foldable market at what analysts describe as its most vibrant moment. According to Omdia research, the global foldable market is forecast to grow more than 20% annually through 2028, reaching 36 million units. In the first half of 2026, 5.1 million foldable phones shipped, with book-style devices now accounting for 69% of all foldable shipments.forbes

The timing is further validated by Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which recorded 1.44 million pre-orders in seven days in South Korea, breaking Samsung's all-time record. Apple has reportedly chosen the same squat, 4:3 book-style form factor and is said to be planning production of 10 million units.forbes

Price and Design Considerations

The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display in a short, wide passport-style shell with a 5.5-inch cover display when folded. Reports indicate a starting price between $1,999 and $2,499, placing it firmly in ultra-premium territory.yankodesign+1

That price presents challenges. Forbes noted that Apple will need to offer compelling pre-order deals and trade-in values to justify the cost, while foldable displays remain expensive to repair. Battery life may also concern buyers unaccustomed to powering multiple screens. Still, the momentum behind book-style foldables and Apple's reported confidence in the device suggest the company believes its timing is right.forbes