Apple’s second-generation foldable iPhone has officially been given the green light for development, according to a Chinese leaker. The news comes from Weibo account Digital Chat Station , which reported that the “ project iPhone Ultra 2 ” has been officially approved. The second-generation “book-style” device is expected to use the same display as the first-generation model, which is expected to be released later this year.
The first foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch foldable OLED display supplied by Samsung. This display uses a newer design that eliminates one of the traditional display layers and integrates the color filtering layer directly into the display stack. This results in the display being thinner, lighter, and more power efficient, thus offering an improved user experience.
Foldable display technology has been one of the most exciting areas of development in the smartphone market in recent years. Samsung, as the main supplier of the display for the iPhone Ultra 2, has already gained significant experience in this area with its own Galaxy Fold. Its partnership with Apple suggests a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the premium smartphone market.
See also: Leaker talks about a new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
When will the iPhone Ultra 2 be released?
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to release the second-generation foldable iPhone in the fall of 2027, along with two 20th anniversary iPhone models, which could be called the iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max. This launch strategy suggests that Apple is looking to combine innovation with tradition, offering consumers a variety of options that meet different needs and preferences.
Digital Chat Station's Weibo post also said that the iPhone Air 3 has not yet entered the prototype stage. Its appearance may depend on how sales of the iPhone Air 2, which is expected to be released in spring 2027, are maintained. The iPhone Air 2 is expected to introduce a second camera and will likely offer improvements in battery life, according to Gurman's report.
See also: iPhone Ultra: Will be able to take spatial photos and videos
Apple's strategy to enter the foldable device market further with the iPhone Ultra 2 shows its intention to innovate and compete with other big players in the space, such as Samsung and Huawei. Foldable devices offer users the flexibility of a larger screen combined with the portability of a smartphone, which could change the way consumers use their mobile devices.
Digital Chat Station, who was the first to claim that Apple will call its first foldable “iPhone Ultra,” has over three million followers on Weibo and has a history of accurately leaking information related to Apple. While leaked information should always be taken with a grain of salt, the account’s history lends credibility to its information.
See also: Apple Ultra products: Foldable iPhone and touchscreen MacBook Pro
Apple's entry into the foldable device market could have significant implications for the company and consumers. On the one hand, Apple has the opportunity to establish itself as a leader in innovation, while on the other, consumers can expect new features and user experiences that were not previously available. The success of this strategy will depend on Apple's ability to deliver a product that combines technological innovation with the quality and reliability that consumers have come to expect from the company.
