Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone soon, with reports pointing to a book-style design, large inner display and a price potentially exceeding Rs 2 lakh in India.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone

Apple could finally enter the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone at the company's September 9 launch event.

The device has been referred to as the iPhone Ultra in several reports, although Apple has not confirmed that name or officially announced a foldable iPhone.

The expected launch would mark Apple's entry into a category already dominated by manufacturers such as Samsung and Google. Apple has so far avoided releasing a foldable smartphone despite years of development and industry speculation.

Reports suggest that Apple's first foldable will target the premium segment and focus heavily on design, durability and a relatively crease-free display.

Here are five things to know about the rumoured device.

1. Price Could Cross Rs 2 Lakh

The foldable iPhone is expected to be considerably more expensive than Apple's existing flagship models.

Reports have suggested a starting price of around $2,000 in international markets. After accounting for Indian taxes, duties and Apple's local pricing strategy, the device could potentially cross the Rs 2 lakh mark in India.

Higher-storage versions could reportedly cost even more, with some estimates placing premium configurations above Rs 2.2 lakh.

These figures remain speculative. Apple has not confirmed the product's price, availability or storage options.

The premium pricing would put the device directly into the ultra-high-end foldable segment.

2. Book-Style Design Tipped

Unlike compact clamshell phones such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series, Apple's reported design is expected to use a book-style folding mechanism.

The handset would function like a conventional smartphone when closed and open into a larger tablet-like display.

The unfolded screen could offer significantly more space for multitasking, gaming, video consumption and productivity applications.

Apple is also reportedly focusing heavily on the hinge and display mechanism. Analysts and supply-chain reports have previously suggested that the company is exploring specialised materials and engineering techniques to minimise the visible crease.

However, details about the hinge, frame materials and internal construction remain unconfirmed.

3. Nearly 8-Inch Inner Display

One of the most significant reported features is the large internal screen.

Reports suggest that the foldable could feature an inner display measuring approximately 7.7 to 7.8 inches, while the external screen could be around 5.3 to 5.5 inches.

The larger panel is expected to use a relatively square aspect ratio, potentially around 4:3.

Such a design could make the device particularly useful for reading documents, browsing, editing content and running multiple applications simultaneously.

The larger screen would also allow Apple to position the product between a conventional iPhone and a compact tablet.

4. A20-Series Chip Expected

The foldable iPhone is also rumoured to receive an A20-series processor, placing it alongside Apple's next-generation flagship iPhones.

A newer chip could provide the processing power required for the larger display, multitasking and advanced artificial-intelligence features.

However, Apple has yet to confirm the processor, RAM configuration or other internal specifications.

The company's approach could also involve software optimisation specifically designed for the foldable form factor, potentially allowing iOS to adapt dynamically between the outer and inner screens.

5. Apple’s Foldable Strategy

The biggest significance of the device would be Apple's entry into a market it has watched from the sidelines for years.

Samsung, Google and Chinese smartphone manufacturers have already released several generations of foldable devices. Their experience has helped improve hinge durability, display quality and software support, although foldables remain more expensive and mechanically complex than conventional smartphones.

Apple's delayed entry could indicate that the company wants to address issues such as display creasing, hinge reliability and long-term durability before launching its own product.

Analysts have also suggested that Apple could use its premium positioning to make the foldable a distinctly high-end product rather than compete primarily on price.

What Happens Next

Apple's September 9 event will determine how many of the current foldable iPhone reports are accurate.

If the device is unveiled, the company is expected to reveal its official name, pricing, availability and hardware specifications. The Indian launch date and price will be particularly important for consumers because of the expected premium positioning.

Until Apple's announcement, the iPhone Ultra, its display sizes, A20-series chip, hinge design and potential Rs 2 lakh-plus Indian price should be treated as reported specifications rather than confirmed facts.

The launch could nevertheless represent one of Apple's biggest hardware changes in years and potentially reshape the premium foldable smartphone market.