The tech world is buzzing, and honestly, the excitement is hard to ignore. With Apple’s big special event just around the corner on September 9, 2026, whispers and leaks are hitting a fever pitch. We’ve been waiting years for Apple to finally step into the foldable arena, and it looks like that moment might actually be here.
Often dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," Apple’s first-ever foldable is shaping up to be the company’s most radical hardware redesign since the original iPhone dropped. But before you clear out space in your budget, there’s a catch.
If the latest industry reports are right, this ultra-premium, ultra-expensive device might actually ship without a couple of features we've grown to take completely for granted: Face ID and a dedicated telephoto camera.
Wait, what? Let’s break down what’s going on, why Apple is reportedly making these strange compromises, and what you can actually expect when the curtains finally open.
Say Goodbye to Face ID? Say Hello to Touch ID
Let’s start with the biggest shocker: the rumored absence of Face ID.
Since the iPhone X rolled out back in 2017, Face ID has been the gold standard for Apple security. It unlocks our phones, approves our Apple Pay purchases, logs us into our banking apps, and auto-fills our passwords.
So, why would Apple ditch it on what’s bound to be their most expensive phone ever?
It really comes down to physics. Rumors suggest this new foldable will be mind-bogglingly thin when opened—we’re talking roughly 4.5mm. Engineers simply may not have enough internal real estate to cram in the complex TrueDepth camera array that Face ID relies on, especially while balancing a massive folding screen, a beefy battery, and a durable hinge.
Instead, Apple is reportedly bringing back a fan favorite: Touch ID.
No, it’s not returning to the home screen. Instead, reports point to a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded right into the power button, similar to what Apple already does with certain iPad Air and iPad mini models.
While it’s secure and lightning-fast, it’s definitely going to change your daily rhythm. Reaching for the power button or tapping your finger when the phone is flat on your desk just doesn’t have the seamless, magical feel of Face ID casually glancing at your face.
A "Mini iPad" That Slips Right Into Your Pocket
Unlike the flip-phone style designs we’ve seen from competitors like Samsung and Motorola (think Galaxy Z Flip style), Apple is reportedly going in a completely different direction.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a book-style, horizontal fold. On the outside, you’ll get a regular, smaller display for quick tasks, replying to texts, or answering calls. But when you open it up? You’re greeted by a massive, near-tablet-sized screen.
Think of it as carrying a mini iPad in your pocket.
Because of this expansive canvas, word is that iOS will get some thoughtful tweaks tailored specifically for foldables. Expect smarter split-screen multitasking, responsive app layouts that adapt on the fly, and handy sidebars that make use of all that extra screen space.
Of course, every foldable has one major enemy: the crease.
Apple has reportedly spent years working behind closed doors specifically to solve this problem. Rumor has it they’ve developed an advanced hinge and display mechanism designed to make the central fold far less noticeable and infinitely more durable than what we see on current rival foldables. If Apple is late to a party, they usually show up with the best outfit—and they’re clearly hoping that holds true for their hinge engineering.
The Camera Compromise: Where’s the Zoom?
Here is the second pill that might be hard to swallow. Despite carrying an eye-watering price tag, Apple’s foldable might skip a dedicated telephoto camera.
Current reports indicate a dual-camera setup: a primary wide lens and an ultra-wide lens. That means you might lose out on the optical zoom capabilities that iPhone Pro and Pro Max users love for capturing distant subjects.
Why leave it out? Just like with Face ID, it’s a spatial puzzle. Telephoto periscope lenses require physical depth inside the phone body to work properly. When you're trying to engineer a phone that is impossibly thin when unfolded, something has to give. Apple appears to be prioritizing battery life, the intricate hinge, and two gorgeous displays over an extra zoom lens.
For everyday snapshots—food, vacations, selfies, and casual portraits—the main and ultra-wide cameras will easily get the job done. But if you’re the type of person who zooms in heavily at concerts, sporting events, or wildlife hikes, a traditional Pro Max model might still be your best bet.
The Elephant in the Room: A $2,000+ Price Tag
Let’s talk numbers, because this is where reality sets in.
This phone is not going to be cheap. Industry analysts expect the starting price to land at $2,000 or more, placing it in a league of its own—well above even the most expensive Pro Max variants currently on the market.
For buyers in the Middle East and around the globe, regional pricing, storage tiers, eSIM availability, and local warranty support will be huge factors to watch once the official specs drop.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a breathtaking piece of engineering. It’s ambitious, it’s radical, and it promises to completely change how we use our mobile devices on the go.
At the same time, the rumored compromises—no Face ID, no telephoto zoom, and a price that makes your wallet sweat—mean it won't be the ultimate "do-it-all" device for everyone.
Right now, everything outside of Apple's official event invite remains pure speculation. But with the big presentation happening tomorrow, September 9, 2026, we won't have to wait much longer to find out what Apple has been cooking up behind the scenes.
What do you think? Would you trade Face ID and a zoom lens for a foldable mini-iPad in your pocket, or are you sticking with the traditional iPhone form factor? Let’s chat in the comments!
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