Apple's Foldable iPhone Name Leaked: Internally Called 'iPhone Ultra'

New details have emerged about the naming of Apple's (AAPL-US) first foldable iPhone. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman stated on Wednesday (12th) that internally, the device is almost universally referred to as the 'iPhone Ultra.' However, this could simply be a working codename used for internal communication and may not reflect the official name when the product launches.

Apple is known for strictly guarding its product names, and the official name is typically only revealed on the day of the launch event. Therefore, even though 'iPhone Ultra' is widely used within the company, Apple could still opt for a different name at the last minute. For now, the device is commonly referred to externally as the 'iPhone Fold.'

Past precedents show that market expectations for Apple product names often differ from the final result. For example, the iPhone Air was once rumored to be called 'iPhone Slim,' and the iPhone 16e was long believed to be the 'iPhone SE 4' until the official unveiling.

In recent years, Apple has primarily reserved 'Ultra' for its highest-tier Apple chips, usually indicating the top-of-the-line model within a product lineup. However, whether the first foldable iPhone fits this naming logic remains questionable.

Reports suggest the foldable iPhone will feature Apple’s most advanced A-series chip and a premium folding display, but some hardware specifications may not fully surpass those of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The latter is expected to retain a more complete camera system, a sturdier build, longer battery life, and better thermal management.

This reflects Apple’s shift away from a single-tiered product structure moving from low to high end. Now, the iPhone 16e and standard iPhone occupy the entry-level market, followed by two distinct lines: the slim-focused iPhone Air and the performance- and imaging-oriented iPhone Pro.

Under this framework, the foldable iPhone may sit above the iPhone Air but not necessarily above the iPhone Pro series. As such, directly branding it with 'Ultra'—a label representing the pinnacle—may not align perfectly with its actual product tier.

Nonetheless, the foldable iPhone is expected to become Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date, and its ultra-high price point could justify the use of the 'Ultra' moniker. For Apple, the name might not signify absolute superiority in every specification but instead emphasize the device’s flagship status in terms of design form factor and pricing.

Market expectations suggest Apple could unveil both the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone at its September event. Whether the final name will indeed be 'iPhone Ultra' and whether the device will launch immediately in September remain to be officially confirmed by Apple.