Ahead of its official unveiling, a functional mock-up of Apple's upcoming foldable phone, believed to be the iPhone Ultra, has been leaked to the YouTube channel Unbox Therapy. The device, which reportedly features a passport-style folding design, has prompted discussions and criticism regarding its appearance and anticipated price tag.
The alleged Chinese mock-up, showcased in a video by Unbox Therapy, reveals a device that folds in half with a hinged screen, drawing comparisons to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. According to predictions based on the mock-up, the phone may feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a larger 7.8-inch main screen when unfolded. The prototype also shows a two-lens camera system, volume buttons positioned at the top, and additional buttons that may control the folding mechanism and camera functions.
A notable point of contention has been a visible crease down the middle of the prototype's screen. While the YouTuber suggested that the final product's crease would be less pronounced, the current iteration has been a focus of fan and expert commentary. "I genuinely think Apple should sit the folding thing out," one online comment stated, reflecting a sentiment of skepticism about the necessity and execution of a foldable iPhone.
Beyond design critiques, the projected cost of the iPhone Ultra has also drawn significant backlash. Expected to retail for upwards of $2,000, the device is seen by some as an expensive novelty. "Phones are getting more expensive. Some beat the price of PCs and laptops," a critic noted. Tech reporter Mark Gurman suggested that the foldable iPhone might function more as a "statement piece" or "status symbol" rather than an essential device, questioning the value proposition of a high-end foldable phone.
Fans have given the device nicknames such as the "iPhold," and some online commentary has expressed disappointment, with one user lamenting, "I was so excited for it but it’s a letdown."
Apple is expected to officially announce its new product lineup, including the iPhone Ultra, at an event scheduled for September 9. However, supply chain experts predict that the foldable iPhone may not be available for preorder until the fourth quarter of 2026, between October and December.