Apple’s foldable iPhone plans extend well beyond the first model, with a third-generation device already taking shape for as early as 2028.
The company’s foldable lineup could span at least three generations: the first model arriving this fall, a second-generation version in 2027, and a third model potentially following in 2028.
The third-generation iPhone Ultra is said to feature slightly larger displays on both the inside and outside than the models before it. Exact screen sizes have not been disclosed, and plans could change considerably before the device reaches production.
What the First Model Brings
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is set to introduce a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen.
To keep the device thin, Apple is reportedly opting for Touch ID instead of Face ID. The phone is also expected to use Apple’s A20 chip and C2 modem, with a starting price of around $2,000 or more.
The design could come with some tradeoffs. The reported lack of Face ID has already raised questions among prospective buyers, while other expected omissions include MagSafe and a telephoto camera.
The Second Generation Is Already in Development
Apple has reportedly already approved development of a second-generation foldable. It’s expected to retain the first model’s display sizes and arrive in fall 2027.
That would put its launch alongside Apple’s planned 20th-anniversary iPhone, making 2027 a potentially significant year for the company’s hardware lineup.
Details about the third-generation model are much thinner. Larger inner and outer displays are the only known hardware change so far, and a 2028 launch leaves plenty of time for Apple’s plans to evolve.
Still, the roadmap points to something more substantial than a one-off experiment. Apple appears to be planning the foldable iPhone as a product line with multiple generations, rather than a single device designed to test the market.
Apple’s September event should provide the first look at the iPhone Ultra and reveal how closely the finished product matches the details that have emerged over the past two years.
