iPhone 18 Ultra: Apple's first foldable is just two months away, here's how much it may cost in India

Apple's first foldable iPhone could finally become a reality in just a couple of months, with multiple reports suggesting the company is preparing to unveil the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series this September. While Apple has not officially confirmed the product, industry reports indicate that the foldable model, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra, will sit above every existing iPhone in both price and positioning.

If the reports prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra will represent Apple's biggest hardware redesign in years, marking the company's entry into the rapidly growing premium foldable smartphone segment currently led by Samsung, Huawei and a handful of Chinese manufacturers.

Apple iPhone Ultra: Expected India price

The biggest talking point surrounding Apple's foldable iPhone is likely to be its price. Reports suggest the handset could launch globally at around $2,000, which translates to approximately Rs 1.88 lakh before taxes and local duties.

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That would likely push the Indian retail price beyond the Rs 2 lakh mark once import costs and Apple's pricing strategy are factored in. Industry estimates indicate the base model could be priced at roughly Rs 1.90 lakh, while higher-capacity versions with 512GB or 1TB of storage may cost anywhere between Rs 2.10 lakh and Rs 2.30 lakh.

Such pricing would make the foldable iPhone Apple's most expensive smartphone to date and place it among the costliest foldable devices available in the Indian market.

Apple reportedly increasing production plans

Fresh reports also suggest Apple has become increasingly optimistic about demand for its first foldable handset.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, the company has informed suppliers to prepare components for approximately 10 million units of the foldable iPhone, a noticeable increase from earlier estimates that ranged between seven and eight million devices.

Separately, 9to5Mac reported that the higher production target reflects Apple's growing confidence that consumers will embrace its first foldable smartphone despite its premium price tag.

The reports also indicate that Apple is planning to manufacture around 70 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during the second half of 2026. Combined with the foldable model, premium iPhone production could reach roughly 80 million units during the period.

Although these figures remain unconfirmed by Apple, they suggest the company expects strong demand across its flagship portfolio.

What the foldable iPhone could offer

While Apple has managed to keep official details under wraps, several leaks have painted a clearer picture of what the iPhone Ultra may look like.

The foldable flagship is expected to feature an exceptionally slim profile, measuring roughly 4.5mm when fully unfolded. Apple is also believed to be developing a redesigned hinge mechanism intended to minimise the visible crease that has remained one of the biggest challenges for foldable displays.

On the rear, the device is tipped to include a horizontally arranged dual-camera system, while Apple's Camera Control button is also expected to make its way to the foldable model.

Perhaps the biggest software upgrade could come in the form of a redesigned multitasking interface. Reports suggest Apple is developing a split-screen experience that takes full advantage of the larger internal display, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously and making the device better suited for productivity tasks.

For comparison, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rumoured to measure around 4.2mm when unfolded, underscoring how aggressively smartphone makers are competing to produce thinner foldable devices.