[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] The likelihood is growing that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be unveiled under the name “iPhone Ultra.” Expectations are rising that a new form factor could be added beyond routine generational upgrades, and changes are also anticipated in the iPhone 18 series launch strategy.

On Sept. 5 local time, IT outlet TechRadar reported that among recent outlooks surrounding the iPhone 18 series, speculation about a foldable iPhone has emerged as the most realistic rumour. It said that after years of talk about foldable iPhone development, a run of leaks viewed as highly credible has boosted the chances of an actual launch.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to adopt a book-style foldable design similar to Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Fold 8. It could feature a roughly 7.8-inch internal display and an external display of about 5.5 inches. Support for MagSafe has also been raised as a possibility, but it may not support a stylus at launch, according to the outlook. Screen size and detailed specifications are not yet finalised, reports say.

The iPhone 18 series launch schedule could also change from past cycles. The base iPhone 18 model may not launch at the same time as the Pro models and could be delayed to March or April next year, according to the outlook. In that case, the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 could be unveiled alongside the base model at a separate event. Attention is focused on whether Apple will actually apply a strategy that separates launch timing for standard iPhones and Pro models by several months.

Camera improvements are expected for the Pro models. Observers have said a variable-aperture camera could be applied to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, or to the Pro Max. With a variable aperture, depth of field can be adjusted depending on the shooting environment, and low-light performance could also improve when the aperture is widened. The exact models and implementation remain unconfirmed.

The battery capacity could also increase significantly. According to leaked information, the U.S. versions of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could carry 4,288 mAh and 5,567 mAh batteries, respectively. Compared with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, cited as the previous models, at 4,252 mAh and 5,088 mAh, the increase is especially large for the Pro Max. The leaker also said additional verification is needed, leaving the information uncertain.

On design, a smaller Dynamic Island is drawing attention. Some leaked information and CAD renderings suggest the current roughly 20.7 mm Dynamic Island could shrink to about 13.5 mm. Multiple sources have offered similar details, and the change is being assessed as relatively more credible than other design rumours.

The rear design could also change. One view is that Apple may reduce the colour difference between the current metal frame and glass panel to apply a more unified design. Information supporting this is relatively limited, and it is assessed as less likely than a smaller Dynamic Island.

Ultimately, the biggest focus for the iPhone 18 series is whether a foldable iPhone appears. If the iPhone Ultra is actually launched, Apple would add a new form factor to its existing iPhone lineup, which has been centred on standard and Pro models. If the base-model release timing is also split, Apple’s iPhone launch strategy itself would change, raising interest in what product lineup will be confirmed at upcoming unveiling events.