A claim has emerged that Apple is already calling its next foldable iPhone the "iPhone Ultra" internally.

NineToFiveMac reported on Monday that IT tipster Mark Gurman wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "everyone" inside Apple calls the product Ultra.

The remarks are drawing attention alongside expectations that Apple will unveil its first foldable iPhone at a September event next month. The device has widely been referred to as the "iPhone Fold" at the rumor stage. But since early this year, some leakers have claimed Apple could use "iPhone Ultra" as the final name.

Gurman's comment lends weight to that view. If the name is widely used inside Apple, Ultra may already have taken hold as the leading internal label during development and discussions.

Even so, an internal name does not necessarily mean the final branding. Apple maintains tight security on unreleased products, and employees who are not directly involved in related work often do not know product details.

In fact, Apple internal labels may sometimes follow names used externally. Since "iPhone Ultra" is a name that spread first among outside sources and leakers, staff may also use the same expression for convenience. In that case, the number of people who know the actual launch name could be limited to key marketing staff and some others involved.

The name is also an important variable in product strategy. While "Fold" directly describes the form factor, "Ultra" is closer to emphasizing a premium tier and a top lineup image. The name could first reveal whether Apple will highlight the foldable iPhone as a new form factor itself or position it as the top-end model in the existing iPhone lineup.

The only confirmed fact for now is that Apple has not officially disclosed the product name. Gurman's comment is also not at a level that replaces a final announcement. Until next month's event, it appears only to be confirmed that "iPhone Ultra" is a likely internal generic name and that the actual launch name may have been decided separately.

In this situation, market attention is shifting to what brand structure Apple will apply to its first foldable iPhone. With the unveiling approaching, a key point to watch is whether the final name will be confirmed as "iPhone Ultra" or whether another name such as the "iPhone Fold" will be adopted.

Everyone calls it the Ultra internally. We’ll see what happens.