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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Rumoured iPhone Ultra could enter the foldable market with one of Apple’s largest smartphone batteries
Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive with a significantly larger battery than previously expected, according to new industry leaks suggesting the upcoming device may feature a 5,000mAh battery.
The rumoured battery capacity would put Apple’s first foldable smartphone closer to some of Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices and could help address one of the biggest challenges in foldable phones — maintaining strong battery life while powering larger displays.
Foldable design points to split battery system
According to a report circulating from a source on Chinese social media platform Weibo, one of Apple’s battery suppliers has recently certified two separate battery units believed to be designed for a foldable smartphone.
Foldable devices often use a split battery structure because the internal space is divided by the hinge mechanism.
The reported battery units have capacities of:
- 1,921mAh
- 2,962mAh
Together, the batteries provide a combined rated capacity of 4,883mAh.
However, smartphone manufacturers usually advertise the higher “typical capacity” figure rather than the rated capacity used for certification. This suggests Apple could market the device with a battery capacity close to 5,000mAh.
iPhone Ultra expected to enter foldable market
The device is widely expected to launch under the name iPhone Ultra and would represent Apple’s first entry into the foldable smartphone category.
A 5,000mAh battery would mark a major shift for Apple, which has traditionally focused on power efficiency through hardware and software optimisation rather than offering the largest battery capacities in the market.
Analysts say the larger battery could become an important selling point, particularly because foldable phones typically consume more power due to their bigger screens and advanced hinge technology.
Samsung competition likely
If the reports are accurate, Apple’s foldable iPhone could match the expected battery size of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
However, the two devices are expected to feature different designs.
Samsung’s standard Galaxy Z Fold8 is rumoured to use a slightly smaller 4,800mAh battery, while the Ultra model could target a higher-end segment similar to Apple’s anticipated foldable device.
The competition between Apple and Samsung in foldable phones is expected to intensify as both companies attempt to attract premium smartphone buyers.
Possible September launch
Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil the iPhone Ultra in September, alongside the expected launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Earlier reports suggested that Apple’s foldable project could face delays due to engineering challenges, including display durability and hinge design. However, recent leaks indicate that the company remains on schedule for a possible 2026 release.
Apple’s biggest hardware shift in years
The launch of a foldable iPhone would represent one of Apple’s most significant product changes since the introduction of the Apple Watch and the transition to larger-screen iPhones.
While foldable smartphones remain a relatively small segment of the global market, manufacturers see them as a future growth area for premium devices.
If Apple successfully enters the category, the iPhone Ultra could accelerate mainstream adoption of foldable technology and increase competition among smartphone makers seeking to define the next generation of mobile devices.
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