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iPhone Ultra could turn out to be an unwise long-term decision

Replacing the display could cost as much as buying a new iPhone.

By Anam Hamid

Published: Aug 30, 2026, 2:44 AM

Apple

iPhone Foldables

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An iPhone Ultra render. | Image by @_evanblass_

Apple is reportedly set to announce the iPhone Ultra at its September 9 "Surprise and shine" event. Apple's first foldable phone is rumored to cost between $2,000 and $2,500. However, the upfront cost isn't the only reason this device will drain your wallet.

Foldable problems

The iPhone Ultra's inner display could cost £850 (~$1,155) or more to repair, per Ricky Panesar, founder of repair service iCorrect.

For context, replacing the inner screen of the high-end Fold 8 Ultra costs $639, while the short and wide Fold 8 runs $579.

Samsung produces its own displays. In fact, Apple will likely also procure the iPhone Ultra's screen from Samsung. The in-house development is one reason why the Fold 8 costs relatively less to repair.

Apple's display might also be more expensive to fix due to novel technologies such as a liquid metal hinge for a virtually crease-free screen.

I think we're going to see the most expensive repair prices from Apple of any handheld device we've seen in the past. Because they're borrowing this technology from Samsung Display, we're going to see higher prices than Samsung. I think we're going to be at the £850 level.

Ricky Panesar, iCorrect founder, August 2026

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The cost of late entry

While Apple played it safe by entering the category almost a decade after the first foldable phone was announced, that's not a failproof strategy for avoiding first-gen hiccups.

Foldable phones are complicated as it is. Apple's internal tests can't fully replicate how users would use the device. Repairers haven't had a chance to gain hands-on experience fixing a foldable iPhone yet.

Some reasons to avoid the iPhone Ultra:

Skip AppleCare+ at your own risk

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for a monthly fee of $9.99. With the subscription, a screen repair costs about $29, but without it, you could be paying as much as $379.

Panesar expects AppleCare+ for the iPhone Ultra to run around £100 (~$136). He wouldn't be surprised if Apple caps unlimited repairs for this model. Still, AppleCare+ will be a must for most customers to avoid a costly repair bill.

Even other repairs, such as a broken Touch ID power button, could be more costly to repair on the foldable iPhone.

I don’t see this being a cheap Apple Care. I think we’re going to be up at the £100 mark

Ricky Panesar, iCorrect founder, August 2026

Proceed at your own risk

As if it wasn't enough that the iPhone Ultra was likely to be more expensive than the $2,100 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the $1,899 Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the rumored repair fees give you more reason to pause and reconsider whether you are ready to sink thousands into a device just to use iOS on a bendy screen.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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