If this is what it looks like, it's easily the 2026 winner. | Image by fpt.
Apple's rumored foldable device is expected to stir the market quite a bit, according to the latest industry forecasts. The phone, supposedly called iPhone Ultra, could launch as early as September this year, and a recent market analysis shows it could be a showstopper.
Oppo might be better, but it won't matter. | Image by Weibo
The Find N6 is a groundbreaking phone that proves achieving a "near-invisible" crease is not just wishful thinking. This option isn't just extremely slim, but it's also "built to bounce back" when you unfold it, creating a smoother viewing experience.
If it indeed costs $2,000, will the iPhone Ultra be worth it?
The Cupertino tech giant might also use a self-healing glass technology, which could help the display repair minuscule scratches on its own.
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Render of what the iPhone Ultra could look like. | Image by fpt.
Oppo's device also packs a 6,000mAh battery, which Apple might not be able to match, let alone surpass. According to recent leaks, the iPhone Ultra could come with a 5,800mAh battery under the hood.
It's not just the specs that matter
Even if Oppo packs the most impressive specs and crease technology, will it be the 2026 foldable winner? I doubt it.
It's not just specs that matter, at the end of the day. Oppo is highly unlikely to release its Find N6 on the global scene. The device is limited to select markets, essentially leaving US and European users out of the equation.
Ultra-thin, long-lasting, and with a superb crease, but still not the winner it could have been. | Image by Oppo
Apple, on the other hand, is unlikely to limit its foldable to a handful of markets. And let's admit it, availability is just as important as specs, if not more.
With a larger battery than most existing options and a different approach to the crease situation, the iPhone Ultra will likely be the global winner this year — even if it's not better than Oppo's Find N6.
Apple to win a significant market share
Apple is just now entering the race, but it's gaining momentum fast! | Image by TrendForce
But what does a global winner actually mean in pure numbers? According to a TrendForce analysis, Apple could secure a 19.3% share of the foldable market this year.
That's a substantial figure, and it proves what impact Apple's first-ever foldable device is expected to have.
Samsung is losing its dominance, probably for good
Looking at TrendForce's market analysis for foldable options in 2026, we see another curious trend. In 2022, Samsung held over 75% of the global foldable market. But that dominance has steadily been eroding, with experts predicting it could only account for 30% this year.
Samsung has been running the foldable marathon for years, but could still lose near the finish line. | Image by PhoneArena
The reason is obvious: the Galaxy Z lineup has barely received major changes over the past few generations. In 2025, Samsung finally achieved a proper form factor for its book-like foldable, but even that didn't reverse the trend.
What about the price?
With Samsung quietly raising prices for its Galaxy Z Fold 7 (and more), the obvious question we now have to ask is just how much the rumored iPhone Ultra could cost.
For now, all we can do is speculate. Last week, Apple insider Mark Gurman explained the device might cost more than $2,000 (via MacRumors). It remains unclear whether the renowned Bloomberg leaker is talking about the base storage configuration or the higher-tier variants.
If you ask me, the price won't really matter — the iPhone Ultra will likely be one of the best-selling Apple models this year. I expect many enthusiasts will want to see just how the brand reimagines the foldable experience with its first-ever book-like option.
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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.
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