Apple’s next major product event is only days away, but an alleged leak has already given technology enthusiasts a possible glimpse at one of the company’s biggest hardware changes yet — a foldable iPhone.
Lewis Hilsenteger, the Canadian technology creator behind the popular Unbox Therapy YouTube channel, has published footage showing what he claims is a model representing the upcoming iPhone 18 Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The device reportedly came from a source in China, where unofficial Apple hardware mock-ups and prototypes have increasingly emerged ahead of major launches.
Leaker Says Chinese Sources Are Becoming More Accurate
Hilsenteger said the latest material coming out of China appears increasingly close to Apple’s final products.
“There’s increasing accuracy coming out of China,” he told viewers, noting that the devices being supplied to him now look much more like finished Apple hardware than earlier mock-ups.
The video quickly attracted attention online, accumulating nearly two million views as Apple fans examined the design and debated whether it could represent the company’s first foldable smartphone.
One viewer claimed that suppliers responsible for previous mock-ups had been accurate for years, arguing that the latest model could therefore offer a meaningful preview of Apple’s upcoming lineup.
A Book-Style Fold With a Large Internal Display
The alleged iPhone 18 Ultra adopts a book-style folding configuration rather than the clamshell approach used by some competing smartphones.
When closed, the handset appears to have a conventional outer display.
Opening it reveals a significantly larger internal screen, with the display appearing wider than it is tall.
The exterior shown in the footage has a white matte finish, while the Apple logo appears glossy against the rear panel.
A camera module sits in the upper-left portion of the rear housing and appears to contain two lenses arranged horizontally.
Unusual Button Placement Stands Out
One of the more noticeable differences from Apple’s current iPhone designs is the placement of the volume controls.
Rather than sitting along the side, the volume buttons appear to have been moved to the top edge of the folded device.
Two additional controls remain on the side.
Hilsenteger speculated that these could be the power or unlock button and Apple’s Action Button.
The unusual arrangement immediately became a talking point among viewers, with some questioning whether such a layout would be comfortable to use when the phone is folded.
The Hinge Raises Questions
The prototype shown in the video also appears to have a clearly visible hinge running through the folding section of the phone.
However, Hilsenteger stressed that viewers should not assume the prominent hinge represents Apple’s final engineering.
He suggested that the finished product would almost certainly have a less obvious hinge, meaning the component shown could simply reflect the limitations of the mock-up.
The handset also could not be powered on, leaving important questions about the operating system, display technology, cameras, performance and other hardware specifications unanswered.
Early Reactions Are Divided
The leaked design has generated a mixed response from potential buyers.
Some viewers expressed excitement about Apple finally entering the foldable smartphone market, while others criticised the proportions and button placement.
One commenter said they had hoped the phone would be taller when closed and described the apparent design as disappointing.
Another questioned the decision to put the volume controls on the top of the handset when it is held vertically.
Others were even more direct, simply saying they did not like the appearance of the fold.
The reaction highlights the challenge Apple could face if it introduces a radically different form factor after years of maintaining a relatively familiar iPhone design.
Apple’s September Event Could End the Speculation
Consumers will not have to wait much longer for answers.
Apple’s 2026 launch event is scheduled for September 9 at 10am local time, or 6pm BST. The presentation is expected to provide the first official details about the company’s latest iPhone generation and potentially its long-rumoured foldable model.
The event is also taking place shortly after a major leadership transition at Apple.
John Ternus, the company’s highly regarded hardware chief, is taking over as chief executive from longtime leader Tim Cook.
Cook, who has led Apple for 15 years, is moving into the role of executive chairman.
Ternus Era Could Bring a Strong Hardware Focus
Ternus has developed a reputation within Apple as a product-focused executive, particularly through his work overseeing the company’s hardware operations.
His arrival as CEO has therefore added another layer of interest to this year’s product event.
If Apple does unveil a foldable iPhone, the product could become an important statement about the company’s hardware ambitions under its new leadership.
The company is also expected to introduce additional products and updates during the event, potentially making the September presentation one of Apple’s most significant in years.
Apple’s Long Road From the Apple I to Foldable Phones
A foldable iPhone would represent another major chapter in a product history that began with the original Apple I in 1976.
Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, before the company expanded rapidly with the Apple II in 1977.
The Macintosh followed in 1984, while Jobs eventually returned to the company in the late 1990s after Apple agreed to acquire NeXT.
The early 2000s brought a succession of transformative products, including iTunes, Mac OS X and the iPod. In 2007, Apple fundamentally changed the mobile phone market with the launch of the first iPhone.
The iPad arrived in 2010, followed by the Apple Watch in 2014 and the iPhone X in 2017, which introduced a dramatically redesigned front display and Face ID.
Apple Has Continued to Reinvent Its Product Strategy
The company has since expanded beyond traditional hardware categories while responding to changing consumer expectations.
Apple introduced features designed to encourage healthier device use in iOS 12, while its financial performance came under pressure in 2019 amid weaker demand, particularly in China.
The coronavirus pandemic then forced Apple to close its physical retail stores outside China in 2020.
The company subsequently placed greater emphasis on environmental targets, new iPhone generations and services, while also entering artificial intelligence with Apple Intelligence in 2024.
Many of those AI features were introduced gradually, with some capabilities delayed beyond the initial launch.
The Foldable iPhone Could Mark Another Turning Point
Apple has never officially confirmed the leaked device, meaning the model shown by Hilsenteger should be treated as an unofficial representation rather than proof of the final product.
Even so, the leak has intensified anticipation ahead of Apple’s September event.
A foldable iPhone would put Apple directly into one of the smartphone industry’s most closely watched hardware categories and could give the company an opportunity to redefine what its premium iPhone range looks like.
What’s Next?
The biggest questions will be answered when Apple takes the stage on September 9. Until then, details about the alleged iPhone 18 Ultra remain unconfirmed.
The final device could differ substantially from the model shown in the leaked footage, particularly in areas such as the hinge, buttons, cameras and overall dimensions.
Apple has not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the device, and the company has been contacted for comment.
Summary
An alleged iPhone 18 Ultra mock-up has surfaced online just days before Apple’s 2026 event, showing a book-style foldable design with a large internal display, dual rear cameras and an unusual button arrangement.
The model reportedly originated from a Chinese source and was showcased by Unbox Therapy creator Lewis Hilsenteger. Although the device could not be switched on and its prominent hinge may not reflect Apple’s final design, the footage has sparked widespread debate.
With Apple’s September 9 event approaching and John Ternus beginning his tenure as CEO, the company could soon reveal whether the long-awaited foldable iPhone is finally becoming reality.
