Apple iPhone Ultra to debut foldable design with vapor‑chamber cooling

Apple is preparing a foldable iPhone Ultra that will use a vapor‑chamber cooling system borrowed from graphics‑card technology. The device is expected to ship in September, with an estimated production run of about 10 million units, up from earlier forecasts of 7‑8 million. When unfolded, the phone will display a 7.8‑inch screen, while folded it will have a 5.5‑inch front panel and a thickness of just 4.5 mm, thinner than the iPhone Air. It will be powered by a new A20 Pro chip built on a 2 nm process and feature dual 48 MP cameras.

Separately, the European Union’s new battery‑regulation, set to take effect in 2027, requires smartphones to have easily removable batteries. Apple’s current iPhone lineup meets three exemption criteria—battery lifespan of 500 cycles at 83 % capacity, 1 000 cycles at 80 % capacity, and IP67 water‑dust protection—so the rule will not force a redesign. Apple already offers a self‑repair battery‑replacement program, and the regulation does not affect devices like Nintendo’s Switch 2, which must comply fully.