A questionable last-minute rumor claims Apple could call its first foldable iPhone the “iPhone Duo,” rather than the iPhone Ultra name that has become widely associated with the device ahead of this week’s special event.
Apple leaker Majin Bu claimed on Sunday that, based on information he has heard, “iPhone Ultra” will not be the retail name and Apple will instead use “iPhone Duo.” The claim arrives just days before Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and shine” event, where the foldable iPhone is expected to make its debut.
Majin Bu claimed on X that the device will be called iPhone Duo, but there is currently no firm evidence confirming the name and the report should be treated with considerable caution.
The source has a mixed record when it comes to Apple leaks. Majin Bu has correctly reported a number of details in the past, including the iPhone 16e name, the Desert Titanium finish for the iPhone 16 Pro, the redesigned Milanese Loop for Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Mac-like menu bar introduced with iPadOS 26.
However, other claims have failed to materialize or have only been partially accurate. Majin Bu incorrectly suggested the iPhone 16e would use a Dynamic Island rather than a notch, previously reported an imminent iPad 11 launch that did not happen on the claimed timetable, and initially misidentified an alleged iPhone 17 Pro battery as a component for the iPhone 17 Air before correcting the report.
That track record makes the iPhone Duo claim worth noting, particularly this close to Apple’s event, but not strong enough to treat the branding as settled.
The Duo name itself is not completely alien to Apple. The company previously sold the PowerBook Duo family and later used the branding for its MagSafe Duo Charger. Applied to a foldable iPhone, Duo could also reference the device’s two-screen design.
There is also some separate chatter surrounding the name. MacRumors recently examined the possibility of iPhone Duo but said there was no actual evidence Apple would use it. Reports on Sunday also pointed to an apparent case listing using the iPhone Duo name, although accessory makers can use placeholder names before Apple officially reveals products.
By comparison, iPhone Ultra has received support from more established reporting. Former Macworld reporter Filipe Espósito previously cited a source familiar with Apple’s plans who said the foldable would use the Ultra name, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said the device is referred to as iPhone Ultra by many employees inside Apple. Gurman has stopped short of confirming that this will be the final retail branding.
Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone during Wednesday’s “Surprise and shine” special event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The device is expected to open like a book to reveal a larger internal display, with reports pointing to an A20 Pro chip, Apple’s C2 modem, dual rear cameras and Touch ID rather than Face ID.
Whether Apple ultimately calls it iPhone Ultra, iPhone Duo or something else should finally be settled when the company takes the wraps off the device on Wednesday.