Apple's Foldable iPhone Ultra: Premium Price, Unexpected Trade-Offs
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable smartphone, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Ultra, with a starting price expected to exceed $2,000. However, despite this ultra-premium positioning and an anticipated ultra-thin design, the device may surprisingly lack several features currently standard on Apple's conventional flagship models, according to recent reports.
Price Point Raises Questions
Industry analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, estimate the iPhone Ultra could range from $2,000 to $2,500. This starkly contrasts with the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of $1,099, which offers a more comprehensive feature set. The significant price difference, coupled with potential feature omissions, could make the foldable a contentious proposition for early adopters.
Biometric Security Shift: Touch ID Over Face ID
To achieve its rumored ultra-thin profile, the iPhone Ultra may forego Apple's sophisticated TrueDepth camera system, which is essential for Face ID. Instead, reports suggest Apple could integrate a Touch ID fingerprint sensor into the side button. Both the inner and outer displays are still expected to feature front cameras, with the internal display reportedly housing a 24-megapixel under-display sensor.
Dual Rear Cameras, No Telephoto Lens
The camera system on the foldable iPhone Ultra is anticipated to feature two 48-megapixel rear cameras: a Wide and an Ultra Wide lens. Notably, it is expected to omit the third Telephoto lens found on current Pro models. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reportedly highlighted this as a potential disappointment for prospective buyers.
Missing Action Button and Physical SIM
Dummy models indicate that the foldable iPhone Ultra may not include an Action button or the traditional silent switch. The volume buttons are expected to be repositioned to the top edge, leaving the left side of the device bare. Furthermore, the device is projected to be eSIM-only, without support for a physical SIM card slot.
Limited 5G Connectivity
Another potential compromise involves 5G connectivity. Apple's proprietary C2 modem, rumored for the foldable, may not support mmWave 5G. This would limit the iPhone Ultra to sub-6GHz 5G, while US versions of the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to continue utilizing Qualcomm hardware for robust mmWave support.
MagSafe Expected
Despite these potential trade-offs, MagSafe wireless charging and accessory attachment is reportedly expected to be included. Initial uncertainties surrounding MagSafe integration appear to have been resolved, with leaked case designs also supporting its presence.
The iPhone Ultra is anticipated to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with a potential announcement date around September 9.