Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, this fall. This high-end model introduces several groundbreaking features that distinguish it from previous iPhone iterations.
Design: Book-Style Fold with Titanium Frame and Crease-Free Display
The iPhone Ultra adopts a unique book-style fold, resulting in a device that is wider than it is tall when unfolded. The outer display is shorter and wider compared to traditional iPhone screens, while the inner display closely resembles the size and shape of an iPad mini. Notably, the inner screen is designed to be crease-free, addressing a common issue in foldable devices. The device features a titanium border and maintains an ultra-thin profile when unfolded, resembling two iPhone Airs stacked together when folded, but thinner.
Displays: Innovative Sizes and Orientations
The iPhone Ultra is equipped with two displays: an outer screen measuring approximately 5.3 to 5.5 inches and an inner screen ranging from 7.6 to 7.8 inches. The outer display offers a wider aspect ratio, akin to an iPhone mini, while the inner display provides a tablet-like experience similar to the iPad mini.
Cameras: Dual Rear and Front-Facing Lenses
The device features two rear cameras: a 48MP Main lens and a 48MP Ultra Wide lens. Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone Ultra does not include a Telephoto lens, which means users will miss out on enhanced zoom capabilities. Additionally, the foldable design incorporates two front-facing cameras—one for each display—likely utilizing the 18MP Center Stage camera introduced with the iPhone 17.
Software: iOS 27 Multitasking Enhancements
Running on iOS 27, the iPhone Ultra introduces exclusive features tailored for its foldable design. These include side-by-side app multitasking and iPad-like app layouts, enhancing productivity and user experience on the larger inner display.
Performance: A20 Pro Chip and C2 Cellular Modem
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is powered by the new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process and utilizing Wafer-level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology for improved efficiency. The device includes 12GB of RAM with faster LPDDR5 memory for enhanced performance. Connectivity is bolstered by Apple’s in-house C2 cellular modem, replacing Qualcomm’s 5G modems and offering several new benefits.
Touch ID Integration
In a departure from recent models, the iPhone Ultra reintroduces Touch ID, integrated into the power button. This decision stems from the device’s thinness, which posed challenges in accommodating Face ID components for both displays. The implementation is similar to that found in the iPad Air and iPad mini.
With a rumored starting price around $1,999 for the 256GB model, the iPhone Ultra is positioned as Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date. By combining the functionalities of an iPhone and an iPad into a single device, Apple aims to justify this premium pricing. The introduction of the iPhone Ultra signifies a significant step in Apple’s innovation trajectory, potentially setting new standards for foldable smartphones in the industry.
