While the foldable iPhone (tentative name: iPhone Ultra) will have a selling price that is significantly higher than the iPhone 18 Pro Max (when compared with the same storage capacity), it is rumored that some features will be omitted.
We will summarize the main functional differences between iPhone Ultra and iPhone18 Pro Max.
Features not included in iPhone Ultra
There are three main features that are unlikely to be included in the iPhone Ultra:
- telephoto camera
- action button
- Face ID
Twin camera without telephoto
Based on the case, lens protection parts, and mockups that are said to be for the iPhone Ultra, it is expected that the main camera will be 2 eyes instead of 3 eyes.
Both devices will be equipped with a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, and the telephoto camera provided by the iPhone 18 Pro series is not expected to be installed. Therefore, for users who place importance on optical zoom, if the price exceeds 300,000 yen, it is likely that they will feel unsatisfied with the rumored price.
On the other hand, it is expected to be compatible with macro photography using the ultra-wide-angle camera, so the range that can be photographed will be wider than that of the single-lens camera iPhone Air.
In iOS27, “iPhone Handoff” will be added to allow users to use the same phone number on two iPhones. If you can use it with a compatible carrier, you can also use it with an iPhone 17 Pro etc. and use the Pro model only in situations where telephoto shooting is required.
However, “iPhone Handoff” requires support from carriers, and it is currently unclear whether it can be used in Japan.
No action button included
A recent mockup shows the iPhone Ultra’s right side button with Touch ID built-in side button and camera controls.
The most likely design is that the volume up/down buttons will be moved to the top of the device, and there will be no buttons on the left side.
If this configuration is correct, the iPhone Ultra will not only have an action button, but also a traditional ring/silent switch.
In addition to switching between silent modes, the action button can be assigned to operate the camera, flashlight, shortcuts, etc.
Since the iPhone Ultra does not have this physical button, it is thought that the same operability cannot be used as is.
Can you operate silent mode from the screen?
It is thought that even if there is no action button, the mute mode itself will not be available.
On compatible models of current iPhones, you can switch to mute mode from the Control Center or “Sounds & Haptics” in “Settings”.
Therefore, the iPhone Ultra may be designed to switch mute mode from the screen instead of using a hardware button.
It seems that shortcuts assigned to action buttons can also be replaced from the control center or home screen.
Biometric authentication uses Touch ID
Due to the iPhone Ultra’s thinner profile, it is said that it was not possible to secure space to install the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID.
Instead, it will use Touch ID with a built-in side button for biometric authentication, and is expected to use the same sensor whether it is folded or unfolded.
In the case of Face ID, sensor placement can be complicated to use on both the sub display and the main display.
By consolidating Touch ID in one place, it seems to be an advantage that it becomes easier to make the main body thinner and secure internal space.
The built-in Touch ID button has been used on the iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air, and users who use these devices will find it easy to get used to its operation.
Can you use both iPhone and iPad on one device?
While the iPhone Ultra will have some features omitted compared to the Pro model, it is expected to have a main display of approximately 7.8 inches when deployed.
iOS27 is also progressing with optimization of multitasking and app layouts that take advantage of the large screen, and is expected to be as easy to use as the iPad.
The ability to use it like a regular iPhone when folded and like a small iPad when unfolded is likely to be the biggest feature that existing iPhones don’t have.
Whether you can tolerate not having a telephoto camera or Face ID is likely to be divided depending on how attractive you find the large screen and portability.
Will features be added in future models?
It is expected that the foldable iPhone will improve its display size and internal structure with each successive generation, and increase the number of functions it can be equipped with.
There are rumors that the screen size will increase in the third generation model around 2028, and there is a possibility that there will be more space inside.
In the future, it is expected that functions that were left off in the first model will be adopted, such as the addition of a telephoto camera and support for Face ID.
Photo: Apple Hub/Facebook
Source: iPhone Mania
