Apple is preparing to release its first product. The foldable iPhone, iPhone UltraiPhone 18 Pro is expected to be released on September 9. Various leaks and rumors have revealed many details, and now we have an overview of the device. It is expected to be released alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and become the most expensive model in the company’s history.
Despite its hefty price tag, the iPhone Ultra won’t include all the features of the Pro model. According to Mark Gurman and other sources, it will have significant camera and biometric compromises, but it will also have an innovative design and a clear focus on multitasking. Let’s wait and see.
Design and Screen: Double-panel book format
The iPhone Ultra will feature a 5.5-inch external screen and an internal screen that measures 7.8 inches when unfolded. This book-like design will bring an iPad mini-like usage experience and have more powerful multi-tasking capabilities. According to Mark Gurman, Apple’s design focus this time is on web browsing, video viewing and gaming experience. The inner screen has a relatively wide screen ratio and is designed for displaying content in landscape orientation.
The hinge is one of the most carefully considered components of the design. Although there have been rumors that a liquid metal hinge will be used, Gurman pointed out that even with a liquid metal hinge, the central crease will still be more obvious, but it will be better than other folding screen phones. The design team’s top priority was to ensure the hinge mechanism was durable and brought its durability close to that of a traditional iPhone.
Biometrics: Say goodbye to Face ID, hello Touch ID
One of the most noticeable absences will be the absence of Face ID. In order to reduce the thickness of the body and save space, Apple will re-enable Touch ID and possibly integrate it into the side buttons. While this decision is surprising, it is nothing new in the industry, and many users still prefer fingerprint unlocking. According to leaked information, the iPhone Ultra will not have facial recognition function, while the iPhone 18 Pro will retain this feature.
This compromise is due to space constraints inside foldable devices. To compensate, the phone is expected to be thinner than other foldable phones on the market, and Touch ID integration is expected to be smoother and faster.
Camera: No telephoto lens, but dual sensors
There will be some compromises when it comes to the camera system, too. The iPhone Ultra will be equipped with dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, including a main camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, but no telephoto camera. This means that optical zoom capabilities will be limited, and portrait shooting effects may be affected. In comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro will be equipped with a telephoto camera and variable aperture, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.
The lack of a telephoto lens may disappoint many, but Apple prioritized design and thickness. According to Gurman, the iPhone Ultra will not become the flagship camera model in Apple’s product line, but will focus on providing a comprehensive user experience.
Pricing and Availability: A big expense
The price of the iPhone Ultra will be high. According to information leaked by Vodafone Australia, the 256GB version in the country is priced at AU$3.699, the 512GB version is AU$4.199, and the 1TB version is AU$4.699. Directly converted to Australian dollars is… The price of the foldable iPhone is expected to be around 2.289 euros, but Apple may adjust the price according to the Spanish market and set it between 2.400 and 2.500 euros. There are also reports that the price may exceed $2,000, making it a highly coveted product.
Initial supply will be limited. It is expected to be launched in the United States first and then gradually expand to other countries, similar to the launch model of Apple Vision Pro. The first batch of stocks may sell out quickly, and international markets may have to wait several weeks.
Comparison with competitors
The iPhone Ultra will face competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which costs around 2.000 euros in Spain. The price difference can be hundreds of euros, but Apple is relying on its ecosystem and software optimizations to justify the difference. In addition, deep integration with iOS and advanced multitasking capabilities may also become its selling points.
Gurman pointed out that Apple has a significant advantage: years of working to ensure that applications can automatically adapt to different screen sizes. This means that the user experience can be more consistent from the start than on many foldable Android phones, where certain apps can stretch out of shape.
In short, the iPhone Ultra was hailed as a breakthrough device, but it also came with clear compromises. Its price, foldable design, and lack of some high-end features make it a product aimed at a specific user group. We’ll have to wait until September 9 to learn all the official details, but the leaked information already gives us a pretty clear idea of Apple’s plans.
