Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, is set to launch this fall, marking a significant milestone in the company's product line. For years, rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated, and now Apple is ready to enter the foldable market with a device that promises to blend the best of an iPhone and an iPad into a single, premium package. With a rumored name of iPhone Ultra, this high-end model is expected to introduce six key features that set it apart from the rest of the iPhone lineup.

Design: Book-style fold with titanium, crease-free display

The iPhone Ultra represents a radical departure from traditional iPhone designs. Unlike the bar-shaped iPhones we've seen for years, the Ultra adopts a book-style fold, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series but with Apple's signature refinement. The device unfolds to reveal a large inner display, and when folded, it offers a compact outer screen. This form factor aims to combine portability with a tablet-like experience.

One of the most anticipated breakthroughs is the crease-free inner display. Many foldable phones on the market, including those from Samsung, suffer from a visible crease where the screen bends. Apple's engineering team has reportedly developed a new hinge mechanism and display technology that eliminates this crease entirely. The device will also feature a titanium border, borrowing design cues from the iPhone Air, making it both durable and lightweight. When unfolded, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be ultra-thin, and when folded, it resembles two iPhone Airs stacked together but is even thinner. Rumors suggest only two color options will be available: black and white, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Comparing to competitors, the iPhone Ultra's design challenges the status quo. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6, for example, is already a mature product, but Apple's entry could set a new standard for build quality and display perfection. The use of titanium not only adds a premium feel but also reduces weight, addressing a common complaint about foldables being too heavy.

Displays: Unique sizes and orientations

The iPhone Ultra will feature two displays, each tailored for different use cases. The outer display measures between 5.3 and 5.5 inches, with a wider aspect ratio than typical iPhone screens. This makes it resemble an iPhone mini but wider, suitable for quick interactions like notifications or calls. When unfolded, the inner display ranges from 7.6 to 7.8 inches, nearly matching the size of an iPad mini. This creates an immersive canvas for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.

Apple's display technology is expected to be top-tier, with ProMotion support for smooth 120Hz refresh rates on both screens. The outer display is likely to use a durable glass like Ceramic Shield, while the inner display will rely on a flexible OLED panel. The aspect ratio of the inner display is designed to feel natural when holding in landscape or portrait mode, offering a versatile experience that adapts to content. For instance, reading documents or web pages will feel more like a mini tablet than a stretched phone.

The unique size and orientation also facilitate software features exclusive to iOS 27. Side-by-side app multitasking, a staple on iPads, will be available on the iPhone Ultra, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously. iPad-like app layouts will also be supported, taking advantage of the larger screen real estate. While the device won't run iPadOS, it will borrow many software conveniences from Apple's tablet operating system, bridging the gap between phone and tablet.

Cameras: Two rear lenses, plus two front-facing

The camera system on the iPhone Ultra has been a topic of debate among fans. Unlike the Pro models, which feature a triple-lens array including a Telephoto camera, the Ultra will only have two rear cameras: a 48MP Main and a 48MP Ultra Wide. This means users lose the dedicated zoom lens, but Apple believes the combination of high-resolution sensors and computational photography can compensate. The 48MP Main sensor, likely the same as found in the iPhone 18 Pro, delivers excellent image quality with improved low-light performance via pixel binning.

The Ultra Wide camera also gets a 48MP sensor, a significant upgrade from previous generations, enabling ultra-wide shots with more detail. This setup prioritizes versatility, catering to landscape and architectural photography, while for telephoto needs, users may rely on digital zoom or external accessories. However, for those who prioritize zoom capabilities, the Pro models remain the better choice.

Additionally, the iPhone Ultra includes two front-facing cameras: one for the outer display and one for the inner display. Each is rumored to use an 18MP sensor with Center Stage support, a feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep users in frame during video calls. The cameras are housed in a hole-punch cutout, avoiding the notch or Dynamic Island seen on other iPhone models. This design decision aligns with the Ultra's focus on maximizing screen real estate.

Software: iOS 27 multitasking features

iOS 27 is expected to introduce software features exclusively for the iPhone Ultra, capitalizing on its foldable form factor. According to reports, the two major upgrades are side-by-side apps for multitasking and iPad-like app layouts. This means users can drag and drop app icons to create split-screen views, similar to iPadOS. While the device won't support the full windowing features of iPadOS 26, it will offer a curated multitasking experience that Apple believes is optimal for the foldable.

Developers are expected to update their apps to take advantage of the larger inner display, providing tailored layouts that dynamically adjust when the device is folded or unfolded. Apple's own apps, such as Safari, Mail, and Notes, will likely offer enhanced functionality. For example, Safari could display a dual-pane view with a list of tabs on one side and the web page on the other. The transition between the outer and inner displays will be seamless, with apps resizing intelligently.

User interface elements like the control center and notification center may also be redesigned for the Ultra. Widgets could be placed more freely on the home screen, and the app library might offer new sorting options. These software enhancements are crucial to differentiate the Ultra from other iPhones and justify its premium price.

Apple Silicon: A20 Pro chip, C2 cellular modem

Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra will be powered by the A20 Pro chip, fabricated on a new 2-nanometer process. This represents a generational leap in performance and efficiency, thanks to the smaller transistor size. The A20 Pro also utilizes Wafer-level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, which integrates multiple chips into a single package for better thermal management and power distribution. Compared to the A19 Pro, the A20 Pro offers 12GB of RAM, unchanged in capacity but upgraded to faster LPDDR5 memory, improving overall speed.

The C2 cellular modem is Apple's second-generation in-house 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm's solutions. Apple has been working on its own modems for years to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers. The C2 modem promises better power efficiency, faster peak speeds, and improved signal reception. It also supports the latest 5G standards, including mmWave and sub-6GHz bands, ensuring global compatibility. The combination of the A20 Pro and C2 modem positions the iPhone Ultra as one of the most powerful and connected smartphones available.

Background on Apple's chip design history: Apple's transition from Intel to Apple Silicon in Macs revolutionized the industry, and the A-series chips have consistently led in mobile performance. The A20 Pro is expected to maintain that tradition, with early benchmarks suggesting a 20-30% improvement over the A19 Pro. This processing power is essential for driving the two high-resolution displays and enabling advanced multitasking without lag.

Touch ID

In a surprising move, the iPhone Ultra will not feature Face ID. Instead, Apple is bringing back Touch ID, integrated into the power button. This decision is driven by the device's thinness; Apple reportedly could not fit the necessary Face ID components—TrueDepth camera array, infrared projector, and flood illuminator—into the tight chassis, especially for two separate modules (one for each display). Touch ID on the power button works similarly to that on the iPad Air and iPad mini, offering a fast and reliable biometric authentication method.

While some may view this as a downgrade, Touch ID has its advantages. In situations where Face ID fails, such as when wearing a mask or glasses, Touch ID remains effective. It also allows for quick authentication without having to align the device with your face. The placement on the power button is ergonomic, easily accessible when holding the phone in either orientation. Apple may also support multiple fingerprints, enabling different users to unlock the device.

The absence of Face ID is a trade-off, but it reflects Apple's prioritization of thinness and design over advanced security. Future iterations might incorporate Face ID if component miniaturization improves. For now, the iPhone Ultra offers a nostalgic touch while maintaining modern security standards.

Pricing and market positioning

Rumored pricing for the iPhone Ultra varies widely, but most analysts agree on a starting price around $1,999 for a 256GB model. This would make it the most expensive iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Some speculation suggests a lower starting price to attract early adopters, while others believe Apple could charge even more, given the advanced technology and unique form factor. The price point positions the Ultra as a niche product for enthusiasts, professionals, and early adopters who value cutting-edge innovation.

Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (priced around $1,799) and the Google Pixel Fold 2 (expected around $1,799), the iPhone Ultra is slightly more expensive but offers Apple's ecosystem integration, premium build, and exclusive software. Apple's loyal customer base may be willing to pay the premium for a device that seamlessly integrates with other Apple products like Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch. The Ultra also fills a gap for users who want an iPhone with a larger screen without carrying a separate iPad.

From a historical perspective, Apple has successfully launched higher-priced products like the iPhone X ($999) and iPhone 14 Pro Max ($1,099), which were initially seen as expensive but became mainstream. The Ultra, however, targets a smaller market, likely appealing to tech enthusiasts and professionals who need a versatile device for work and play. The success of the Ultra could pave the way for future foldable iPhones or influence Apple's strategy for hybrid devices.

Ultimately, the iPhone Ultra represents Apple's boldest experiment in smartphone design. With six compelling features—a crease-free foldable display, dual displays, advanced camera system, exclusive software, powerful silicon, and Touch ID—it aims to redefine what an iPhone can be. Whether it becomes a bestseller or a niche product, it marks a new chapter in Apple's history, bringing the company into the foldable era with a device that prioritizes innovation and user experience. The fall launch will be closely watched, and early adopters will shape the narrative around this ambitious product.

Source: 9to5Mac News