Apple's iPhone Ultra isn't for you. Here's who it's really for
From advantages and trade-offs to price, Mark Gurman has shared some interesting details about the iPhone Ultra.
iPhone Ultra renders. | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone Ultra is just a week away from officially being unveiled at Apple's Surprise and Shine event. Mark Gurman, who has been regularly following all the developments around Apple's first foldable, has recently shared more details about it. Specifically, he has talked about the areas in which the device could excel, as well as some of its trade-offs.
While we'll get to know the exact pricing details of the foldable at the upcoming event, reports suggest that it could cost more than $2,000. For comparison, the recently released Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099. Looking at such a hefty price tag, the first question that can come to the minds of die-hard Apple fans is whether the price is justified or whether the device offers such incredible specifications that it can become their daily driver.
Gurman reportedly said in an interview that you should only get the Apple foldable if you really want it. He goes on to mention that you should not spend more than $2,000 on a phone because of its "super-advanced hinge and the ability to open to the size of an iPad." For reference, Apple is reportedly using advanced liquid metal to improve hinge durability, and its inner folding display is reported to be 7.8 inches, which is very close to an iPad Mini.
The tipster believes that the Apple foldable isn't your regular iPhone; instead, it's an "ultimate status symbol phone."
Mark Gurman believes that Apple is going to position its first foldable as the device that's best for stuff like browsing the internet, playing games, and watching videos. The phone's big camera viewfinder is another thing that the tech giant reportedly believes will impress users.
Gurman reportedly mentioned that the foldable iPhone will most likely turn out to be more durable than any other foldable present in the market, and the reason behind this is the use of the liquid metal hinge. The crease is also expected to be less visible than in any of the available competitors, though it might not be completely invisible.
One of the biggest advantages the device will have from day one is that it will have apps specially optimized for it. You will find many reports online of users complaining that certain apps, like Instagram, aren't properly optimized for foldables. But Gurman believes that users won't face this issue on the iPhone Ultra.
Apple has actually been working on completely revamping the iOS apps to work perfectly on its folding phone. The layouts of these apps are reportedly being changed to look and function very similarly to iPadOS apps.
The foldable is also reported to offer MagSafe charging. This is one of the features you don't get in the recently released Samsung foldable.
Since the iPhone Ultra is expected to be one of the most expensive iPhones ever, you would expect it to be perfect in all departments. However, that apparently would not be the case. The biggest trade-off you are likely to see in the phone, according to Gurman, is that it is not going to feature a telephoto lens, unlike the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The iPhone Ultra is also reported to be the first iPhone after the iPhone X that won't be compatible with Face ID, and only support Touch ID. Gurman, however, doesn't see this as a major deal-breaker, as Apple users are used to this authentication method, which is available on the iPad and Mac.
I, personally, believe that the iPhone Ultra is shaping up to be a great foldable and could turn out to be a go-to option for users who want a foldable experience but with the iOS feel. The unavailability of a telephoto lens could certainly turn out to be one of its biggest weak points. However, it's worth noting that the Z Fold 8 also only has a main and ultrawide camera; still, it is selling so fast that Samsung has run into production issues.
The iPhone Ultra isn't for everyone
While we'll get to know the exact pricing details of the foldable at the upcoming event, reports suggest that it could cost more than $2,000. For comparison, the recently released Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099. Looking at such a hefty price tag, the first question that can come to the minds of die-hard Apple fans is whether the price is justified or whether the device offers such incredible specifications that it can become their daily driver.
The tipster believes that the Apple foldable isn't your regular iPhone; instead, it's an "ultimate status symbol phone."
What's you thought on the iPhone Ultra?
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The positives of the iPhone Ultra
Mark Gurman believes that Apple is going to position its first foldable as the device that's best for stuff like browsing the internet, playing games, and watching videos. The phone's big camera viewfinder is another thing that the tech giant reportedly believes will impress users.
Gurman reportedly mentioned that the foldable iPhone will most likely turn out to be more durable than any other foldable present in the market, and the reason behind this is the use of the liquid metal hinge. The crease is also expected to be less visible than in any of the available competitors, though it might not be completely invisible.
Apple has actually been working on completely revamping the iOS apps to work perfectly on its folding phone. The layouts of these apps are reportedly being changed to look and function very similarly to iPadOS apps.
The foldable is also reported to offer MagSafe charging. This is one of the features you don't get in the recently released Samsung foldable.
Don't forget to check out these stories:
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- I just learned 3 things that could make the iPhone Ultra one of 2026's best foldables
Everything isn't hunky-dory
Since the iPhone Ultra is expected to be one of the most expensive iPhones ever, you would expect it to be perfect in all departments. However, that apparently would not be the case. The biggest trade-off you are likely to see in the phone, according to Gurman, is that it is not going to feature a telephoto lens, unlike the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
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I, personally, believe that the iPhone Ultra is shaping up to be a great foldable and could turn out to be a go-to option for users who want a foldable experience but with the iOS feel. The unavailability of a telephoto lens could certainly turn out to be one of its biggest weak points. However, it's worth noting that the Z Fold 8 also only has a main and ultrawide camera; still, it is selling so fast that Samsung has run into production issues.
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