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iPhone Ultra testers share first impressions — and it's a mixed bag

The iPhone Ultra is pocketable and powerful, but makes some glaring compromises.

By Anam Hamid

Published: Aug 23, 2026, 10:32 AM

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Not that it's going to matter to iOS users. | Image by @MajinBuofficia

Samsung may have one-upped Apple with its compact Galaxy Z Fold 8, but the Cupertino giant's fashionably late first bendable handset could give the category the jolt it needs. While the iPhone Fold or Ultra, or whatever it may end up being called, will be exciting for numerous reasons, a couple of trade-offs might hold it back.

The good

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is back with another edition of his Power On newsletter, with this one discussing the prospects of the iPhone Ultra.

The device could be Apple's first "truly exciting" product in a decade. People who have used the iPhone Ultra praise it for its pocketability, the feel and durability of its hinge mechanism, and the iPad-like interface. It also works as an excellent camera viewfinder.

Despite being late to the game, Apple's brand power and pent-up demand will make it a huge success. It's also expected to uplift the wider foldable market by raising awareness of bendable phones.

Why are you waiting for the iPhone Ultra?

The bad

The iPhone Ultra will likely cross the $2,000 mark, but despite that sky-high price, it will omit the telephoto camera. The device will likely also forgo Face ID in favor of Touch ID, which will again feel like a downgrade.

Read more about the foldable iPhone's hinge:

The USP

The iPhone Ultra will reportedly feature a liquid metal hinge. This amorphous, high-strength, lightweight metal alloy can resist heavy pulling or stretching forces without snapping and has high elasticity. The use of the material should make the foldable's hinge highly durable.

The iPad-like user interface and side-by-side apps will make multitasking a breeze on the device. However, it will still run iOS, so it won't be as capable as an iPad for juggling multiple tasks at once.

The catch

Some analysts believe that the foldable will be undeserving of the Ultra moniker because its hamstrung specs. Meanwhile, Apple continues to run into problems, giving rise to reports about a delayed or limited launch.

The foldable iPhone will open up to an iPad Mini-like device, providing a differentiated experience to users. While a dual-camera setup and Face ID omission might make some customers back off, iOS users who have been yearning for an Apple-branded foldable will likely not mind.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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