Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag

[MacRumors]

Apple's first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," could be missing at least five key features present on the iPhone 18 Pro models despite its $2,000 price point.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Recent images of dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev seem to reveal two previously undiscussed missing features of the iPhone Ultra: MagSafe and the Action Button.

iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a high level of accuracy and manufacturing precision.

Both sets of dummy models show that the volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini. This aspect was first rumored by Weibo leaker "Instant Digital," who said that the motherboard is apparently located on the right side of the device. As to not run cables across the screen to the left side for the volume buttons (where they are located on all other iPhone models), Apple is said to have decided to run them directly upwards, which maximizes internal space.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

While a power button and volume buttons in their new location are clearly visible on the dummy models, the Action button is curiously missing. This suggests that the iPhone Ultra will be the first iPhone model with no Action button or silent switch. Apple introduced the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro as a replacement for the silent switch, and it has since come to every available iPhone model.

The images of the foldable iPhone dummy models shared so far have been shown alongside mock iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units. These dupes for the high-end models, like most dummies, clearly show precise indentations for the internal array of MagSafe magnets to help manufacturers obtain correct alignment with their accessories.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

Crucially, these indentations are absent on the foldable iPhone dummies, suggesting that the device may not have MagSafe. This aspect remains speculative, but at 4.5mm, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone to date by a considerable margin, so it is not implausible that it could be too thin for MagSafe.

The iPhone Ultra is believed to be too thin to accommodate Apple's TrueDepth camera array, which is required for Face ID authentication and now located in the Dynamic Island. As a result, Apple is expected to revert to Touch ID on the device. The last iPhone to feature Touch ID was 2022's iPhone SE 3, where it was part of the device's budget offering. The last flagship iPhone with Touch ID was 2016's iPhone 7, so the return of Touch ID as the sole method of authentication on what will be the highest-end iPhone will be unprecedented.

Image via Sonny Dickson.​

As visible on the dummy models, which corroborate a multitude rumors, the iPhone Ultra is expected to sport only two rear cameras. These are expected to be wide and ultra wide cameras, just like the iPhone 17. Unlike the Pro iPhones, there will be no third camera with telephoto capabilities.

Previous rumors indicate that the iPhone Ultra will also not have a SIM card slot, again just like the iPhone Air, being compatible with eSIM only. As a result, the iPhone Ultra could be missing the following features:

• Face ID/TrueDepth camera array
• Telephoto camera/third rear camera
• MagSafe
• Action Button
• Physical SIM card slot

The iPhone Air lacks Ultra Wide and Telephoto rear cameras, a SIM card slot, and stereo speakers. With a super-thin design, a titanium frame, and a glass back, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be very similar to the iPhone Air in terms of design, and it is possible that similar feature concessions will be present on the device when it launches later this year. There are no indications that the iPhone Ultra will be missing stereo speakers, but it is not out of the question given the other design compromises Apple has chosen to make with the device.

The rumored starting price for the iPhone Ultra varies somewhat, but reports agree that it will not be below $1,999. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and has all of the above missing features, so the iPhone Ultra's compromises could be controversial given its markedly higher price point. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall.

Article Link: Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag

 

[HouseLannister]

I think people keep posting $2000 in an effort to manifest that price. I am betting closer to $2200-2300.

 

[M4irmidnight]

No te

Apple's first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," could be missing at least five key features present on the iPhone 18 Pro models despite its $2,000 price point.

Recent images of dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev seem to reveal two previously undiscussed missing features of the iPhone Ultra: MagSafe and the Action Button.

iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a high level of accuracy and manufacturing precision.

Both sets of dummy models show that the volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini. This aspect was first rumored by Weibo leaker "Instant Digital," who said that the motherboard is apparently located on the right side of the device. As to not run cables across the screen to the left side for the volume buttons (where they are located on all other iPhone models), Apple is said to have decided to run them directly upwards, which maximizes internal space.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

While a power button and volume buttons in their new location are clearly visible on the dummy models, the Action button is curiously missing. This suggests that the iPhone Ultra will be the first iPhone model with no Action button or silent switch. Apple introduced the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro as a replacement for the silent switch, and it has since come to every available iPhone model.

The images of the foldable iPhone dummy models shared so far have been shown alongside mock iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units. These dupes for the high-end models, like most dummies, clearly show precise indentations for the internal array of MagSafe magnets to help manufacturers obtain correct alignment with their accessories.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

Crucially, these indentations are absent on the foldable iPhone dummies, suggesting that the device may not have MagSafe. This aspect remains speculative, but at 4.5mm, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone to date by a considerable margin, so it is not implausible that it could be too thin for MagSafe.

The iPhone Ultra is believed to be too thin to accommodate Apple's TrueDepth camera array, which is required for Face ID authentication and now located in the Dynamic Island. As a result, Apple is expected to revert to Touch ID on the device. The last iPhone to feature Touch ID was 2022's iPhone SE 3, where it was part of the device's budget offering. The last flagship iPhone with Touch ID was 2016's iPhone 7, so the return of Touch ID as the sole method of authentication on what will be the highest-end iPhone will be unprecedented.

Image via Sonny Dickson.​

As visible on the dummy models, which corroborate a multitude rumors, the iPhone Ultra is expected to sport only two rear cameras. These are expected to be wide and ultra wide cameras, just like the iPhone 17. Unlike the Pro iPhones, there will be no third camera with telephoto capabilities.

Previous rumors indicate that the iPhone Ultra will also not have a SIM card slot, again just like the iPhone Air, being compatible with eSIM only. As a result, the iPhone Ultra could be missing the following features:

• Face ID/TrueDepth camera array
  
• Telephoto camera/third rear camera
  
• MagSafe
  
• Action Button
  
• Physical SIM card slot

The iPhone Air lacks Ultra Wide and Telephoto rear cameras, a SIM card slot, and stereo speakers. With a super-thin design, a titanium frame, and a glass back, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be very similar to the iPhone Air in terms of design, and it is possible that similar feature concessions will be present on the device when it launches later this year. There are no indications that the iPhone Ultra will be missing stereo speakers, but it is not out of the question given the other design compromises Apple has chosen to make with the device.

The rumored starting price for the iPhone Ultra varies somewhat, but reports agree that it will not be below $1,999. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and has all of the above missing features, so the iPhone Ultra's compromises could be controversial given its markedly higher price point. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall.

Article Link: Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag

No telephoto camera lenses is a no go for me. Reason why I skipped the air. I’m not going from my 15 pro to a worse camera . It’s my only camera and I find I use the zoom way more than ultra wide.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Hoping for telephoto & MagSafe. The rest of the "missing features" wouldn't bother me.

 

[Kosimo]

I think people keep posting $2000 in an effort to manifest that price. I am betting closer to $2200-2300.

Which in Europe is gonna be about 2500€…

We should totally wait for the second or third generation before making the jump

 

[sherwinzadeh]

I don't see how they can call it iPhone Ultra if it's missing the third camera. Ultra's gotta mean it's better than Pro Max.

 

[applicious84]

Is less expensive a feature?

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

Keep telling you, folks.

Come back to revisit this at the third iteration

 

[jayducharme]

There appear to be holes on the top of the device for a speaker, so it's possible there are similar holes on the bottom of that half, which could create a stereo effect (albeit in portrait orientation).

 

[contacos]

I know Apple is keeping certain features intentionally for the 2nd Gen but Samsung in it's 8th iteration looking more and more like a much better deal if you are not stuck in the Apple ecosystem. At least it already got a 200 MP main camera and also a telephoto, weights less than an iPhone 17 Pro Max and is also below 9 mm when folded. Sorry to say but this one is giving Google Pixel Fold 1.

Wild to think it won't even have MagSafe, one less thing to make it stand out from it's competitors.

Will it at least have pen support??? Oppo Find N6 supports it on BOTH screens and still managed to put in a 6,000 mah battery with 50w wireless and 80w wired charging.

 

[alexandr]

I don't want a foldphone, but if I did — lack of MagSafe would piss me the F off.

 

[Dark-Signature]

What a massive block (with that camera mountain)...

 

[pcd213]

I wasn't happy about not having a telephoto lens but that was expected. Not having MagSafe charging would be a real, real disappointment.

I suppose the only way to overcome the lack of MagSafe for me is to come with a silicon carbon that lasts a very, very long time, but I highly doubt it will.

 

[I7guy]

Don’t care about MagSafe that much. But the telephoto lens will be missed.

 

[zedsdead]

Lack of MagSafe is immediate no buy.

Bad enough no Face ID and the Telephoto lens. But that will seal the deal for me.

 

[HouseLannister]

If the first gen does well, I wouldn't be surprised if we get iPad-esque pogo pins in gen 2 instead of MagSafe. Apple would love to sell you a $250 keyboard for your folding phone.

 

[transpo1]

I don't see how they can call it iPhone Ultra if it's missing the third camera. Ultra's gotta mean it's better than Pro Max.

I agree. I bet you Apple will have some solution for this— a magical new digital crop using main lens.

I wasn't happy about not having a telephoto lens but that was expected. Not having MagSafe charging would be a real, real disappointment.

I’m really interested in this phone but without MagSafe and the Action Button (which I use a lot), this is fast becoming a hard pass for me.

 

[chars1ub0w]

I guess repair costs for that folding screen are going to be sky-high. So, AppleCare+ will be extremely expensive. 2TB SSD would be nice. if they use a 200MP main sensor, they can achieve zoom through cropping. It will be a status symbol, so I don't see any problems with them selling out. However, as others have pointed out, give Apple another year to optimize the design.

 

[dandyryan]

The iPad Mini is $399, but have fun paying 5x more to make it fold

 

[pcd213]

I agree. I bet you Apple will have some solution for this— a magical new digital crop using main lens.

I’m really interested in this phone but without MagSafe and the Action Button (which I use a lot), this is fast becoming a hard pass for me.

Yes, I didn't even comment on lack of action button. I have always used the flashlight function for my action button. At night, it's a savior to have at the ready.

 

[CarAnalogy]

I think people keep posting $2000 in an effort to manifest that price. I am betting closer to $2200-2300.

I'm thinking "starts at $1999" for a configuration no one will want, or without necessary accessories. Final cost will be higher as always.

 

[tricksteruk]

Best to wait for gen 2 in 2027 I think, plus foldables are for people who really baby their phones (like me) I've never cracked a screen in 20 years

 

[Runaway Train]

What a massive block (with that camera mountain)...

Yep, a big, thick, ugly, late-to-market, overpriced phone ….

Waiting for … »can’t innovate my ass! »

 

[MarkNewton2023]

Apple's first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," could be missing at least five key features present on the iPhone 18 Pro models despite its $2,000 price point.

Recent images of dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev seem to reveal two previously undiscussed missing features of the iPhone Ultra: MagSafe and the Action Button.

iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a high level of accuracy and manufacturing precision.

Both sets of dummy models show that the volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini. This aspect was first rumored by Weibo leaker "Instant Digital," who said that the motherboard is apparently located on the right side of the device. As to not run cables across the screen to the left side for the volume buttons (where they are located on all other iPhone models), Apple is said to have decided to run them directly upwards, which maximizes internal space.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

While a power button and volume buttons in their new location are clearly visible on the dummy models, the Action button is curiously missing. This suggests that the iPhone Ultra will be the first iPhone model with no Action button or silent switch. Apple introduced the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro as a replacement for the silent switch, and it has since come to every available iPhone model.

The images of the foldable iPhone dummy models shared so far have been shown alongside mock iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units. These dupes for the high-end models, like most dummies, clearly show precise indentations for the internal array of MagSafe magnets to help manufacturers obtain correct alignment with their accessories.

Image via Vadim Yuryev.​

Crucially, these indentations are absent on the foldable iPhone dummies, suggesting that the device may not have MagSafe. This aspect remains speculative, but at 4.5mm, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone to date by a considerable margin, so it is not implausible that it could be too thin for MagSafe.

The iPhone Ultra is believed to be too thin to accommodate Apple's TrueDepth camera array, which is required for Face ID authentication and now located in the Dynamic Island. As a result, Apple is expected to revert to Touch ID on the device. The last iPhone to feature Touch ID was 2022's iPhone SE 3, where it was part of the device's budget offering. The last flagship iPhone with Touch ID was 2016's iPhone 7, so the return of Touch ID as the sole method of authentication on what will be the highest-end iPhone will be unprecedented.

Image via Sonny Dickson.​

As visible on the dummy models, which corroborate a multitude rumors, the iPhone Ultra is expected to sport only two rear cameras. These are expected to be wide and ultra wide cameras, just like the iPhone 17. Unlike the Pro iPhones, there will be no third camera with telephoto capabilities.

Previous rumors indicate that the iPhone Ultra will also not have a SIM card slot, again just like the iPhone Air, being compatible with eSIM only. As a result, the iPhone Ultra could be missing the following features:

• Face ID/TrueDepth camera array
  
• Telephoto camera/third rear camera
  
• MagSafe
  
• Action Button
  
• Physical SIM card slot

The iPhone Air lacks Ultra Wide and Telephoto rear cameras, a SIM card slot, and stereo speakers. With a super-thin design, a titanium frame, and a glass back, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be very similar to the iPhone Air in terms of design, and it is possible that similar feature concessions will be present on the device when it launches later this year. There are no indications that the iPhone Ultra will be missing stereo speakers, but it is not out of the question given the other design compromises Apple has chosen to make with the device.

The rumored starting price for the iPhone Ultra varies somewhat, but reports agree that it will not be below $1,999. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and has all of the above missing features, so the iPhone Ultra's compromises could be controversial given its markedly higher price point. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall.

Article Link: Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag

All missing features are no big deal for me. I am still looking forward to getting it ❤️❤️❤️

 

[sonicrobby]

Wow, I did not care about most of the sacrifices of the phone, but that MagSafe is hitting me. Will get it regardless, but I’ll have to rethink my travel accessories. That’s the most upsetting loss for me.