Can add iPad Pro to the eSIM only class also as 2024. Apple has been laying the ground work so this move for multiple years. Folks in denial this isn't happening long term in more of the iPhone/iPad product line ups.
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Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag
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Can add iPad Pro to the eSIM only class also as 2024. Apple has been laying the ground work so this move for multiple years. Folks in denial this isn't happening long term in more of the iPhone/iPad product line ups.
gaximus
macrumors 68030
I use no case. Haven’t since the iPhone 4. A case with MagSafe gives you mounting, not charging(some cases give you charging, but then you have to remove the case if you want faster charging or access to the port). This phone is already going to be pretty thick, don’t want it thicker. Foldable phones have horrible cases, and usually only cover a small portion of the phone.
mintbliss
macrumors newbie
The folding iPhone is SUCH a mess against Apple’s usually design philosophy, they clearly need to change their design language for this product. The buttons being all in different areas, MagSafe potentially missing, and switching to Touch ID all just feels like too many compromises. I would love this device to be the best iPhone and an iPad but it seems like it’s just a regular iPhone and a regular iPad together. I’m still an iPhone Pro guy because of the cameras 🙏🏼 looking forward to the iPhone 20, with rumors pointing to something similar to what we experienced with the iPhone X, hoping it feels like an iPhone Pro more than a glorified iPhone Air. I love APPLE!
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.
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.
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.
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
However, same is realtivey true about the reports that this phone has no MagSafe. That does not rule out that wireless charging has been removed. It could be a more plain Qi2 implementation.
In that case, adding magnets to the case does not have to provide wireless charging. It would probably charge slower because incrementally father away, but still charge.
The mismatch in MagSafe is more likely is the assumptions built into the Magsafe extenals about the distance to the bottom edge of the phone and how much space there is before hit the camera bump.
The additional moving parts are a problem. The phone wants to 'close' also so edges of the screen at the meeting point pragmatially need to be clear.
"You dropped your phone and you need another $2K phone"... I am sure Apple is not going to be too 'mad' at that.
blairh
macrumors 604
MagSafe cases will allow for charging with the folding iPhone. It will be limited to 7.5W speeds. But it still works.
There are plenty of good foldables cases. I was planning on using a case.
Obviously I would prefer faster MagSafe speeds. But that will come in future editions of the foldable.
-BigMac-
macrumors 68030
Hahah everyones foldable iPhone dream crumblings down. Looks awkward, gigantic camera bump, no magsafe, no stereo speakers, no third camera lens. Only thing ‘ultra’ about it is the price 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
chars1ub0w
macrumors 6502a
Because it folds to compact phone size. iPad Mini doesn't.
No. It doesn't fold small.
As I said, they missed an opportunity for genuine innovation. They are after the Samsung Fold7 market. An expensive device. They could make this much less expensive. And market it to the zillions of existing iPhone users who might want to use mapping etc. when walking around a city in Europe or Japan etc. Or when they want to read a newspaper without having to carry a heavy iPad.
Have you used wireless CarPlay? It's very popular and not just an external monitor.
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Brutally disappointing if this doesn't have Magsafe and the action button. It would change this from a must-by to a not-interested for me.
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.
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.
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.
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
JonYo
macrumors member
They already ruined it with the weird proportions when folded, so it won't fit in anyone's pocket. If it also doesn't have FaceID or MagSafe, then... why would an anyone buy this over a normal iPhone? Just buy a regular iPhone of whatever type and an ipad mini, for LESS total $.
We'll see. If the rumors are wrong and the proportions are more like 2 iPhone airs hinged together so it can still fit in some people's pockets, and if it does have MagSafe and FaceID, then it might be worth it to have less capable cameras to do the folding thing and have a small iPad-ish thing. But if even some of the rumors are true, then forget it.
We'll see. If the rumors are wrong and the proportions are more like 2 iPhone airs hinged together so it can still fit in some people's pockets, and if it does have MagSafe and FaceID, then it might be worth it to have less capable cameras to do the folding thing and have a small iPad-ish thing. But if even some of the rumors are true, then forget it.
I hope the keynote make me realize that I need iPhone fold. Because right now I have no interest in it.
Dark_Omen
macrumors 65816
Under display Touch ID is better than FaceID.
One doesn't need Nikon-like camera quality on their phone.
Cases will already have a magnet built into them.
gaximus
macrumors 68030
So you have to close the phone to unlock it, or open the phone to unlock it? Or have two under screen Touch IDs, and do you put it on the left hand side or right hand side? And Touch ID is worse when wearing gloves or hands are wet. Being able to unlock my phone to see a notification by looking at it, on my desk, without touching my phone is way better.
Ok probably going to pass. Telephoto can probably skipped with the right sensor and software stuff. Not gonna be x8 optical but most people lived without that until recently just fine. Action button will be missed but I could probably live without. Volume buttons on top whatever, I’d get used to it. Couldn’t care less about the lack of a physical SIM card.
But. No Face ID? I’m not going back to scanning my finger every time I unlock the phone or authenticate. No magesafe is also a pretty big deal.these two things are a deal breaker for me personally.
But. No Face ID? I’m not going back to scanning my finger every time I unlock the phone or authenticate. No magesafe is also a pretty big deal.these two things are a deal breaker for me personally.
But if useless without a phone now effectively haver two phones to carry. Two batteries to charge (if wireless).
It will still be an relatively expensive device without the cover screen and Ann chip inside. The other issue is that Apple really doesn't make a 'small' iPhone anymore. Large enought that stick out of the top of many folks' pockets. The size of the regular phone as bloated larger so that folks could do more on the screen. So this larger screen is to ignore all that extra expense put into the main phone.?
If trying to hand wave at the older phones that Apple did with smaller screens that is a shrinking market. They are being incrementally dropped from OS coverage each year.
Heavy iPad? the iPad Mini ways 0.65 lbs ( 293 grams). The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 0.52 lbs ( 233 grams).
[ 17 Pro 0.45 lbs (206. grams).
60-90 grams is onerous?
with three screens and likely extended batteriies this foldable is likely going weight more than the Pro Max. Which makes the gap between this in the iPad mini even smaller.
Your "only a dumb monitor" would reduce costs by dumping the cover screen. But being primarily targeted wireless at high screen refresh means going to soak of substantive power. Not going to be able to skimp on batteries ; so likely not weight loss there. Structurally going to have just about the exact same weight overhead.
A couple of dumber internal chips inside isn't going to make the system vastly lighter.
As far as the 'walking around' use case go... I suspect 'smart glasses' are going to eat into that. Whispering turn left here, go through entrance marked 'foo bar' , etc. in your ear likely going to work just as well as a large screen. Like the watch attached to an arm it is leass obtrusive and likely weighs less if screnless. (and pretty good chance is cheaper also).
As for the newspaper use case. Back in the days of physial newspapers millions of folks managed to do OK carrying that along with their bag/coat whatever. Delvierying a whole two blocks of newepapers is a heavy chore. But handling a single one? There wasn't much 'drama' there.
I have used Car Play. It is popular inside of cars. Outside of cars, the utility is vastly more dubious. Icon and imagery way too large to be used at normal iPhone/iPad distance from normal person. And functionality far too limited.
Wireless ( zero charging ) CarPlay does what to the battery of the iPhone for an extended trip?
Inside of a car there are more aftermarket "Head" markets that can be inserted into a car.
Additionally, I think you are underplaying how much 'work' the SoC has to do on the CapPlay side also.
Some of these responses are hilarious. It’s a folding iPad Mini…. that’s all I need and want, and I cannot WAIT to get one! 😀
