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We're less than a week away from the debut of Apple's first foldable iPhone, and rumors have been picking up as the event date approaches. Here's the latest.


  • MagSafe - Even though foldable iPhone dummies we saw earlier this year didn't have a MagSafe ring, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims all signs indicate MagSafe charging will be supported.
  • Crease - Some of the early language about the foldable iPhone's crease suggested Apple might have found a way to make it invisible, but later rumors are more realistic. The crease is minimal, but Apple hasn't found a magic way to get rid of it.
  • Touch ID - Touch ID is still expected for the foldable iPhone. Apple didn't have room for the Face ID hardware because the device is rumored to be just 4.5mm thick. There will be volume buttons at the top of the iPhone Ultra, with a Touch ID side button for unlocking.
  • Software - iOS 27 makes it clear Apple is making sure apps will work with the foldable iPhone. There's a big push for app resizability and layout flexibility. The iPhone is expected to support multitasking, sidebars, and side-by-side app usage.
  • Cameras - Camera rumors haven't changed. We're expecting a two-lens camera setup with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses.
  • Chips - Early rumors said Apple would transition to the C2 and move away from Qualcomm, but it looks like Apple might still use Qualcomm modems in the United States. It hinges on whether the C2 supports mmWave 5G. The iPhone Ultra will also adopt Apple's A20 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 18 Pro models.
  • Colors - The foldable iPhone is expected in white/silver and dark blue.
  • Apple Pencil - Apple tested an Apple Pencil with the foldable iPhone, but it's probably not going to launch.
  • Launch Timing - Rumors on iPhone Ultra launch timing and production have been mixed, with some sources reporting delays. Gurman says he will be "very surprised" if the device doesn't launch at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or "very close to it." It's still possible supplies could be constrained, leading to long waits for those who don't pre-order early.
  • Price - The iPhone Ultra is expected to cost over $2,000, possibly up to $2,500 depending on storage capacity.
Apple will introduce the iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro models at its "Surprise and Shine" event that will be held on Wednesday, September 9.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone Ultra: The Latest Rumors Before Apple's Event
 
As I often alternate between my iPhone and iPad mini, the iPhone Ultra is very compelling in Apple’s product matrix.

Is there any awareness of how many open/close cycles the Ultra is estimated to have? I think I would open/close it with every use.
 
obviously it's impossible to make everyone happy.
the Vision Pro was in all aspects an engineering masterpiece with absolutely high quality components - but it had a steep price. I am sure this iPhone ultra has also some insane level of engineering and equally high quality components - and a similarly high price.

the device costs more than the previous flagship iphone and a high-end iPad combined. we've seen other foldable devices - albeit the main screen aspect ratio is a bit different with this one. is this aspect revolutionary? I doubt.
however the real question is whether there's sufficient demand for such a relatively niche product and thick enough wallets to support the decision.

and whether the failure rate will be low enough to turn a eventually successful product into a financial failure.
 
I think the camera shortcomings will cut into Ultra sales, just like with the Air. Expensive phones are for enthusiasts, and enthusiasts want the best cameras.
 
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Fewer features. Costs more.

So the only real appeal is having the latest/greatest bragging rights thing from Apple and the giant screen.

In every other aspect it’s an inferior unit to a 18PM.

Everyone has their priorities and if screen size is your jawn thenthis phone is for you. The PM sits in a good spot for me as opposed to my laptop. When I had a regular sized phone I would hit the iPad rather frequently.

Once I got a PM, subconsciously the iPad was dead to me. I stopped using it without noticing until it became obsolete and I didn’t replace it. If I need something more than the phone I roll with the MBP.

This is just me. But my next phone will be the 18PM.
 
as I've said numerous times before:
. no faceid
. no tele camera
no deal.

my 17PM will last just fine til the above are offered in a foldable
 
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