Gurman: iPhone Ultra Wows Early Testers, Except for Its Camera

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra is winning over the few people who have had hands-on time with the device, though the camera setup may leave some users wanting, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says people who have used the device – which is reportedly referred to internally as the iPhone Ultra – like how it fits in your pocket, as well as the feel and durability of its hinge mechanism. Testers have also apparently praised the new iPad-like app layouts that take advantage of the larger internal display when the phone is unfolded.

Beyond productivity, video, and gaming, Gurman says Apple's foldable device also performs well as a camera viewfinder. However, the device lacks a telephoto lens, which could cost Apple some sales given the expected price. The device is expected to feature a dual-lens rear camera system built around a 48-megapixel main lens paired with an ultra-wide lens.

The foldable is also expected to fall back on Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of in-display Face ID – a compromise Apple has reportedly made to keep it around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. But like Gurman says, some users may prefer this traditional biometric setup. Like Samsung's recently released Z Fold 8, the iPhone Ultra is said have a 5.5-inch outer display and a roughly 7.8-inch inner display when opened, making for a wide book-style design.

Apple's first foldable is set to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at a launch event on or around September 9. Reports suggest the device could start at $2,000 and even climb past $2,500 for higher storage tiers.

Article Link: Gurman: iPhone Ultra Wows Early Testers, Except for Its Camera

 

[turbineseaplane]

The 5.5" outer display sounds like a perfect iPhone Mini update.
😃

 

[shelt]

The asymmetry still gets me. The Z Fold 8 looks much better. But, I'll likely buy this anyway.

 

[Cromulent]

Thinking of getting this myself. I like the idea of using it as an ebook reader and a phone in one. Time will tell how much it'll cost in the UK though.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

It’s fine as long as the iPhone Pro Max has the best cameras because who on earth is going to use a Mini Tablet iPhone for taking pictures 🤣 it’s too awkward in ways. Too fragile to take it everywhere compared to the Pro iPhones.

 

[macuser29387]

This will be far beyond my budget anyway, but I'd be really cheesed off by the lack of FaceID. FaceID has consistently worked flawlessly on my iPhones and iPads, whereas TouchID frequently fails to recognise my fingers/thumbs.

Probably not be true for everyone, but I'd like FaceID on every Apple device and Mac.

 

[Edsel]

I’m waiting for the iPhone Origami Pro Ultra Max.

 

[jz0309]

TouchID and lack of telephoto camera make this a non-starter for me, I will check it out though when it is available in store.
As for pricing, it'll be expensive but people do buy the Z Fold and so Apple users will buy this one. What remains to be seen is what impact the new leasing program will have on sales.

 

[Vincent Hanna]

The phone I'd actually like is "half of the Ultra".

The 5.5" outer display sounds like a perfect iPhone Mini update.
😃

Maybe Ferrari can sell you half a car....

 

[emulator]

It’s fine as long as the iPhone Pro Max has the best cameras because who on earth is going to use a Mini Tablet iPhone for taking pictures 🤣 it’s too awkward in ways. Too fragile to take it everywhere compared to the Pro iPhones.

Have you ever seen idiots taking pictures with 13" iPad Pros? I had.

 

[businessnumbersmoneypeopl]

Even for devices with less than half the price, I definitely want a case and a screen protector for a peace of mind. With a foldable, neither really works. It's a pass.

 

[wrxrox]

While I think the ultra is a cool tech product I have no interest in a folding phone. If I want a screen like that I’d carry an iPad mini

 

[ratspg]

As much I find this a bit intriguing, the pricing is totally prohibitive for me.

I also really wonder how the pricing will play if the camera system is surpassed by other normal form factors like the Pro Max models.

The phone I'd actually like is "half of the Ultra".

The 5.5" outer display sounds like a perfect iPhone Mini update.
😃

you can buy it and then never unfold it lol 😂

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Dual apps side by side, double screen to show videos and folds up if you want it to be used and carried like a regular iPhone. I am so in

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

While I think the ultra is a cool tech product I have no interest in a folding phone. If I want a screen like that I’d carry an iPad mini

Carry around an iPad mini? That’s kind of an inconvenience and looks a little silly imo

 

[hieranonymous]

Lack of telephoto and Face ID are lame regressions for an ultra premium phone.

 

[nfl46]

I can't wait to own it next month. It will suck to know the camera won't be on the Pro level, but there's always the second generation of it next year.

 

[capamac]

For the money, as far as foldable computing devices go, I'd much rather get a new Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Framework 13 Pro, or Lenovo X1 Carbon, and still wind up spending less. 🙂

 

[watchmainspring]

Not buying. I do not see the utility in this.

 

[ShadowJamie]

The second generation will probably be the one to buy

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I tried the new Samsung foldable that’s the same size as the iPhone ultra and it’s incredible. All the doubters will be eating crow very soon. It’ll be a game changer for Apple.

 

[teaneedz]

it will be funny to see an actual movie playing on this size. enjoy those black bars.

 

[Dfor83]

It’s fine as long as the iPhone Pro Max has the best cameras because who on earth is going to use a Mini Tablet iPhone for taking pictures 🤣 it’s too awkward in ways. Too fragile to take it everywhere compared to the Pro iPhones.

People should be taking the pictures with it closed not open in tablet mode🤦

 

[drew0020]

I don’t understand the point of a folding
phone with their current limitations - too thick, fragile, camera, lack of Face ID, and price. I use my phone when I’m out and my Mac or iPad when I’m home.

Seems like a massive compromise for a slightly larger screen (but still way to small to get things done).

 

[rulymammoth]

TouchID and lack of telephoto camera make this a non-starter for me, I will check it out though when it is available in store.
As for pricing, it'll be expensive but people do buy the Z Fold and so Apple users will buy this one. What remains to be seen is what impact the new leasing program will have on sales.

Same here. And if it's the same general aspect ratio as the Fold 8, I'm not going to like the front screen, no matter how much influencers want to hype this up. A screen at that size is just too short.