Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster


YouTuber Michael Fisher, known as "MrMobile," joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to talk through key rumors about the "iPhone Ultra" and how the device could compare to rivals.


Michael has covered the foldable phone category since 2019 and personally owned or reviewed nearly every major device in it, from the original Galaxy Fold to Samsung's newly redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8. He still carries a Motorola Razr Ultra as his personal phone alongside a rotating stack of review units.

Apple's foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the "iPhone Ultra," is widely expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro this fall, featuring a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch cover screen, the A20 chip, and a starting price above $2,000.

Much of the design speculation centers on Apple adopting a shorter, wider form factor similar to the Z Fold8 and older Pixel devices, rather than the taller, narrower shape most foldables have used for years. To minimize the crease that has plagued the category since the original Galaxy Fold, Apple is reportedly pursuing a layered glass display structure paired with a liquid metal hinge.

The foldable is reportedly expected to ship with just two rear lenses and no telephoto camera, despite engineering compromises made elsewhere to fit in a Camera Control button, while Samsung's competing Z Fold8 Ultra ships with a three-lens system that includes a telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The foldable iPhone is also expected to use Touch ID built into the side button rather than Face ID, since there is reportedly no room for the TrueDepth sensor array in such a thin chassis.

Pricing has been a recurring point of speculation, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman saying the foldable will "cross the $2,000 threshold" in the U.S., which would make it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever. Durability is also likely to face scrutiny, given the hinge failures that plagued the original Galaxy Fold and the fact that Samsung's current foldables still lack a full dust resistance rating years into the category's existence.

Code strings found in the iOS 27 beta reference a hinge angle, which could hint at foldable-specific software features, and Apple has already introduced new app adaptation protocols, likely as preparation for the device.

See more of Michael's work over on his YouTube channel. Fisher is also a co-founder of Clicks, which makes physical keyboard accessories for smartphones. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about how the Apple Watch is seemingly heading into one of its least eventful new generations, yet the rumors stacking up behind it describe the most radical rethink in the product's history coming later.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson,... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Michael Fisher Talks iPhone Ultra
 
picked up a Samsung Flip 8 phone yesterday for a spare phone (daily is an iPhone Air), and was looking at their Fold lineup. Was impressed, if Apple's is similar, should provide a nice option for those that need it
 
I love MrMobile! Now ask him where his review for the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is while we wait on the iPhone Ultra 🤣 Clicking now 🥳 I'd be curious to hear his thoughts on the Sony PlayStation Physical Media announcement too since he appreciates retro-tech and nostalgia.
 
Price aside, the Apple logo alone will sell this new model.

The shorter, wider form factor is what disqualifies it from my buy list.

Having enjoyed using my Samsung Z Fold7 for work daily since its release. I’ve found the taller, narrower shape ideal for my business oriented workflow. The spacious 8.0” display is ideal, yet a slightly larger display would be perfect.

The iPhone Ultra’s small 7.76” display is just not suited to my needs. For some it will be fine as its target market is likely those who use it for casual content consumption and to show off to their friends.

Durability has been excellent with my Z Fold7 although I do take care of my devices and there’s always room from improvement. The crease is noticeable but not objectionable. I do expect the iPhone Ultra to benefit from Apple’s expertise with hardware and recent Samsung folding display advancements.

No matter where Apple places the price point, the novelty and “Ultra” moniker will sell these phones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NeonNights
I appreciate MrMobile and Dan both commenting on the crease at the 18:40 mark and describing how it's overblown like the notch/Dynamic Island. I don't have the clout of these two online personalities but maybe the rest of the naysayers will finally listen when it comes from MrMobile and Dan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zenmacx
Price aside, the Apple logo alone will sell this new model.

The shorter, wider form factor is what disqualifies it from my buy list.

Having enjoyed using my Samsung Z Fold7 for work daily since its release. I’ve found the taller, narrower shape ideal for my business oriented workflow. The spacious 8.0” display is ideal, yet a slightly larger display would be perfect.

The iPhone Ultra’s small 7.76” display is just not suited to my needs. For some it will be fine as its target market is likely those who use it for casual content consumption and to show off to their friends.

Durability has been excellent with my Z Fold7 although I do take care of my devices and there’s always room from improvement. The crease is noticeable but not objectionable. I do expect the iPhone Ultra to benefit from Apple’s expertise with hardware and recent Samsung folding display advancements.

No matter where Apple places the price point, the novelty and “Ultra” moniker will sell these phones.
Have you tried the Samsung TriFold (with 10" inner display)? The TriFold is very much a Fold 7 in every regard, with an additional foldable panel.

However, the Fold 7's inner display is actually higher resolution than the TriFold. You'll see things more easily on the TriFold (especially in widescreen format), but not necessarily see "more" information on the screen.

The following examples are reposted from https://www.facebook.com/groups/765312464922694/posts/1600315361422396/:

1787337869420.png


1787338131442.png
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.