Danny Weber
The upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra could be Apple's priciest model yet, but early leaks suggest it will lack a telephoto lens and face thermal challenges. Learn more.
The first foldable iPhone could become Apple's most expensive smartphone, yet it may fall short of the company's regular flagships in camera capabilities. According to a report from 9to5Mac, the future iPhone Ultra will feature a large foldable display in a book-style format with a nearly invisible crease. However, to keep the body thin, Apple might drop the telephoto lens.
This trade-off seems surprising for a device that is rumored to cost more than any previous iPhone. Cameras with optical zoom will remain a strength of the standard iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while the foldable model will focus on its new form factor, large internal screen, and premium materials.
Journalists note a similar situation occurred with the ultra-thin iPhone Air: Apple sacrificed some camera features for design. In the case of the iPhone Ultra, the reasoning may be the same. The folding mechanism, thin chassis, and large display demand internal space, forcing Apple to remove or simplify certain modules.
According to leaks, the iPhone Ultra will use the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. However, the regular flagships may outperform it in real-world use thanks to better thermal management. They are said to have an aluminum body, which dissipates heat more effectively, whereas the foldable iPhone will reportedly combine titanium and glass.
If the rumors are true, Apple faces a tricky positioning challenge. The iPhone Ultra would be the company's most technologically advanced and expensive smartphone in terms of design, but not necessarily the most capable in cameras or sustained performance. For buyers, this could become a pivotal choice: embrace the new foldable format or stick with a more practical flagship offering superior photography and cooling.
© A. Krivonosov