Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag
Source: MacRumors
Potential Missing Features
- Face ID / TrueDepth camera array
- Telephoto (third rear) camera
- MagSafe
- Action button (the silent‑switch replacement introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro)
- Physical SIM‑card slot (eSIM‑only)
Design and Hardware Speculations
Recent dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev reveal several design clues:
- The dummy units show the power button and volume buttons relocated to the right side of the device, a change that maximizes internal space.
- Action button is absent on the dummy, suggesting the iPhone Ultra may be the first iPhone without this feature.
- Unlike the mock‑up iPhone 18 Pro dummies, the foldable dummy lacks the MagSafe magnet indentations, implying MagSafe could be omitted—potentially due to the device’s thin profile (estimated at 4.5 mm).
Image via Vadim Yuryev.
Authentication Method
The foldable design appears to place Face ID hardware within the Dynamic Island, which could be impractical. Consequently, Apple may revert to Touch ID as the sole authentication method. The last iPhone to feature Touch ID was the 2022 iPhone SE 3 (budget line), while the most recent flagship with Touch ID was the 2016 iPhone 7. Reintroducing Touch ID on a high‑end device would be unprecedented.
Image via Sonny Dickson.
Camera Setup
The iPhone Ultra is expected to lack a telephoto lens, meaning it would have only the standard wide and ultra‑wide cameras—similar to the iPhone Air’s configuration.
SIM Card
The device is rumored to be eSIM‑only, mirroring the iPhone Air’s approach and eliminating a physical SIM‑card slot.
Pricing and Market Position
- Projected launch price: $1,999–$2,000.
- The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and already omits the features listed above, so the Ultra’s compromises could be controversial given its premium price.
- Expected launch window: Fall, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Sources
- Original article on MacRumors: Foldable “iPhone Ultra” Could Be Missing These 5 Key Features Despite $2,000 Price Tag
- Leak from Weibo account “Instant Digital” regarding motherboard placement and button routing.