iPhone Ultra foldable reportedly impresses early testers, but missing telephoto camera could hurt
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is reportedly impressing people who have had an early look at the device, particularly with its design, hinge and software experience. The camera setup, however, could be a glaring weakness for a phone expected to cost at least USD 2,000 (around Rs 1.9 lakh). According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device, referred to as the iPhone Ultra, has received positive feedback from early testers.
Apple is expected to unveil it alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max around September 9th.
iPhone Ultra early reviews
Gurman, in his latest edition of the Power On newsletter, says people who have used the foldable have been impressed by how it feels in the hand and “how it fits in the pocket.” The hinge has also reportedly received positive feedback, with testers praising its feel and durability.
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The software is another area where Apple is expected to make use of the larger inner screen. Gurman says the iPhone Ultra could offer iPad-like app layouts and multitasking, making the foldable better suited to productivity, gaming and watching videos than a conventional iPhone.
The device is expected to use a book-style design similar to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a roughly 7.8-inch inner screen. That means Apple’s approach is unlikely to be radically different from the established foldable format, although its software integration could become a key differentiator. Other reported specifications include an A20 Pro chip, dual 48MP rear cameras and a body measuring roughly 9.4 mm when folded. When opened, the phone is tipped to be around 4.5 mm thick.
Missing telephoto camera could be a problem
The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to have just two rear cameras, consisting of a main sensor and an ultrawide. That means there would be no dedicated telephoto camera, despite the phone’s expected price. The omission could matter when compared with conventional flagship iPhones, which have offered dedicated telephoto cameras for years, and with foldables competing at similar prices. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 also uses a triple-camera setup with a telephoto lens.
Gurman says the iPhone Ultra’s large inner display could itself improve the camera experience by doubling as a viewfinder, making it easier to frame photos and videos. But a larger preview cannot replace the optical reach of a telephoto camera.
Previous reports have suggested that the foldable could cost “at least USD 2,000, if not more.” That would put it well above most conventional smartphones and make its hardware compromises more noticeable. For buyers considering Apple’s first foldable, the larger screen and iOS experience may be the biggest draw, while the missing telephoto camera could be a reason to stick with a Pro iPhone instead.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in the coming days. Buyers with a massive budget looking for a foldable may wait it out, although the telephoto omission could pinch at the price.
