Insiders and accessory manufacturers are no longer hiding the fact: Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable smartphone under the name iPhone Ultra. Fresh photos of cases from iFunSmart, which appeared on the iPhoneSoft website, provide the first detailed glimpse of what the new device will look like. These accessories are made based on precise mockups, so they can be considered a reliable indicator of the actual design.
Design and Body Construction
Judging by the images, Apple has chosen the path of maximum compactness. The body in its unfolded state will be about 4.5 mm thick — thinner than most current foldable solutions from competitors. The external screen will be small and almost square, distinguishing the device from familiar rectangular formats. The case, which is already available for pre-order, is made of several parts: this is necessary so that it can adapt to the folding of the body.
Cameras and the Absence of a Telephoto Lens
One of the main surprises was Apple's decision regarding the cameras. Unlike the Galaxy Fold lineup, where a telephoto lens has long been used, the foldable iPhone Ultra, judging by the cutouts in the case, will receive only two lenses. This means that optical zoom in the traditional sense will be absent — all zoomed shots will be made using crop and processing. For a flagship, this level of equipment looks controversial, but perhaps this is a compromise for the sake of body thinness.
Biometrics and Control Buttons
Another significant change is the abandonment of Face ID in favor of Touch ID in the side button. This is a logical solution: a foldable body and thin bezels are poorly compatible with a facial recognition module. There is also a cutout on the case for the Camera Control button, but there is no place for the Action button. This means that the quick mode switcher, which appeared in the iPhone 15 Pro, will not appear in the foldable model.
MagSafe and Magnets
The case has a round cutout for N52 magnets, but this does not necessarily mean that MagSafe is built into the smartphone itself. Perhaps the magnets will be sewn only into the case so that wireless chargers and holders can attach to it. Previously, there were rumors that Apple might abandon MagSafe in the foldable model to reduce thickness.
Release Date and Price
According to current data, the foldable iPhone will be released in the fall of 2026 along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The starting price will be around $2,000, which is approximately equal to 200,000 rubles in Russia via unofficial channels. This is significantly more expensive than any current iPhone Pro Max and comparable to top foldable smartphones from Samsung and Huawei. Buying such a device is not an upgrade "because it's time," but a conscious choice of format, and for most users, the iPhone 18 Pro will remain a more rational option.
