iPhone Ultra Reportedly Impresses Early Testers: What to Expect From Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone. Rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra, the device could launch alongside the future iPhone 18 Pro series. The move would mark a major expansion of Apple's premium smartphone lineup and bring the company into direct competition with established foldable phone makers.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, select testers have already used early versions of Apple's foldable iPhone. Initial feedback about the hardware design is reportedly positive, with testers highlighting its portability despite featuring a large internal display.

iPhone Ultra Could Feature an Almost Invisible Crease

One of the key features of Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to be its hinge design. The company is reportedly focusing on minimising the visible crease on the foldable display.

When opened, the large internal screen could provide a tablet-like workspace for reading documents, browsing the web and multitasking. The design could allow Apple to bridge the gap between a conventional smartphone and a tablet.

The foldable iPhone is also expected to receive software changes designed specifically for its larger display.

Foldable iPhone May Get iPadOS-Style Software Features

Apple could introduce an iPadOS-inspired interface for the larger inner display. The redesigned layout may provide better multitasking and make it easier to run multiple applications side by side.

This could make the iPhone Ultra more useful for productivity without requiring users to carry a separate tablet. Apple's integration between hardware and software could therefore become one of the device's key differentiators.

iPhone Ultra Could Cost Over $2,000

The foldable iPhone is expected to occupy Apple's ultra-premium segment, with reports suggesting a price of more than $2,000.

Despite the high price, the device could involve some hardware compromises. Reports suggest Apple may not include a dedicated telephoto camera, which could be a notable omission for a flagship smartphone in this price range.

The biometric authentication system could also differ from Apple's current iPhone models. The company may reportedly use Touch ID instead of Face ID, potentially through a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Structural constraints associated with a foldable design could make integrating the existing Face ID hardware more difficult.

China Could Be Crucial for Apple's Foldable iPhone

China is expected to be an important market for Apple's first foldable iPhone. The country is already a major market for foldable smartphones, making it a key battleground for Apple as it enters the category.

The launch could also increase consumer interest in foldable phones globally, potentially benefiting competitors such as Samsung and Google.

However, Apple has yet to officially confirm the foldable iPhone, its name, specifications or launch date. The reported details should therefore be treated as rumours until the company provides official information.