Apple iPhone Ultra Wins Over Early Testers

Design, Durability, and the New Hinge Mechanism

Testers have highlighted how well the device fits in a pocket despite its folded thickness, pointing to the tactile feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism. When unfolded, the smartphone opens into a wide book-style layout mirroring competitors like Samsung’s recently released Z Fold 8, featuring an outer display measuring roughly 5.5 inches and an inner screen of about 7.8 inches. Gurman says people who have used the device like how it fits in your pocket, as well as the feel and durability of its hinge mechanism.

The massive folding screen allows Apple to introduce iPad-like app layouts, which initial users have welcomed as a major productivity and media advantage. Furthermore, the device performs capably as a camera viewfinder, and beyond productivity, video, and gaming, Gurman says Apple’s foldable device also performs well as a camera viewfinder.

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Camera Compromises and Biometric Security

Despite the positive reception to its overall form factor, the device lacks a telephoto lens, which could cost Apple some sales given the expected price. The device is expected to feature a dual-lens rear camera system built around a 48-megapixel main lens paired with an ultra-wide lens. With expectations of it costing consumers at least $2,000, omissions like that could put off some potential early adopters who are used to getting the best specifications in such devices.

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Security features also mark a departure from standard flagship iPhones. The foldable is also expected to fall back on Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of in-display Face ID – a compromise Apple has reportedly made to keep it around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. But like Gurman says, some users may prefer this traditional biometric setup.

Pricing Expectations and the Broader Market Halo

Reports suggest the device could start at $2,000 and even climb past $2,500 for higher storage tiers. While such a high cost combined with camera omissions could deter early adopters accustomed to uncompromised specifications, the iPhone Ultra stands to become a new halo product for Apple, and possibly the smartphone industry in general.

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Though Apple is late to the foldables market compared to rivals such as Samsung, its own launch will reverberate across the industry, with Apple helping buoy the rest of the market in new areas and design ideas. With Apple bringing out a model, complete with its marketing engine, it will help raise awareness of foldables in general, and the iPhone Ultra stands to benefit foldables made by rivals. At the same time, the existence of the iPhone Ultra will draw even more attention to the rest of the iPhone range when the device is set to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at a launch event on or around September 9.