Foldable iPhone Ultra May Cost Nearly $2,000 but Miss Up to 5 Key Features
Ultra-thin design could come with major trade-offs
The tech world is buzzing after leaked images of a dummy unit believed to be Apple’s first foldable iPhone Ultra surfaced online. While many have been eagerly awaiting this device, new information suggests that the premium smartphone could come with a hefty price tag of $1,999 USD (around 73,500 THB), yet still miss up to five major features found in Pro models.
The main reason behind these compromises is reportedly the device’s extreme thinness of just 4.5 mm, making it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced.
The first major feature expected to be removed is Face ID. Reports suggest Apple may revert to Touch ID, as the device is too thin to accommodate the TrueDepth camera system. This would be a surprising downgrade for a flagship-level device, relying solely on fingerprint authentication.
Another notable downgrade involves the camera system. The foldable iPhone Ultra is rumored to include only two rear cameras: Wide and Ultra Wide, with the Telephoto lens missing, meaning users will lose optical zoom capabilities available in Pro models.
Additionally, leaked dummy images indicate the removal of both the Action Button and MagSafe charging system. The volume buttons have reportedly been moved to the top edge to optimize internal space. As for MagSafe, the ultra-thin design may not allow room for the necessary magnetic components. This could significantly impact users who rely on existing MagSafe accessories.
The iPhone Ultra is also expected to follow the trend set by the iPhone Air by removing the physical SIM card tray entirely, supporting eSIM only. While eSIM is becoming more common, it may be inconvenient for users who frequently switch SIM cards. There are also concerns about whether the stereo speaker system may be compromised to maintain the slim profile.
From a design perspective, the iPhone Ultra appears to combine premium materials like a titanium frame and glass back, but sacrifices internal features similar to the more affordable iPhone Air in order to achieve its futuristic form factor. Removing features such as MagSafe and Telephoto zoom in a device priced above $70,000 THB is a bold move that may divide Apple fans, especially when compared to the more feature-complete iPhone 18 Pro, which is expected to cost significantly less.
The final verdict on Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely be revealed this fall, alongside the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The biggest question remains whether the innovation of a foldable display and ultra-thin design will be enough to justify sacrificing long-standing core features that users have come to expect.
