The latest rumors surrounding Apple's upcoming foldable device, dubbed the 'iPhone Ultra,' paint a surprisingly feature-scarce picture, especially when compared to the iPhone 18 Pro models, and this is despite a projected price point exceeding $2,000. The excitement for Apple's first foldable iPhone clashes with the possibility that this flagship device might sacrifice established elements of the Apple ecosystem to achieve an extremely thin design.
Significant Omissions on Apple's Foldable
Images of dummy models, shared by trusted sources like Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev, suggest the absence of two previously undiscussed features. Firstly, it appears the iPhone Ultra may forgo MagSafe, the wireless charging and magnetic attachment technology that has become a cornerstone for Apple accessories. The shells of the foldable models lack the characteristic indentations for MagSafe magnets, unlike the dummy units of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. This absence could be a direct consequence of the slim profile planned for the iPhone Ultra, estimated at a mere 4.5mm, the thinnest Apple has ever produced. Integrating MagSafe into such a thin form factor might be an insurmountable technical challenge.
Furthermore, another notable omission is the Action Button. Introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and present on all subsequent models, this customizable button seems to be missing from the iPhone Ultra dummies. This would imply that the device might revert to the classic silent switch or, more likely, eliminate this functionality altogether, a choice that could disappoint users accustomed to its versatility. Even the placement of the volume buttons has been revised, moved to the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, a configuration similar to the iPad mini, presumably to optimize internal space given the motherboard's layout.
Return of Touch ID and Reduced Camera Array
Perhaps the most surprising sacrifice concerns the authentication system. Rumors suggest that the iPhone Ultra might be too thin to accommodate the TrueDepth system required for Face ID. Consequently, Apple might reintroduce Touch ID, previously found on the iPhone SE and iPhone 7, as the primary authentication method. A return to Touch ID on a flagship model like the iPhone Ultra would be an unprecedented move for Apple.
Regarding the camera setup, the dummy models show only two rear cameras. These would be a wide and an ultra-wide lens, excluding the third telephoto lens found on Pro models. This configuration, similar to the iPhone 17, implies a sacrifice of the advanced optical zoom capabilities offered by higher-end models. Completing the list of potential omissions is the removal of the physical SIM card slot, with the device supporting eSIM only, a trend already seen on other recent models and in line with industry developments. The integration of new technologies often leads to compromises, as also demonstrated by the massive investments in artificial intelligence. For instance, the recent colossal capital injection from Google into Anthropic highlights the innovation race defining the current technological landscape, a race that could also influence Apple's future directions.
The projected launch price, estimated around $1,999, makes these potential omissions even more significant. While the iPhone Ultra promises a revolutionary design and a foldable experience, users will need to carefully consider whether the aesthetic and functional innovations justify the steep cost in light of the missing features that are now standard for top-tier devices.
The Evolution of Foldables in the Market
The foldable device market is rapidly expanding, with companies like Samsung currently dominating the scene. However, other players are also emerging. The valuation of ComfyUI at $500 million underscores the growing interest in tools that offer creators greater control over AI-generated media, a sector that could intersect with the future direction of mobile devices. Meanwhile, competition is intensifying, with entities like Cohere and Aleph Alpha joining forces to create an AI powerhouse. Apple, with its often cautious yet innovative approach, is preparing to enter this segment with a device that promises to spark discussion, both for its novelties and for the features it might leave out.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/iphone-ultra-could-be-missing-5-features
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