iPhone Ultra Dummy Unit Reveals Apple's Foldable Design

Key Takeaways

• Apple's first foldable iPhone features a 7.8-inch internal display in a passport-style form factor
• The device will use Touch ID instead of Face ID and lacks an Action Button
• Estimated starting price is $2,000, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone

Apple's foldable iPhone has been rumored for years. Now we have the clearest look yet at what the company is building.

New images of the iPhone Ultra's dummy unit surfaced online this week, shared by leaker Sonny Dickson. The photos show the device in both folded and unfolded states, revealing a design that looks less like a tall, narrow foldable and more like a compact iPad.

A Passport-Style Foldable

The dummy unit shows Apple taking a different approach than Samsung or Google. Instead of a tall, narrow profile, the iPhone Ultra uses a squarer "passport-style" aspect ratio. The internal folding display measures 7.8 inches, roughly the size of an iPad mini.

“The design feels strangely stubby, almost like a miniature, foldable iPad—a true 'iPad nano'.”

— Unbox Therapy, Tech YouTuber

The device is remarkably thin when opened. Reports put it at just 4.5mm with a titanium frame. But the camera module tells a different story. At 16.6mm thick, it creates a significant bump that causes the phone to wobble on flat surfaces.

Camera and Authentication Changes

The dual rear cameras sit in a horizontal arrangement, a departure from the vertical stack on standard iPhones. The camera island also houses an LED flash and microphone. A selfie camera sits in the top-left corner of the folding screen.

The bigger news is what Apple is leaving out. The iPhone Ultra won't include Face ID. Instead, Apple will rely on Touch ID for biometric authentication. The Action Button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro is also missing. Volume buttons have moved to the top of the device.

Limited Colors, Premium Price

Dickson says white may be the only color option at launch. If Apple does offer a second choice, it will likely be gray or black. This limited selection fits the pattern of Apple testing demand before expanding.

The price puts the iPhone Ultra in a different category than Apple's current lineup. It's positioned as a niche product for buyers willing to pay a significant premium for the folding form factor.

What the Community Thinks

Reactions online are mixed. Reddit communities like r/apple praise the iPad mini aesthetic but have concerns. The massive camera bump draws criticism. The lack of a telephoto lens disappoints photography enthusiasts. And the $2,000 price point raises questions about who this device is actually for.

On HackerNews, discussions focus on durability. Apple reportedly uses a "liquid metal" hinge, and commenters wonder how it will hold up over thousands of folds. Some question whether Apple can compete in foldables without a broader color selection.

When to Expect It

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 series later this year. The device would mark Apple's first entry into a foldable market that Samsung has dominated since 2019.

Whether Apple's passport-style approach can carve out a meaningful niche remains to be seen. The company has a history of entering markets late and redefining them. But at $2,000 with limited features, the iPhone Ultra will need to deliver an exceptional experience to justify the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the iPhone Ultra?

The iPhone Ultra is Apple's rumored first foldable iPhone, featuring a 7.8-inch internal display in a passport-style form factor. It's expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series.

How much will the iPhone Ultra cost?

Estimates put the starting price at $2,000, which would make it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever released.

Will the iPhone Ultra have Face ID?

No. According to current leaks, the iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID instead of Face ID for biometric authentication.

What colors will the iPhone Ultra come in?

Leaker Sonny Dickson suggests white may be the only launch color, with gray or black as a possible second option if Apple offers more choices.

When will the iPhone Ultra be released?

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra later this year alongside the iPhone 18 series, though no specific date has been confirmed.

Source: GSMArena.com / Sagar