Apple is moving closer to the commercial release of its first foldable device, widely known as the iPhone Ultra, with industry projections placing its starting price between US$2,000 and US$2,500, according to reports from MacRumors and Fubon Research analyst Arthur Liao. The device is expected to feature a horizontal book-style folding mechanism and a notably thin profile.
iPhone Ultra Pricing and Market Positioning
This pricing strategy places the device above competitors currently on the market. Liao attributes the high cost of Apple’s upcoming device to premium component selection, noting that the panel and hinge assemblies are engineered to meet strict market expectations. Despite the high price point, Fubon estimates that Apple could ship 5,4 juta unit iPhone lipat tahun 2026, contingent upon the final retail pricing strategy.
Design, Hardware, and Engineering Validation
According to MacRumors, the iPhone Ultra is anticipated to measure approximately 4.5 mm in thickness when fully opened. This slim profile reportedly influenced Apple’s decision to omit Face ID from the device. Instead, the hardware is expected to utilize Touch ID embedded within the side-mounted power button, alongside volume controls positioned at the top of the chassis. Kompas.com notes that the foldable phone has reached the engineering validation test (EVT) stage, a critical hardware development milestone where early prototypes undergo rigorous testing to ensure both design parameters and mechanical functions operate as intended. The hardware relies on a horizontal book-style folding layout comparable to existing foldable smartphones on the market.
Did you know? Apple’s planned foldable device is currently in the engineering validation test (EVT) stage, an essential manufacturing phase where prototypes are tested to verify physical durability and hardware reliability before mass production begins.
Display Technology and Crease Visibility
While early industry speculation suggested Apple might eliminate the screen crease entirely, recent reports indicate that completely removing the fold line has not yet been achieved. According to MacRumors, the display crease will remain visible upon opening the device, though engineers have minimized the indentation to ensure it causes minimal disruption during daily use. The folding screen is paired with iOS 27, an operating system version reportedly designed specifically to take advantage of the expanded display real estate.
Internal Components and Camera Configuration
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is slated to run on the A20 Pro processor, matching the anticipated chip architecture of the standard iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Photography capabilities will rely on a dual-lens rear camera array consisting of a Wide lens and an Ultra Wide lens. In the United States, Apple may continue utilizing Qualcomm 5G modems depending on whether the company’s proprietary C2 modem achieves full support for mmWave 5G technology. Additional hardware features include continued support for MagSafe wireless charging, despite earlier dummy units omitting the magnetic charging ring. While Apple has evaluated Apple Pencil compatibility during internal testing, that stylus feature is not expected to be ready for the initial retail launch. Color options are rumored to include white or silver alongside dark blue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the iPhone Ultra expected to cost?
Industry analysts project a retail price ranging from US$2,000 hingga US$2,500 (sekitar Rp 35,24 juta hingga Rp 44,05 juta), with top-tier configurations reaching up to 2.399 dollar AS, according to Fubon Research.
What folding design will Apple use?
The device utilizes a horizontal book-style folding mechanism similar to current foldable smartphones on the market, having recently advanced through the engineering validation test (EVT) stage.
Will the iPhone Ultra feature Face ID?
No. Due to the device’s slim 4.5 mm profile, Apple is expected to use side-mounted Touch ID integrated into the power button instead of Face ID.
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