/data/photo/2026/08/24/6a8bbe8c28f6b.jpg)
Apple Foldable iPhone Ultra: Early Testers Praise Design but Criticize Camera
Apple is moving its foldable smartphone project out of the lab. Known internally as the “iPhone Ultra,” the device has reached the prototype testing stage with parties outside the company. Early feedback points to a robust hinge mechanism and a display experience that mirrors an iPad when fully unfolded, though the camera system has emerged as a primary point of friction.
Apple’s Foldable Prototype Enters External Testing
A Slim Book-Style Form Factor
The prototype adopts a book-style folding design, moving away from a clamshell approach to compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. The device features a primary internal display measuring approximately 7.8 inches, complemented by a 5.5-inch external screen.
To achieve a slim profile of approximately 4.5 mm when opened, Apple has bypassed under-display Face ID. Instead, the company opted for a side-mounted Touch ID sensor for biometrics. Despite these trade-offs, testers have praised the device’s physical comfort in a pocket and the structural stability of the hinge.
Camera Specs Complicate Premium Pricing
Hardware praise is currently tempered by concerns over the camera array. The prototype reportedly houses only two rear lenses: a 48-megapixel main sensor and an ultrawide lens. The omission of a telephoto lens poses a challenge for Apple’s market positioning.
With a projected price point that is very premium, industry analysts suggest the lack of a telephoto lens could be perceived as a significant disadvantage compared to the standard iPhone Pro lineup.
iPad-Inspired Software and 2026 Roadmap
To maximize the hardware, Apple is developing a specialized interface that mimics the iPad’s software layout. This design is intended to leverage the larger screen for improved productivity, gaming, and a more expansive camera viewfinder.
While Apple has not issued an official announcement, the device is part of a broader roadmap that includes 13 new products planned through the end of 2026. Current speculation points to a potential market introduction alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026.
For now, “iPhone Ultra” remains an internal designation. The company has yet to confirm final branding or technical specifications for the product.