Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone on September 9, with the device widely rumored to carry the iPhone Ultra name and a starting price of around $2,000. However, its premium price does not mean it will include every feature available on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
The foldable design reportedly measures around 4.5mm thick when opened, forcing Apple to make several hardware compromises to save internal space. Current reports point to five notable features that could be missing, although MagSafe now appears likely to be included.
| Feature | iPhone Ultra expected support |
|---|---|
| Face ID | No, Touch ID expected instead |
| Telephoto camera | No |
| Action button | Likely no |
| Physical SIM slot | No |
| mmWave 5G | Uncertain, potentially no |
| MagSafe | Likely yes |
Face ID could be replaced by Touch ID
The biggest change could involve biometric authentication. Apple is reportedly unable to fit the full TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID inside the extremely thin foldable body.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
Instead, the iPhone Ultra is expected to use Touch ID integrated into its side power button, similar to recent iPad models. The phone should still include cameras on both displays, with reports pointing to an under-display camera for the larger internal screen.
This would mark a major change for Apple’s flagship iPhone range, where Face ID has remained standard since the iPhone X generation.
No Telephoto camera
Apple is also expected to use only two rear cameras on the iPhone Ultra:
- 48-megapixel Wide camera
- Ultra Wide camera
- No dedicated Telephoto camera
Recent dummy models support the two-camera layout, while people who have reportedly tested the device have described its camera system as one of its weaker areas.
For a device expected to cost more than $2,000, the lack of a dedicated optical zoom camera could stand out when compared with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
The Action button also appears to be gone
Leaked dummy units show the volume controls positioned on the top-right edge, while the left side remains largely empty. There is currently no visible Action button or traditional Ring/Silent switch.
Reports suggest Apple adopted the unusual layout because major internal components sit on the right side, allowing shorter internal connections and freeing more space inside the thin chassis.
eSIM only and possible mmWave limitation
The foldable iPhone is also expected to rely entirely on eSIM, with no physical SIM card tray in markets where the device launches.
5G support remains less certain. Apple is expected to use its newer C2 cellular modem, but reports have questioned whether that modem supports mmWave 5G. If it does not, Apple could either limit the iPhone Ultra to sub-6GHz 5G or continue using Qualcomm hardware in U.S. models.
MagSafe now looks likely
Earlier dummy units raised concerns that MagSafe would also disappear because they lacked visible indications of Apple’s magnetic charging array.
More recent reporting says MagSafe is expected to be included after all. Apple already managed to fit the system inside the thin iPhone Air, making its inclusion in the foldable model technically more plausible.
Apple has confirmed its “Surprise and shine” event for September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, or 10:30 p.m. IST. The company has not officially confirmed the iPhone Ultra name, specifications, or price, so the remaining details should finally become clear at the event.
Discussion