New iPhone Ultra rumored to include feature that Samsung users have waited years for
Apple has been keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to releasing the first-ever folding iPhone, but like Rockstar Games has been struggling to keep a lid on GTA VI spoilers, insiders are pretty good at digging up dirt.
It'll be no real surprise if Apple reveals the rumored folding iPhone Ultra at its September 9 keynote, but what will be a surprise are all the features going on under the hood.
Even though leaked dummy cases have given us some idea of what to expect (if they're legit), we ultimately won't know until the new Apple CEO, John Ternus, unveils all the official details.
That includes that all-important price tag, which looks like it could be crossing over the $2,000 mark.
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We've heard that Samsung could actually benefit from the iPhone Ultra's release, but apparently Apple could be trying to 1-up the competition with a feature that folding Galaxy phones still lack.
iPhone Ultra tipped to add MagSafe charging
Speaking to Tom's Guide, noted Apple Insider Mark Gurman spilled the beans on all things iPhone Ultra and suggested that MagSafe charging will be a part of the upcoming device. No one wants a smartphone that looks like two iPhones glued together, and with the iPhone Ultra tipped to be wafer thing, this obviously has to come at the cost of components under the hood. As part of this, there are rumbles that the likes of a telefoto lens and FaceID have been shown the door, although Gurman told the outlet that MagSafe charging is back on the table.
Given that the budget iPhone 17e included MagSafe charging, many would expect it in a premium product like the iPhone Ultra.
The iPhone Air also boasts MagSafe charging, but remember that it's 5.6mm thick when compared to the Ultra's rumored thickness of just 4.55 mm when unfolded.
As Tom's Guide reminds us, the iPhone Ultra having MagSafe means you'll be able to attach to all kinds of chargers and accessories without having to stump up for a special case.
More than this, even Samsung's latest model doesn't offer built-in magnets, with the Galaxy Z Fold8 being the Ultra's biggest rival in 2026.
Of course, cramming magnetic wireless charging into a device that's as thin as just 4.5mm would be quite the feat of engineering. Then again, as we recently covered how folding iPhones could be set to revolutionize the whole industry, it seems Apple's chefs have been using that extra time in the kitchen wisely.
What else do we know about the iPhone Ultra?
MagSafe charging is unlikely to be the reason you stump up for an iPhone Ultra, but package it with a slew of other features, and you might be a little more tempted to upgrade. Boasting a 5.5-inch cover display and 7.8-inch main screen, the iPhone Ultra is poised to emulate the Fold8's passport-style folding design and open up to a device similar to an iPad Mini.
While Samsung has done great work in upgrading the crease on its Fold8 line via its Flex Titanium technology, Gurman claims the first folding iPhone has taken so long because the company has been tinkering with how to completely remove the crease.
He also sees the advantage of the Apple App Store, whereas folding Android devices have struggled with their own apps since release.
The iPhone Ultra obviously isn't for everyone, and with Gurman doubling down on that $2,000+ price tag, he referred to it as the 'ultimate flex' to own one.
Package all of this together, and it'll be interesting to see who the iPhone Ultra is aimed at and who will actually buy one.