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iPhone Ultra sounds truly deserving of the ‘Ultra’ name

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming very soon, and based on rumors about the product, it sounds very much deserving of the ‘iPhone Ultra’ name. Here’s why.

Software experience, more than hardware specs, will justify ‘iPhone Ultra’ name

John Ternus Apple Park

When Apple launches a brand new product, it’s always fun to speculate what the name might be. The foldable iPhone has commonly been called ‘iPhone Fold,’ but I’ve long believed Apple will go a different naming direction, like iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo.

Rumors indicate iPhone Ultra will be the name. And while I was initially unsure how ‘Ultra’-worthy the device will be, I now think Apple—and new CEO John Ternus—will have a strong pitch.

My main arguments against the Ultra name involve hardware features. iPhone Ultra will lack the Telephoto camera that iPhone 18 Pro offers, and battery life might be worse than iPhone 18 Pro Max. Justifying ‘Ultra’ when certain features don’t match the ‘Pro’ line seems tough.

But the more I’ve thought about it, the more ‘Ultra’ feels right for the foldable.

That’s in large part because of the software experience iPhone Ultra will provide.

iPhone Ultra will offer the largest screen ever on an iPhone. That will make it excellent for all the things people love doing with their iPhones today:

  • video
  • social media
  • games
  • productivity

Landscape layouts in apps will feel great on iPhone Ultra. And you’ll be able to multitask with side-by-side apps too.

At the same time, the device will be compact and fit nicely in a pocket. And for messaging, checking notifications, and other quick tasks, the outer display will be great.

I’m excited by the keyboard typing experience too. Having a wide outer display should make it easier to type accurately, with less frustration over typos.

Top comment by Dan

Liked by 12 people

"Ultra" implies that it will be better than the Pro. But it won't be in all aspects, just some of them, namely the screen. Whereas the Pro will have a better camera system. I think the name should reflect its character rather than implying its the best phone that Apple sells.

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Essentially, iPhone Ultra will take the core experience of using an iPhone and make it feel ‘Ultra.’ Bigger, better, and more capable.

That, more than any individual hardware specs, should make the new product truly deserving of the Ultra name.

What do you think of Apple using ‘iPhone Ultra’ for the foldable? Let us know in the comments.

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Author

Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.