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Three advantages iPhone Ultra will have over iPhone 18 Pro

Apple has three new flagship iPhones launching next week: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and iPhone Ultra. Apple’s Pro models will have several advantages over the Ultra, but here are three ways the high-end Ultra will come out on top.

#1: Larger (and smaller) displays

Dummy models for iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max

iPhone Ultra will have two displays with the following rumored dimensions:

  • 5.5-inch cover display
  • 7.8-inch inner display

This compares to iPhone 18 Pro’s 6.3-inch screen and 6.9 inches on the Pro Max.

Essentially, iPhone Ultra provides both a larger display than the Pro models and also a smaller one. As a result, it will be the better choice for anyone wanting the largest iPhone screen. But it could also be a winner for fans of small phones, like the discontinued iPhone mini.

#2: Fits in any pocket, comfortable in-hand

iPhone 18 Pro, and especially iPhone 18 Pro Max, will be hit-or-miss in fitting pockets. This was already an issue with iPhone 17 Pro models. And while dimensions will largely be the same this year, rumors indicate the plateau could get even thicker to make room for the new camera system.

iPhone Ultra, meanwhile, will have a compact form factor when folded. It should fit in far more pockets with ease.

Additionally, the sleek, Air-inspired design of iPhone Ultra should be more comfortable in the hand than Apple’s bulkier Pro models.

#3: Exclusive multitasking features in iOS 27

iPad mini pictured

Though iPhone Ultra will have a few hardware drawbacks compared to iPhone 18 Pro, it’s likely in the software experience that it will earn its ‘Ultra’ branding.

Side-by-side apps are rumored to be an exclusive multitasking feature of iPhone Ultra. When unfolded, you’ll be able to keep two apps active on-screen at all times. Drag and drop will even be supported between apps.

iOS 27 also brings landscape support to lots of system apps for the first time, no doubt intended for iPhone Ultra though available on other models too. This will enable an iPad-like app experience on iPhone Ultra’s large 7.8-inch screen.

Which new iPhone model are you leaning toward upgrading to? Let us know in the comments.

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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.