In 2024, Apple may introduce the new high-end iPhone 16 “Ultra,” which will be sold alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max as a more expensive, feature-rich option.
This guide highlights everything we’ve heard about the usability of the iPhone Ultra.
feature set
iPhone 16 Ultra will be Apple’s most expensive and feature-rich iPhone, offering options beyond those available with the Pro models. We don’t have much idea of what new additions Apple might be keeping for the Ultra model, however bloombergMark Gorman shared some of the possibilities.
He says the iPhone Ultra could include additional camera improvements, a faster chip, a larger screen, and perhaps even a portless design without a Lightning or USB-C port.
The iPhone Ultra is supposed to be modeled after the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple’s higher-end Apple Watch option. Like this device, the iPhone Ultra can have unique, niche features that set it apart and make it worth the higher price tag.
pricing
If Apple ends up revealing the iPhone 16 Ultra, it will be more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099. It is expected to be sold alongside the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max devices rather than as a single device replacement.
launch schedule
The earliest Apple introduced the Ultra iPhone is 2024, which would make it part of the iPhone 16 lineup. Since 2024 is the earliest we’ll see the model, there’s a chance it could be delayed until the iPhone 17 lineup or later.
iPhone 15 Ultra?
Back in September 2022, Gurman speculated that Apple might introduce the iPhone 15 Ultra that would replace the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the 2023 iPhone lineup, but it no longer appears that the iPhone 15 Ultra will happen. Instead, we expect iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Makes
In February, designer Jonas Daenert shared some concept images of what the iPhone 16 Ultra could look like, along with some design ideas taken from the Apple Watch Ultra. It envisions a 12mm-thick iPhone with a titanium body, rounded edges, protruding buttons, and orange accents.
This is by no means what Apple’s iPhone Ultra will look like as there have been no design rumors yet, but it’s a fun concept to look at.
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