Details about Apple’s first foldable iPhone model continue to become clear. While the phone, which is claimed to be called iPhone Ultra, is expected to be introduced at the Apple event to be held on September 9, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared new information about the features and pricing of the device. One of the striking details in Gurman’s interview with Tom’s Guide was MagSafe support. Although the magnetic ring identified with MagSafe is not seen in previously released device images and mock-ups, Gurman thinks that the foldable iPhone will support this wireless charging system. In this way, Apple can maintain compatibility with existing iPhone accessories to a certain extent, despite the body expected to be quite thin.
Gurman bases this prediction on Apple’s ability to include MagSafe in its thin-body iPhone Air model. Rumor has it that the iPhone Ultra will be only 4.5mm thick when fully expanded. Considering the space occupied by components such as hinges, screen layers and batteries in foldable phones, adding MagSafe magnets to such a thin body could be a notable engineering choice for Apple. However, the information that MagSafe will be available has not yet been confirmed by Apple. The fact that the magnet ring is not visible in the leaked images requires taking into consideration that the feature has not been finalized.
iPhone Ultra may come with a 7.8-inch foldable screen
It is stated that the iPhone Ultra will use two different panels on the screen side. It is expected that users will be greeted by a 5.5-inch cover screen on the exterior of the phone, and a 7.8-inch flexible screen when the device is opened. Such a structure will allow the device to be used like a traditional smartphone when it is closed, and to switch to an internal screen approaching tablet dimensions when a larger working area is required. It is claimed that Apple is also working on the fold mark issue, which has been discussed for a long time in foldable screens. Allegedly, the fold mark on the screen of the iPhone Ultra will be slightly less noticeable than that seen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8.
The hinge that Apple will use in the foldable phone may also be one of the prominent hardware components of the device. Available information points to a hinge system with high durability. This part will be decisive not only in terms of the lifespan of the phone, but also in terms of how noticeable the mark will be at the point where the screen folds and how the two halves will be aligned when the device is closed. In addition, the open body thickness, which is claimed to be 4.5 mm, means that Apple will have to work with a very limited space when placing the internal components. If MagSafe support is actually offered, how the company combines the magnet array, wireless charging coil and other components with this thin design will be one of the technical highlights of the device.
The claims on the camera side show that there will be two cameras on the back of the iPhone Ultra. Considering the more comprehensive camera systems on Apple’s current high-end iPhone models, the dual-camera layout may be a design decision made due to the thin body and limited interior space. In addition, it is stated that the phone will use Apple’s latest chipset and modem. The results of these components in terms of energy consumption as well as performance will be decisive for the foldable phone; because two screens and a thin body require a more delicate balance between battery capacity and operating time.
There is no official confirmation from Apple yet about the iPhone Ultra name, technical specifications or MagSafe support. Therefore, the information shared by Gurman and other leaks remain rumors until the company introduces the device. Still, details about the 5.5-inch external screen, 7.8-inch foldable panel, dual rear camera and 4.5 mm body thickness show that Apple may focus on thin design in its first foldable phone. The inclusion of MagSafe in this design could make the transition easier, especially for iPhone owners using existing MagSafe chargers and accessories. What kind of durability, battery life and screen experience the device will offer in real use can be better evaluated by announcing the official technical specifications.
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