In September this year, Apple is expected to launch a new flagship phone. This product, previously known as iPhone Fold, is now generally believed to be named iPhone Ultra, making it the most expensive model in Apple's history.However, the high price does not mean that it is definitely the best choice. The iPhone 18 Pro Max released at the same time also has many highlights. Here are the five key differences we know so far about the two phones.
In terms of form, iPhone Ultra will be Apple's first foldable screen device, using a design similar to Huawei's Pura X Max. When unfolded, it will provide an internal screen similar to the size of iPad mini to enhance productivity and media consumption experience.
Apple is said to be adapting to this in iOS 27, introducing an iPad-like application layout and multitasking split-screen features, which will be exclusive to iPhone Ultra.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max continues the tradition, equipped with a 6.8-inch screen, providing a classic iPhone experience.
In terms of camera performance, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to continue the three 48-megapixel lens configuration of the previous generation, and is expected to add a variable aperture, allowing users to adjust the amount of light entering and improving shooting flexibility.
The leaked design drawings show that the iPhone Ultra is only equipped with dual rear cameras and lacks a telephoto lens. The telephoto capability will be significantly weaker than that of the Pro Max, and the overall camera performance may be close to that of the ordinary non-Pro version of the iPhone.
In terms of battery life, foldable screen phones have often suffered from poor battery life due to large screens and limited internal space. It is predicted that the battery capacity of iPhone Ultra will be between 5000 and 5500 mAh.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is known for its battery life. The previous generation model was used for nearly 18 hours in the test, and its 4823 mAh battery performed well.
It is rumored that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with a 5425 mAh battery (the physical SIM card version is 5235 mAh).
In terms of unlocking methods, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the iPhone Ultra may return to Touch ID fingerprint recognition due to the challenge of integrating Face ID technology into the slim body of a folding screen.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue to use Face ID facial recognition that has been continuously optimized since the iPhone X.
In terms of price, the starting price of iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be US$1,399, which is US$200 higher than the previous generation.
In comparison, the starting price of the iPhone Ultra may be as high as $2,500, which is even $500 more expensive than the Samsung Z Fold7.
Apart from the above differences, the two phones are expected to be similar in performance, and the iPhone Ultra may be equipped with the same cooling system as the regular model.
We believe that the final choice depends on user preference: focusing on photography and cost-effectiveness, iPhone 18 Pro Max may be more suitable;If you are pursuing innovation and the experience of combining iPad mini and iPhone into one, and are willing to pay a high early user premium, Apple's first foldable screen phone may be worth considering.