In September this year, Apple is expected to launch a brand-new flagship mobile phone. This product was previously called iPhone Fold, but is now widely believed to be named iPhone Ultra, becoming the most expensive model in Apple’s history.
However, the high price does not mean that it is definitely the best option. The iPhone 18 Pro Max released at the same time also has many impressive features.
Here are the five key differences between the two mobile phones that we currently know.
In terms of design, the iPhone Ultra will be Apple’s first foldable device, adopting a design similar to that of Huawei’s Pura X Max. When unfolded, it will offer an internal screen of a size comparable to that of an iPad mini, enhancing productivity and media consumption experiences.
It is said that Apple will make this adaptation in iOS 27, introducing features similar to those of iPad, such as application layout and multi-task split-screen functions. These features will be exclusive to iPhone Ultra.
While the iPhone 18 Pro Max follows the tradition, it is equipped with a 6.8-inch screen, offering the classic iPhone experience.
In terms of camera performance, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to maintain the same configuration of three 48-megapixel lenses as the previous model, and it is also likely to incorporate a variable aperture feature, allowing users to adjust the amount of light entering the camera and enhancing the flexibility of photography.
The leaked design drawings reveal that the iPhone Ultra is equipped with only a rear dual camera, lacking a telephoto lens. Its long-distance shooting capability will be significantly inferior to that of the Pro Max, and its overall photography performance may be comparable to that of ordinary non-Pro edition iPhones.
In terms of battery life, foldable screen phones previously often had poor battery performance due to their large screens and limited internal space. According to predictions, the battery capacity of the iPhone Ultra is between 5000 and 5500 milliampere-hours.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max excels in battery life. The previous generation model could last for nearly 18 hours in tests, and its 4823 mAh battery performed exceptionally well.
It is rumored that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with a 5425 mAh battery (the version with physical SIM card will have a 5235 mAh battery).
Regarding the unlocking method, analyst Guo Mingzhi believes that due to the significant challenges in integrating Face ID technology into the thin and compact body of the foldable screen, the iPhone Ultra might revert to using Touch ID for fingerprint recognition.
And the iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue to use the Face ID facial recognition technology that has been continuously optimized since the iPhone X.
In terms of price, the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be $1,399, which is $200 higher than that of the previous generation.
In contrast, the starting price of the iPhone Ultra could be as high as $2,500, even being $500 more expensive than the Samsung Z Fold7.
Apart from the aforementioned differences, the two phones are expected to have similar performance. The iPhone Ultra is likely to be equipped with the same cooling system as the regular models.
We believe that the final choice depends on the user’s preferences: if one values photography and cost-effectiveness, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might be more suitable; if one seeks innovation and the combined experience of the iPad mini and iPhone, and is willing to pay the high premium for early adopters, the first foldable phone from Apple could be worth considering.