Apple’s Ultra Fold Likely Drops Face ID and Telephoto Lens

Apple's rumored foldable is shaping up to be a study in compromises. The company reportedly wants to hit an astonishingly thin profile — about 4.5 millimeters when opened — and to do that it's said to be trimming hardware that many buyers take for granted.

Mark Gurman, citing those who've handled prototypes, says the device—nicknamed the 'iPhone Ultra' in leaks—could cost north of $2,000. Early impressions praise the hinge, the overall durability and the sleek design. But camera fans might wince; the imaging setup appears pared down compared with Apple's usual flagship standards.

Size-wise the phone will bridge pocketable and tablet. Closed, the outer display reportedly measures roughly 5.5 inches. Open it and you get an internal panel near 7.8 inches with an almost 4:3 aspect ratio—more like a compact iPad mini than a stretched smartphone. Apple also seems to have put a lot of engineering muscle into minimizing the fold crease.

To achieve that wafer-thin build, Apple may sacrifice Face ID and a telephoto camera. The limited internal space apparently blocks a TrueDepth array, so the company is rumored to favor a lateral Touch ID sensor built into the side button instead. It’s a practical solution, but not what many iPhone loyalists expected from a flagship foldable.

The rear camera module is said to be simple by Apple standards: two 48-megapixel sensors covering main and ultrawide duties. No telephoto lens has been spotted in the leaks, which means optical zoom capabilities will likely be reduced compared with current iPhone Pro models.

Under the hood, whispers point to an A20 chip and a proprietary C2 modem, suggesting Apple still plans to treat this model as a top-tier device despite the visible trade-offs. Price, hardware choices and the form factor together hint at a product aimed at early adopters who prize thinness and novelty over the most advanced camera setup.

When will we find out for sure? The rumors peg an unveiling around September 9. Until then, the question remains: will buyers accept these compromises for the slim foldable experience Apple is chasing?