Leaks suggest that Apple is preparing a new and expensive iPhone Ultra

The headlines about the launch of the iPhone 14 are still fresh when there is already talk of a novelty such as the Ultra version. This is a high-performance and luxury model that would be the most expensive in Apple’s history. This model would arrive to replace the so-called Plus versions.

The company’s leaks specialist, Mark Gurman, was in charge of offering the details of what this new model will be. In a recent article, published in Bloomberg, he said that this new piece would be above the well-known high-end Pro and Pro Max variants. Similarly, the analyst said that the model will be launched in 2024.

With this luxury version looming, the company would have greater prospects when it comes to raising the average price of its mobiles. It should not be lost sight of the fact that increases in Apple smartphones are not rare events. On the other hand, the leak also makes certain pieces of the puzzle fit together.

First hints of the iPhone Ultra

Although the alleged new Ultra version for iPhone comes from a leak and not from official information from the company, it is not the only source. The company’s own CEO, Tim Cook, also dropped some hints to the press about that possible luxury variant.

During Apple’s quarterly earnings call, Cook said that consumers were “willing to pay more for the best phone.” From that statement, investigators began their lobbying work to gain access to what the company was hiding.

Also, the possibility of the new variant does not look far-fetched, taking into consideration that the company is looking for permanent revenue improvements. The latter means that it must increase the prices of the devices, as it has been doing. In that sense, iPhones and other company products are becoming more and more expensive for buyers.

To the same extent that the company creates a more sophisticated version, prices are upward. This is true since the 2017 iPhone X priced at $999. As of 2018, it added a larger screen size in 2018 with the Max, which could be purchased for $1,099.

The Pro version, with 1 TB of storage, appeared with the roughly $1,500 iPhone 13 Pro. With the Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone 14 it is clear that people are indeed willing to pay more, as Cook claims. In that sense, the table is already set for the iPhone Ultra.

Apple discusses possibilities of a luxury version

The Cupertino company would have discussed at length about the new version of its flagship product. Rumors point to various possibilities ranging from an Ultra version that would trade above $1099. However, it could be the case that instead of renaming the Pro Max with the Ultra, a version above it would be added.

In other words, there would be an additional variant above Pro Max in the iPhone 15 and the company would be willing to launch it in 2024. As far as features are concerned, no specific details are known and Gurman only talks about some general outlines. Despite having incomplete information, what he advances is enough to create many expectations about the functions of Apple’s new luxury phone.

It is believed that one of the main features is to have a much larger screen than any of its predecessors. This is in addition to better cameras, a higher-powered processor and no charging ports at all. The Ultra brand within the company started with watch models (Apple Watch) in 2022. It has a larger screen, “a titanium body with a unique industrial design in the range and some features not found in other watches”. These include a siren, dive capability and an action button, Bloomberg explains.

With these premises, the iPhone Ultra or the new luxury version would be preparing for an early appearance on the market.

A foldable iPhone?

Another rumor surrounding Apple’s new creation concerns the possibility of a foldable iPhone. In fact, the network baptized it as iPhone Flip and it would be a step of the company against its main competitor, the South Korean Samsung. The Asian technology company already has two foldable models: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.

For now, these are the best devices in this category that can be found on the market. Similarly, the acceptance of people would be of such a respectable level that Apple itself would be willing to venture. For the aforementioned portal, it would not be out of place if the carefully handled reports end up in the luxury iPhone and the foldable one being the same project.

For example, Apple’s patents on foldable handsets suggest that the company could “make a mark” with these models. However, all we have is speculation and no further data exists to back up a launch date claim. Given this reality, it is believed that a hypothetical foldable version would not reach the market before 2025.

In any case, if the priority is to create an iPhone Ultra in the near term, this would force a delay in plans for a foldable version. Not everyone sees such a long timeframe in the release of a foldable model. One of them is Ross Young, who has gotten much of his predictions about Apple’s devices right. The expert claims that in 2023 the company would unveil the iPhone Flip and the following year bring it to market.

Other analysts think that if the Apple Flip is not ready by 2024, at least an iPad could appear.