Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Ultra, could make its debut within weeks. Fresh leaks about the device are giving tech enthusiasts plenty to get excited about.

In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared some notable impressions from people inside Apple who have reportedly used the iPhone Ultra firsthand. Their accounts are particularly revealing because they go beyond technical specifications, offering a glimpse of what it actually feels like to use an entirely new kind of iPhone.

Compact design unfolds into a much larger screen

Gurman, a longtime Apple watcher, said he had spoken with several people who had used the foldable iPhone. They were particularly impressed by several aspects of its design and overall experience.

One of the first things to stand out is how easily the device reportedly fits into a pocket. Previous rumors have suggested that the iPhone Ultra could feature an outer display of around 5.5 inches. When folded, that would make it relatively compact and convenient to carry around every day.

This is widely seen as one of the biggest advantages of foldable smartphones. Users can have a compact device while on the move, then unfold it into a much larger screen when they need to work, watch entertainment or handle multiple tasks.

The hinge is another area that reportedly impressed those who have tried the device. Hinge durability has long been one of the defining factors in the long-term experience of owning a foldable smartphone.

Positive feedback from people who have reportedly used the iPhone Ultra suggests Apple may have devoted considerable effort to addressing one of the traditional weaknesses of this product category.

Inner display could turn the iPhone Ultra into a mini iPad

One of the most significant changes lies inside the device. Sources suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a display of around 7.8 inches, with proportions that are wider than they are tall.

According to people who have experienced the device, Apple has developed new, “iPad-like” app layouts designed to make full use of the larger screen. That could create a meaningful difference compared with simply enlarging the conventional iPhone interface.

Once unfolded, users could have substantially more room for reading documents, browsing the web, watching videos or running applications capable of displaying more content at once. If Apple gets the software experience right, this could become one of the strongest reasons for users to switch from a conventional iPhone to a foldable model.

Camera experience brings another surprise

Using the inner screen as a camera viewfinder has also reportedly received positive feedback. The larger display could make it easier to see the frame when taking photos or shooting video, while offering an experience noticeably different from that of a conventional slab-style iPhone.

The iPhone Ultra, however, is expected to make some camera compromises compared with the iPhone 18 Pro. Current reports suggest the device will feature only a main camera and an ultra-wide camera, with no telephoto lens.

Price could prove another significant hurdle. Multiple reports have suggested that the iPhone Ultra could cost more than $2,000, placing it firmly in the most expensive segment Apple has ever entered with an iPhone.

Early doubts are beginning to fade

The foldable iPhone’s form factor initially left many observers unconvinced. But as more concrete information emerges about its dimensions, everyday use and potential advantages, some of that skepticism appears to be easing.

Positive reviews of Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 also offer a real-world perspective on a similar design concept. They suggest the “phone when closed, tablet when open” approach to foldable smartphones is becoming increasingly practical.

Even so, the iPhone Ultra will almost certainly involve trade-offs compared with the iPhone 18 Pro. For users who regularly rely on a telephoto camera, the absence of that lens could be a notable drawback. Meanwhile, the rumored return of Touch ID in place of Face ID may be less of an issue for users willing to embrace the new design.

If the leaks prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become the most consequential product in Apple’s iPhone strategy this year.

Hai Phong