Starting price of $2,199?

According to financial news outlet Bloomberg, Apple initially targeted a starting price of $1,999 for the iPhone Ultra. However, rising component costs have reportedly prompted the company to recently consider a price of $2,199.

Models with higher storage capacities could cost as much as $3,000, according to the report.

If that pricing proves accurate, the iPhone Ultra would rank among the most expensive premium smartphones on the market, pushing Apple’s foldable iPhone into an entirely new price segment.

China launch could come later

In a post on Weibo, leaker Instant Digital said the foldable iPhone would likely go on sale in China later than in other markets.

The main reason is believed to be the device’s eSIM-only design, while eSIM adoption and infrastructure in China remain less developed than in many other countries.

Apple previously launched the iPhone Air in China later than in other markets because of regulatory issues surrounding its eSIM-only design.

More evidence points to Touch ID

Another detail attracting attention is the possibility that the iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID instead of Face ID.

Developer Pdfu shared further evidence on social media this week suggesting the device could feature a fingerprint sensor.

Touch ID has appeared repeatedly in rumors surrounding Apple’s foldable iPhone. If accurate, it would mark one of the device’s most notable differences from current iPhones, which use Face ID as their primary biometric authentication system.

An almost invisible display crease

One of Apple’s biggest goals is reportedly to create a foldable iPhone without the conspicuous crease that remains an issue on many foldable smartphones.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has finally developed a crease that is significantly less visible than those found on foldable smartphones currently on the market.

To achieve this, the company has reportedly developed a hinge system combining titanium and aluminum, along with specially designed protective glass for the display.

The device will not be completely “crease-free,” but Apple is expected to promote the much less visible fold as an important competitive advantage.

MagSafe is staying

Whether the iPhone Ultra would support MagSafe has been one of the more debated points in rumors surrounding the device.

However, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman recently offered a positive indication.

“MagSafe is there. All the indications I’m hearing are that MagSafe will be on this foldable phone,” he said in an interview.

If accurate, the iPhone Ultra will retain compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging and accessory ecosystem rather than sacrificing the feature to accommodate its foldable design.

Du Lam