Apple’s long-rumoured iPhone Ultra is once again making headlines, and this time, the excitement is coming from a hands-on look at a dummy model. While this is not an official Apple device, the latest leak gives us a much clearer idea of what Apple’s first foldable iPhone could look like.

According to Macworld, YouTuber Unbox Therapy recently explored a dummy mockup of the rumoured iPhone Ultra. The model reportedly has a compact, passport-like design and a large camera module that makes the phone look very different from today’s standard iPhones. Macworld also notes that the dummy is not an official Apple prototype, so the final design could still change.

A Foldable iPhone That Looks Different on Purpose

The most interesting thing about this iPhone Ultra leak is not just that it folds. Instead, it is the shape. Unlike some foldable phones that focus on becoming wider and tablet-like, Apple’s rumoured design appears shorter and more compact when folded.

This could make the phone easier to carry in a pocket. However, it also gives the device a slightly unusual look. Unbox Therapy reportedly described the design as “weird,” “so strange,” and similar to a small iPad-style device.

That may sound risky, but Apple often takes a different approach when entering a product category late. Instead of simply copying Samsung, Google, or other foldable phone makers, Apple may be trying to create a foldable iPhone that feels more natural for iPhone users.

The Big Camera Bump Could Be a Major Talking Point

One of the biggest design details in the leak is the camera bump. The iPhone Ultra dummy reportedly has a very large rear camera area. Macworld says the dummy measures around 11mm thick when closed at its thinnest point, while the camera bump reaches 16.6mm. As a result, the phone may wobble badly when placed on a flat surface.

For many users, this could be annoying. However, Apple may be making this trade-off to keep strong camera performance in a foldable design. Since foldable phones are already difficult to design because of hinges, battery space, and display layers, fitting a powerful camera system into the body is not easy.

Therefore, the iPhone Ultra may not be the thinnest or cleanest-looking foldable phone. But if Apple manages to deliver excellent cameras, smooth software, and strong durability, many users may accept the compromise.

iPhone Ultra: The Open Display Could Be the Real Magic

The leaked dummy also suggests that Apple may be focusing more on the unfolded experience than the folded one. When opened, the iPhone Ultra is expected to feel more like a small iPad than a normal iPhone.

MacRumors reported that the rumoured foldable iPhone could feature an inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to an iPad. The same report says most rumours point to around 5.5 inches when closed and 7.8 inches when opened, making it smaller than the current 8.3-inch iPad mini.

This could make the iPhone Ultra useful for reading, watching videos, gaming, multitasking, and editing content on the go. In addition, Apple could use iPad-style software features to make the larger display feel more productive.

Will Apple Call It iPhone Ultra?

The name “iPhone Ultra” has been used in several recent rumours, but Apple has not confirmed anything. MacRumors says Apple’s first foldable iPhone may launch under the iPhone Ultra name, based on claims from a Chinese leaker. The same report says Apple is expected to unveil the foldable model alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September.

Of course, until Apple officially announces the device, the name, design, price, and specifications should be treated as rumours. Still, the number of dummy models and leaks now appearing suggests Apple’s foldable iPhone project may be moving closer to reality.

Why This iPhone Ultra Leak Matters

The foldable phone market is no longer new. Samsung has been selling foldable phones for years, while other brands have also tested different designs. However, Apple entering this space could change the category in a big way.

If the iPhone Ultra becomes real, it may attract users who never considered buying a foldable Android phone. Moreover, Apple’s ecosystem could make the device more powerful. For example, features like iCloud, Apple Notes, FaceTime, iMessage, AirDrop, and Apple Pencil-style support could make the larger screen more useful.

On the other hand, price will likely be a major issue. Foldable phones are usually expensive, and an Apple foldable could cost far more than a standard iPhone Pro Max. Because of this, the iPhone Ultra may first target tech lovers, creators, business users, and Apple fans who want the newest design.

Final Thoughts

The latest iPhone Ultra hands-on leak shows a device that looks unusual, compact, and very different from the iPhone designs we know today. The strange shape, huge camera bump, and iPad-like open display may divide opinions at first.

However, Apple rarely enters a new product category without a clear reason. If the iPhone Ultra offers a strong display, reliable hinge, excellent cameras, and smooth software, it could become one of the most talked-about smartphones of the year.

For now, this is still a rumour based on dummy models and leaks. But one thing is clear: if Apple’s foldable iPhone really looks like this, the iPhone Ultra will not be boring.

FAQs

Is the iPhone officially confirmed by Apple?

No, Apple has not officially confirmed the iPhone Ultra yet. Current information is based on leaks, dummy models, and industry rumours.

Is the iPhone Ultra the same as the iPhone Fold?

It could be. Many rumours previously called Apple’s foldable phone the iPhone Fold, but recent leaks suggest Apple may use the iPhone Ultra name instead.

What makes the iPhone Ultra design strange?

The leaked dummy model appears shorter and more compact than many foldable phones. It also has a very large camera bump, which makes the design look unusual.

When could the iPhone Ultra launch?

Current rumours suggest Apple may introduce its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September, but this is not official yet.

Should you wait for the iPhone Ultra?

If you love Apple products and want a foldable iPhone, it may be worth watching the leaks closely. However, if you need a phone now, buying a current iPhone may still be the safer choice.

For more details, you can read the original hands-on report from Macworld.