iPhone Ultra: With Camera Control, but without SIM Apfelpatient

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Despite its extremely thin design, the foldable iPhone Ultra will reportedly feature a camera control button, according to a new leak. Furthermore, the device is said to support only eSIM in all regions – a physical SIM card tray is completely absent.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's first foldable iPhone and is slated for release in September 2026. New details about its hardware specifications have now emerged from Weibo leaker Instant Digital, who has established himself as a reliable source for iPhone information in recent weeks. Two decisions stand out: Apple is sticking with the camera control button, even though the device is expected to be at least 1.1 millimeters thinner than the iPhone Air when unfolded. And the SIM card tray is completely absent – in all regions.

Both decisions demonstrate Apple's determination to make the iPhone Ultra a new flagship product – even at the cost of significant internal compromises. The camera control button had to be retained, even though this meant sacrificing valuable interior space. The SIM card tray has been removed because Apple intends to implement a fully eSIM-based device.

Why the camera control button remains

According to Instant Digital, the justification for the Camera Control button is primarily ergonomic. Apple sees a practical problem with existing foldable devices: due to their size, adjusting camera settings and taking photos can feel cumbersome. The Camera Control button is intended to solve this problem by allowing users to securely hold the device with one hand while still making all necessary camera adjustments.

Apple internally acknowledges that the reception of the camera control button on the flat iPhones has been mixed – some users love it, others hardly use it. However, in the context of a foldable device, its practical benefit is significantly greater. The team therefore deliberately decided to integrate the feature into the first generation of the foldable iPhone – even at the expense of valuable internal space.

Apple's imaging team travelled to Shenzhen

A noteworthy detail in the leak: Apple's US imaging team reportedly recently traveled to Shenzhen to test the cameras of competing foldable phones, such as Huawei's models – with a particular focus on telephoto zoom capabilities. According to previous reports, the iPhone Ultra will come without a telephoto camera and will only have a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle camera on the back – similar to the iPhone 17.

Competing foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, on the other hand, usually offer three rear cameras, including a telephoto zoom. The fact that Apple is specifically analyzing the competition suggests that a telephoto camera could be added to later Ultra generations – but it's not planned for the first generation.

eSIM only – in all regions

Instant Digital also reports that there is no evidence of tools or inventory for SIM card modules for the iPhone Ultra in the supply chain. From this, the leaker concludes that the device will only support eSIM in all regions – including China. This puts the iPhone Ultra in the same position as the iPhone Air, which was also the first iPhone to globally do away with the physical SIM card tray.

For German users, this isn't a major change, as eSIM support is available from all major mobile network operators. However, in countries with less developed eSIM infrastructure, the decision could cause friction.

iPhone Ultra: Production and price

Instant Digital conservatively estimates the first year's production at 10 million units. This aligns with previous reports of a deliberately limited initial production run. The price is expected to be between 15,000 and 20,000 yuan – roughly equivalent to $2,060 to $2,750. This matches previous price rumors that placed Apple's first foldable iPhone above the $2,000 mark.

This makes it clear: The iPhone Ultra will not only be the thinnest and most technologically advanced iPhone, but also the most expensive. And Apple defends the camera control button as a deliberate design element – even if it takes up some internal space. (Image: FrontPageTech x Asherdipps)