Apple could launch an ‘Ultra’ high-end iPhone as soon as 2024

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iPhone Ultra concept with dual front cameras
Are you ready for an Ultra iPhone?
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly working on an iPhone “Ultra” that could debut in 2024. The company is internally discussing adding an even-more-premium iPhone that sits above the Pro series.

Apple apparently does not want to replace the iPhone Pro Max with an Ultra model. Instead, the iPhone Ultra would be an entirely new addition to the company’s smartphone lineup.

An iPhone Ultra could pack ultra specs

In recent years, Apple increased the differences between its Pro and entry-level iPhone models. For instance, ith the iPhone 14 series in 2022, Apple reserved its faster chips for the Pro lineup for the first time.

With the 2023 iPhones, the gap could grow even larger. Rumors suggest Apple could use a 5x periscope zoom lens exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This could set it apart even from even the 6.1-inch Pro variant.

For 2024, though, Apple plans to introduce a new model altogether, with a higher price tag and new features, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

At this point, it remains unclear what improvements Apple plans to include in the iPhone Ultra. Since the device would be the new high-end model, it would carry a higher price than even the Pro Max. To justify the price, the iPhone Ultra could feature a bigger and brighter display, a superior camera system and longer battery life. There could be some other breakthrough new features on offer as well.

A rumor from September 2022 claimed Apple could launch an iPhone 15 Ultra with dual-front cameras, USB-C and 256GB base storage.

Apple finds limited success with cheaper iPhone models

Over the past few years, Apple tried expanding its iPhone lineup with cheaper new models — but found limited success. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini failed to attract consumers, so the company killed the mini models in 2022.

Instead, Apple introduced the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus for $899. Despite offering impressive battery life, demand for the iPhone Plus is reportedly on the weaker side. For 2024, the company could discontinue the Plus model and add the new high-end iPhone Ultra to its lineup.

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