Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious smartphone launches, but buyers may need to accept several compromises in exchange for its futuristic design. While the rumored iPhone Ultra is expected to introduce a completely different form factor, it may not offer every premium feature found on Apple’s conventional Pro models.
The biggest question may not be whether Apple can build an impressive foldable phone, but whether consumers will consider its compromises reasonable at a rumored starting price of around $2,000 or more. Based on reports and leaked hardware details, Apple appears to be prioritizing an extremely thin design. That decision could influence several parts of the device, including biometric security, cameras, physical controls, SIM support, and cellular connectivity.
A Foldable iPhone Designed Around Thinness
The rumored iPhone Ultra is expected to follow a slim design philosophy similar to the iPhone Air. Apple is reportedly using a titanium frame and glass construction while trying to keep the folded device exceptionally thin. That approach could explain why several familiar iPhone components may not make the transition to the foldable model. Unlike a traditional iPhone, a foldable device has significantly more internal engineering challenges.
Apple has to accommodate two display sections, a folding mechanism, batteries, cameras, antennas, and other components inside a chassis that must remain thin enough to feel comfortable in the hand. As a result, Apple may have chosen to sacrifice certain features rather than make the device thicker.
Face ID Could Give Way to Touch ID
One of the most notable changes could involve biometric authentication. The iPhone Ultra is rumored to skip Apple’s Face ID system because the TrueDepth hardware required for facial recognition may not fit within its thin design. Instead, Apple could bring back Touch ID through a fingerprint sensor integrated into the side button. That would represent a major departure from the current flagship iPhone experience. The last flagship iPhone to rely on Touch ID was the iPhone 7, released in 2016.
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly moving Face ID components beneath the display on the iPhone 18 Pro to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island. The foldable model could therefore take a completely different approach from the rest of Apple’s premium lineup.
Camera Hardware May Be Less Pro
Photography could become another important compromise. Current reports suggest that the foldable iPhone may feature two rear cameras rather than the three-camera arrangement found on Pro models. The expected configuration includes a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. A dedicated Telephoto lens may be absent.
For everyday photography, two cameras could still provide plenty of versatility. However, users who frequently rely on optical zoom may notice the difference between the foldable iPhone and an iPhone Pro. This could become particularly important because buyers may expect a device costing more than $2,000 to offer the most advanced camera system available from Apple.
The Action Button May Also Disappear
Apple could make another unusual change to the physical controls. Leaked dummy units reportedly show no Action button or traditional silent switch on the left side. The power and volume controls are instead expected to use an unusual layout designed around the device’s internal components.
If accurate, the foldable iPhone would become the first iPhone in several years without either the Action button or the familiar mute switch. This change may be less significant than losing a camera or Face ID, but it demonstrates how aggressively Apple may be redesigning the hardware to accommodate the folding mechanism.
eSIM-Only Connectivity Is Expected
Buyers may also need to prepare for an eSIM-only experience. Reports indicate that Apple could remove the physical SIM card slot entirely, following the direction already taken with the iPhone Air. Both Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have reportedly expected the foldable model to rely exclusively on eSIM technology in markets where it is sold. For users already comfortable with eSIMs, this should not create a major problem. However, travelers and consumers who frequently move physical SIM cards between devices could find the change less convenient.
5G Performance Could Depend on Apple’s C2 Modem
Another potential limitation concerns cellular technology. If the foldable iPhone uses Apple’s rumored C2 modem, it may not support mmWave 5G. The technology is particularly relevant to certain U.S. networks, while Apple has not offered mmWave connectivity on iPhones outside the United States. The move would nevertheless be significant because it could represent another step in Apple’s transition toward internally developed modem technology.
MagSafe May Still Be Included
Not every rumor points toward a missing feature. MagSafe was previously uncertain because early dummy units did not appear to show the necessary internal magnetic arrangement. More recent information from Mark Gurman suggests that Apple has managed to include MagSafe after all. That would be an important addition because wireless charging accessories and magnetic mounts have become a major part of the modern iPhone ecosystem.
Is the Foldable iPhone Worth Its Expected Price?
The rumored price could ultimately determine how consumers react to these compromises. Current reports place the starting price at roughly $1,999 or higher, with some estimates reaching $2,500. Apple is expected to introduce the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9 event. If the foldable iPhone delivers a compelling folding experience, extremely thin hardware, strong displays, and seamless software integration, some buyers may consider the missing features an acceptable trade-off.
However, customers who prioritize cameras, biometric convenience, physical SIM support, and maximum cellular capability may find the conventional Pro models more attractive. Apple’s first foldable iPhone therefore may not be designed to win every specification battle. Instead, its appeal could come from offering a completely new way to use an iPhone and that experience may be what ultimately justifies its premium price.
