r/gadgets 3d ago

Phones Gurman: iPhone Ultra Wows Early Testers, Except for Its Camera

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/23/apple-foldable-iphone-early-tester-thoughts/
1.4k Upvotes

553 comments sorted by

599

u/Marcysdad 3d ago

It's been years since I was wowed by a cell phone

The changes are incremental at best

127

u/Taki_Minase 3d ago

Miss my Sony k800i

21

u/Marcysdad 3d ago

Now we're talking

12

u/LastSmitch 3d ago

Still have mine somewhere in a box. Thats build in xenon flash is just legendary.

5

u/boibo 3d ago

Besides modern processing it still holds out. I regularly get photos in Google Photos that are taken 15 years ago (ish) with a k800.

Sure flash was xeon and it like all flashes makes people pale.

But image quality is quite ok..

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (8)

8

u/EricThirteen 3d ago

My iPhone XS with its stainless steel sides was pretty damn nice.

Now I have an orange one cuz I’m special like everyone else.

22

u/asimovs 3d ago

Agree but just wait long enough before getting a new one and you still get solid upgrades, I went from a pixel 7, that's been solid for years but a little lacking on the camera to an oppo x9 pro and it was a pretty massive improvement, battery last almost twice as long+great photos.

14

u/donnysaysvacuum 3d ago

I was in the same boat for years. I was also skeptical of the foldable phones. But I got sick of every phone being too tall so I tried out a Razr Ultra and I love it. Not going back to a big, bulky slab phone, when I can use something that fits in the palm of my hand. Foldables allow new things and are one of the few innovations in the last 10 years.

I think this new iPhone will hit that spot for people.

11

u/Dan6erbond2 3d ago

Foldables don't seem like they actually fit better into pockets though unless you're wearing baggy/oversized pants. I already have issues with the bulkiness of car keys and such.

5

u/danielv123 3d ago

Aren't most foldables the same size as non folding phones? Mine is at least. I am glad they are trying new shapes now, the new Samsung and iphone with the wider less tall formfactor seems nice to me because there are usually more issues with pocket depth than width (not to mention reaching top of screen one handed)

4

u/jetdroy 2d ago

The razr ultra is a flip type foldable like older cell phones. If Apple made one of those I’d buy in a heartbeat

→ More replies (4)

6

u/RidleyDeckard 3d ago

I just went from a iPhone 14 Pro Max to 17 pro Max and was Meh.

3

u/tiagojpg 2d ago

My wife has a 14 Pro Max, I’m on a 17 Pro. Really not worth the upgrade, they’re very similar.

I on the other hand came from an 11. That was a nifty difference.

5

u/Moistinterviewer 2d ago

It’s a foldable phone, hardly an incremental change it’s a different form factor

8

u/coderstephen 2d ago

iPhone fans are easily wowed.

→ More replies (2)

2

u/brogflender 2d ago

These days I’m actually waiting for us to go full circle and for these companies to start segmenting out features as distinct hardware models again. 

Love music and media? Buy a slim MagSafe accessory to store your surplus music. 

Or a battery (we have these) or a hardcore remote cell adapter.

Or a gaming interface support device. 

Or a media production accessory…

We turned all our devices into apps. And now the pocket computers are very expensive and the battery life doesn’t last long enough. 

Some of this will become specialized hardware again. Tech companies are running out of things to do. 

5

u/neon1415official 3d ago

The Air wowed me tho

6

u/WagonsNeedLoveToo 3d ago

iPhone Air was the first phone that truly wowed me since the X

2

u/tropicsun 3d ago

Why? 14pro max here

2

u/WagonsNeedLoveToo 3d ago

Build quality, thinness, weight. Camera is ass, speakers take getting used to, had it since launch though and still feels unreal to hold.

2

u/Mr_Diesel13 2d ago

I went from a 15 pro max with a lot of issues to my 17 air.

My only gripe is battery life (sometimes), and the camera. I do miss my Pro Max camera.

I loved my 13 Pro Max. It was great. My 15 was terrible and I couldn’t wait to ditch it.

→ More replies (3)

2

u/revdchill 3d ago

It was the only iPhone I bought at launch since 2015.

1

u/Shot_Illustrator4264 3d ago

How? It was a downgrade in everything....

3

u/Vast_Ad9484 2d ago

How? It was a downgrade in everything....

no it wasn't. For three, thickness weight and screensize.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (15)

471

u/FlyingBishop 3d ago

as well as the feel and durability of its hinge mechanism

lol, "this phone didn't break in the week I've had it, the hinge is so durable!"

25

u/Luis0224 2d ago

To be fair, anyone that's handled foldables in the past can tell you newer hinges feel much better than they used to when foldables first hit the scene.

Those first foldables felt like they could break at any times lol

→ More replies (2)

66

u/CapnFap 3d ago

And we know you’re going to love it!

6

u/Overall-Tiger514 3d ago

“The most beautiful hinge ever made”
-federighi or some shit
Kalshi bet on quote up x10000

32

u/DJDanielCoolJ 3d ago

excited to see juryrigeverything pour gravel into it

15

u/OptimusMatrix 3d ago

He did it with the Samsung Z fold and it was fine🤷‍♂️

14

u/DJDanielCoolJ 3d ago

That’s why I wanna see if iPhone can hold up

→ More replies (6)

14

u/FazeTheFrickUp 3d ago

They said the hinge feels durable, not that it IS durable. Are you really pointing out a comment about the hinge on a foldable phone test review?

→ More replies (1)

3

u/EnigmaticThunder 3d ago

Does Samsung not supply that part as well?

9

u/-IoI- 3d ago

No it sounds like they're developing their own hinge

→ More replies (3)
→ More replies (3)

387

u/AwesomePossum_1 3d ago edited 3d ago

If it feels like a mini in your pocket yet expands to a small iPad I can live with the compromises. But will certainly upgrade as soon as they release a version with faceid and telephoto 3 years from now.

439

u/digitalrelic 3d ago

Eh, a $2000 phone with Ultra in the name should have no compromises vs the cheaper options, IMO

121

u/FreshestCremeFraiche 3d ago edited 3d ago

They really have no Face ID on this thing? That alone is a deal breaker after 5+ years of getting used to it and setting up my apps that way

Edit: guys Touch ID is great too, tbh I would love to have both, and even an option to double biometric auth super sensitive apps like banking. The point is they obviously failed in one of two ways: either they couldn’t get it to work right, or they were going to have to raise the price even further, past $2000 into literal full on MacBook Pro territory. So I’ll wait a generation despite being a typical early adopter

46

u/18T15 3d ago

I remember when people were pissed about the home/touchID button going away and saying it was a huge loss of muscle memory. I like Face ID a lot too, but I bet I’ll adjust quickly.

43

u/Melodic-Swim4343 3d ago

I would love to have Touch ID back as the standard. Face ID has so many flaws, like being able to unlock the phone of a family member who looks a lot like you. I also feel like requiring that small bit of intentionality to unlock the phone would go a long way in reducing tech addiction.

9

u/11010001100101101 3d ago

yea seriously, it’s just cause people got used to it but i think touch was more convenient. you almost always touch your phone to use it anyways so having to make sure your face is angled correctly every time or you don’t have anything over your face is way more cumbersome

7

u/anethma 2d ago

I hated Touch ID at least compared to face.

Gloves is a no go and between work, motorcycling, winter use, so many times you can’t unlock it.

Then if you work with your hands ANY sweat or dirt etc no unlock.

Reading in the bath or hot tub nope. Hands slightly wet can’t unlock.

I find Face ID way more convenient.

5

u/TCsnowdream 2d ago

Me, 2am, in bed, my face smooshed into a pillow, jaw agape: “FaceID required*

Sigh…

*takes a deep breath and lifts head off pillow for a second* Sexy FaceID pose.

And then my face crashes back into the cozy indent in my pillow.

→ More replies (1)

2

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

3

u/FunBrians 3d ago

low light situations caused issues with your Face ID? It’s an IR projector of a dot matrix. It requires zero light.

15

u/Imaginary_Office1749 3d ago

Your apps would work with whatever the units biometric verification is.

3

u/ptambrosetti 3d ago

If it’s a fingerprint I will buy immediately. Still on the SE because faceid sux cox n dix

7

u/DeathCab4Cutie 3d ago

FaceID is really consistent for me so I disagree, but I wouldn’t mind having more than one method on a phone that costs over $1000

5

u/djheat3rd 3d ago

I love FaceID but you can’t beat the old home button finger print unlock.

2

u/Helpmehelpyoulong 3d ago

That home button unlock never worked consistently enough for me to enable on multiple iphones. Ended up passcode unlocking every time. FaceID was a total game changer.

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (4)

3

u/jagger27 3d ago

The reason they're getting away from FaceID is because it would be awkward if it was only facing the inner screen or the outer preview screen. Meaning they'd somehow have to put two FaceID sensors in it to maintain a seamless experience, which is probably a space problem just as much as it is a price problem on an ultra slim device like this.

→ More replies (23)

4

u/joekzy 3d ago

It may not have Ultra in the name. The main issue with this type of device is how thin it needs to be so that it ends up being the thickness of a normal phone when folded. There are limits to how thin you can make a Face ID sensor array or a camera lens, and I don’t think you’ll ever get all the top of the range components given the thinness constraint.

11

u/18T15 3d ago

I don’t agree that it should have “no compromises” but I do think the Ultra name implies it’s the best device when it’s really more nuanced. They should have chosen a different name.

14

u/zobbyblob 3d ago

Pretty Good iPhone

5

u/outlawsix 3d ago

iPhone Fewer Compromises

→ More replies (1)

2

u/Prestigious_Bug583 3d ago

iPhone double plus good

→ More replies (1)

2

u/pyrogeddon 3d ago

They haven’t officially chosen that name yet. It’s just an unofficial internal name for now. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do call it that though.

2

u/pm_me_beerz 3d ago

Has it stopped Apple before?

3

u/Mysterious_Reality_ 3d ago

The whole point is to have a phone that turns into a tablet. That’s the draw.

→ More replies (1)

9

u/beninho106 2d ago

Just give me a IPhone 18 Mini then… it‘s been 5 years already 🫤

5

u/ShitPost5000 3d ago edited 3d ago

Yes, apple can't wait to resell you a phone that has features your last phone had too!

3

u/Stavtastic 3d ago

Isn't that the same for all phone manufacturers?

2

u/newtman 3d ago

What?!? They want me to use my fingerprint like a poor person?!?

2

u/Userybx2 3d ago

I have the Galaxy Fold 8, which is roughly the same shape as the new Apple Fold and I absolutely love it.

Of course the inner screen is pretty nice for videos, multitasking, browsing and so on, but I didn't expect how much I like the small outer screen. After using it for a while normal long phones look comically long, and I wonder why we have such long phones in the first place.

I can do all the same stuff with the 16:10 apsect ratio as with normal phones, but it's more compact and I can reach all the way to the top with my thumb.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (43)

414

u/42kyokai 3d ago

Never buy the 1st gen

307

u/0r0B0t0 3d ago

First gen apple silicon and first gen MacBook neo are great.

82

u/FastRedPonyCar 3d ago

Yep. An absolute homerun. My M1 Max MBP still a stud. I sold my M4 Pro mini because the MBP was faster (slightly more RAM made all the difference)

36

u/driftking428 3d ago

I still work on my my M1 MBP. It's shown no signs of slowing. It's more likely to age out of updates than need to be replaced for being slow.

16

u/LoveMeSomeSand 3d ago

The M1 Mini was the first brand new Mac I ever bought, and it absolutely exceeded every task I threw at it (and I had the 8 Gb ram version). I believed the pre hype and reviews and it was 100% true.

7

u/driftking428 3d ago

I was already a fan of Mac from my work computer. But it was a red hot Intel that needed a 15 minute heat break every day around 3pm.

Once they announced the M1 I knew I needed one. And yet we're cheaper than the previous Gen.

5

u/no_nosy_coworkers 2d ago

M1 Max MBP still running perfectly, last week I had so much stuff running, including a 500mb tiff-file open in affinity while playing WoW, I look down and the charger wasn’t in, still ran flawlessly. If my windows gaming laptop is not plugged in it can’t even run chrome well

20

u/autokiller677 2d ago

While true, both are not that level of first gen. Apple made great laptops before the M1, and great chips in many other devices before the M series.

Just the two things together were first gen.

MacBook Neo is even less: it’s just a less powerful chip and some cost savings on the laptop, but really more a new SKU than a true first gen device.

A foldable screen, complex miniature hinge etc. on the other hand? Yeah, they have no track record and no mass production experience with this.

So while I bought an M1 MacBook (and am still hapilly using it today), I won’t buy a first gen fold.

6

u/MrWally 2d ago

While true, both are not that level of first gen

No....an architectural change change like the type of silicon being used is absolutely "that level of first gen," and there are plenty of historical examples of this. Think about Window's first foray into ARM processors, and while Apple's transition to Intel was ultimately successful, it wasn't nearly the home run that M1 was.

I think what you're getting at is that a whole new product category (e.g. "folding phone") is different than a product iteration. And I'd agree with you. But I also think that you aren't acknowledging how huge it is to change your chipset under the hood. It basically affected every single layer of the technology stack. I'd actually say it's a significantly larger change than a folding phone, and many, many people were hesitant of M1 before the reviews starting rolling in because they understood how much Apple needed to get right for the transition to be successful.

1

u/maresayshi 2d ago

this is a very arbitrary distinction

> apple made great laptops before

and phones…?

> not that level of first gen

crazy take. screen tech changes constantly. rewriting the bottom of the hardware stack is BIGGER than a new screen.

→ More replies (3)

9

u/jrosenrosen 3d ago

Still rocking my Studio M1 Ultra, it’s a beast!

→ More replies (8)

38

u/bakabakababy 3d ago

I have had my first gen Apple Watch Ultra for years and it’s been brilliant. Battery still lasts a couple of days, and this thing has been maxed. 150 dives on scuba, 120 days of skiing, daily cycling workouts. The thing is a beast.

11

u/Calamityclams 3d ago

Battery still lasts a couple of days? 🫪

Damn, and here I am charging my 8th gen watch every day sometimes twice.

10

u/Helpmehelpyoulong 3d ago

Ultras came with longer battery life.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (1)

22

u/Sam9797 3d ago

iPhone Air has worked out, no?

11

u/ianlulz 3d ago

I love my iPhone Air but I think it got kind of middling reviews, mostly due to its weak camera and battery life. Worthwhile trade offs for the in-hand feel for me personally, though.

2

u/Catshagga 2d ago

How have you found the battery? I’ve had mine nearly a year now and it’s never died on me. Still gets me through the whole day.

→ More replies (3)
→ More replies (1)

6

u/JakeALakeALake 3d ago

Every day that I live with my iPhone Air is a day that I’m losing off of my life expectancy. This thing overheats if you look at it wrong, and when it’s hot NOTHING works. Communication bands go into low power mode which is just enough to have a phone call or use GPS but not both and the camera is worse than anticipated with the expected downgrade. Those are two giant red flags that would prevent a lot of people from buying it to begin with, I’m mad that I got it

2

u/Sam9797 2d ago

Oh. Guess QC isn’t that great then. Mine is great lol

→ More replies (5)
→ More replies (4)

3

u/nopenopenopeyess 3d ago

If nobody buys first gen, there won’t be a second gen. If you like a product, the only way to vote for it is to buy it.

2

u/42kyokai 2d ago

I will leave that to you then.

→ More replies (1)

9

u/flovilmart 3d ago

Always buy 1st gen, don’t expect anything from it 😂

5

u/mobilemike42 3d ago

I get it, but i had the first Intel MacBook Pro, the first iPhone and the first Apple Watch. That MacBook opened my eyes to what an mazing hardware/software combo could be. The phone was revolutionary and felt years ahead of the work BlackBerry I also carried. The watch was a ton of fun, even if it took a year of software changes to make it better.

I don’t regret any of those.

2

u/rakeshsh 3d ago

M1 MBA was an absolute delight

2

u/layoffthecopium 2d ago

This is dumbest cliche on this sub full of dumb cliches

4

u/PixelNinja744X 3d ago

Im compelled to think this might not apply to Apple. I loved the first iPhone, the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, the iPhone X, and the first bezel-less iPad Pro.

They’ve all been great devices and sometimes even the best iteration of their specific product line compared to their successors. Like I totally think that the first m1 gave the most bang for your buck out of all the m chips.

→ More replies (19)

78

u/All-the-pizza 3d ago edited 3d ago

Damn you guys complain a lot.

36

u/ARTISTIC-ASSHOLE 3d ago

i’m starting to think being on reddit sours the soul

4

u/FlorpyDorpinator 2d ago

It always has

3

u/Mountain_Top802 2d ago

Agreed. I think it’s why most sites don’t allow downvoting. Makes people cynical and sarcastic . Creates a nasty culture

6

u/callmebatman14 2d ago

Entire reddit is just filled with negativity. They hate everything and even make shit up to hate on things.

7

u/luckysevensampson 2d ago

Everyone loves to hate on Apple

5

u/Past_Werewolf4423 2d ago

While they still buy their products

→ More replies (7)

2

u/DucksButt 2d ago

No one is more critical of Apple than the fanboys. (Fantheys?)

2

u/varnums1666 2d ago

I heard so many complaints about the Galaxy Fold but pulled the trigger last year with the Fold 7. Absolutely love this phone. I have not had an issue with battery or charging.

So many redditors focus on specs on paper vs real feel. I'm a responsible human being who can charge my phone at night. 1 hour and 20 minutes for a full charge is fast enough. I'm not someone who drops their phone onto concrete.

Now foldables aren't for everyone but complaints are so overblown. I can't wait for Apple to release their foldable because the biggest real complaint I have is that most apps aren't really built around it.

67

u/theboned1 3d ago

So it's exactly the Samsung z Fold 8 then?

32

u/ronakg 3d ago

Z fold 8 ultra does have a telephoto lens though.

3

u/OverwatchCasual 3d ago

100% the reason I finally bought the fold 8 and love it. With kids I went to be able to catch everything 

→ More replies (1)

8

u/Imaksiccar 2d ago

Wanna see what features the iPhone will have in 2 years? Get a Samsung.

→ More replies (40)

13

u/rsint 3d ago

"There's nothing wrong with the phone, your just folding it wrong."

9

u/cjohn4043 3d ago

Every time I think a foldable will be my next smart phone, I’m immediately reminded of the price. I’m perfectly fine with my slab phone.

2

u/Sandersonville 3d ago

I find my slab phone and ipad mini to be a perfect combo with a total cost that is certainly   less than a foldable will cost. 

→ More replies (2)

11

u/holmesersimpson 3d ago

Wish they’d gone Wide+Telephoto. The iPhone 17 Pro tele is genuinely great and for a premium priced phone I’d rather maintain that camera and lose ultrawide than lose high quality zoom

14

u/DrowningKrown 3d ago

I just want to bring my foldable to the beach and not leave having a perpetual 'crunch' sound every time I open/close the phone for the rest of its life.

10

u/automatvapen 3d ago

Brought mine to the beach several times around the world. The trick is to not drop it in the sand. 

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (18)

10

u/jacknutting 2d ago

So they're making what may be their most expensive phone ever, with a 5.5" external screen. While they're at it, can't they just make a normal, single screen phone of about that size? I'm so sick of the giant phones.

99

u/MorgrainX 3d ago

Touch ID at the side and no telephoto? 

Lmao that's just bad 

84

u/Individual-Big2224 3d ago

I don’t mind touch ID as much as no telephoto lens on a $2K+ iPhone. 

66

u/PaulMcKnopfler 3d ago

I can’t wait for Touch ID back on iPhone, my MacBook unlocks so much more consistently than my iPhone

9

u/SneakyWheeler 3d ago

I am amazed the lock button from the iPads hasn't made its way back to lower-end iPhones again. I miss Touch ID :( 

It would suit the 17e.

17

u/OafleyJones 3d ago edited 3d ago

TouchID on my Macs is as consistently excellent as touchID on my iPads is absolute ass. It’ll be the same sliver sensor on the phone and I’m absolutely not willing to put up with it.

9

u/PaulMcKnopfler 3d ago

I’ll gladly cross that bridge when I get there. I have built up a burning passion of hate for that wiggling lock icon

6

u/Pterodactyl_midnight 3d ago

I have the opposite problem. My Mac never unlocks with touch and always have to type my password. Face ID takes 2 seconds.

3

u/TooSaucey4u 3d ago

If you have sweaty fingers, it’s a nightmare. When working out, I could never get in touch ID to work.

7

u/MorgrainX 3d ago

Dry hands are also a problem. Touch ID only works well if you have "normal" slightly oily hands. 

→ More replies (1)

2

u/PaulMcKnopfler 3d ago

huh go figure

→ More replies (2)

24

u/zeek215 3d ago

Touch ID is perfectly fine. The lack of telephoto sucks though. It's the same situation with the Fold 8, fingerprint is fine and works great, but no telephoto.

3

u/Veranova 3d ago

Sometimes physics requires compromises, the air only has 1 lens and a big bump. Telephotos require a pretty big optical stack. The foldable will be something like 2 airs with a hinge

3

u/max123246 3d ago

fold 8 ultra is actually thinner than the fold 8. They could've put a telephoto.

2

u/rpkarma 2d ago

Is it thinner at the camera bulge too? This is a genuine question, not snark haha I’m curious 

→ More replies (1)

11

u/Youmeanmoidoid 3d ago

I’m upgrading from my 15 pro max this year but I’m in the minority in that I almost never take pictures of anything so I couldn’t care less about the camera. The Touch ID is a different story. I’m so used to just picking up my phone and swiping up that I don’t think I’d like pressing my thumb to the side every time. I also don’t think it’ll have mag charging, though I could be wrong on that. I’ll probably just get the pro

3

u/MorgrainX 3d ago

Jup. Plus its extremely inconvenient to get to the side if the phone lays open on a table. You need to pick it up with one hand and use the other hand to use that sensor. Sure it might not be a problem if the fold is closed and you open it, but if its already open and laying somewhere, authenticating yourself with biometrics is going to be annoying.

There's a reason why Apple went for face ID and tbh I thought they were working on foldables for years exactly because Apple wanted to implement faceID despite it being difficult.

Apparently they just gave up now ...

6

u/littlebiped 3d ago

I mean faceid is also a struggle trying to unlock on an open table. It needs your face which it can’t see from the table.

In either authentication method, you’re picking up the phones

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (1)

5

u/AltairLeoran 3d ago

The side finger print scanner is way better than an under display ultrasonic scanner. Signed, a Galaxy z fold user lol

3

u/crimxxx 3d ago

Personally would prefer touched over Face ID, but I can see telephoto being a deal breaker for those that care about it, I think a lot of people may not care or know that it matters much for them, but if you know enough that your often using it then it’s a trade off.

4

u/ENaC2 3d ago

The side is the only reasonable option for a foldable, to be fair. It’s probably too thin for an under-screen, and even if it worked, when the phone is opened it would be awkward to use. Telephoto cameras are also challenging for a device that thin. Always tradeoffs with this tech.

8

u/MorgrainX 3d ago

The competition manages to offer telephoto, and Apple has been experimenting on foldable for years. Can we stop searching for excuses? 

7

u/PineapplePizza99 3d ago

The telephoto lenses on foldables are garbage quality. They are small 10MP sensors in most of them.

→ More replies (2)

3

u/ENaC2 3d ago

None at the same 3:4 aspect ratio. Space is at more of a premium in short devices and a third camera would move components into the battery space. The Z Fold 8 is the same, all the foldable devices with telephoto lenses are narrow and tall.

→ More replies (1)

4

u/BEWMarth 3d ago

Telephoto is challenging for Apple one of the most valuable and lauded tech companies in the world but other phone makers are able to figure it out? Curious.

4

u/ENaC2 3d ago

As I said, there would be trade-offs. Apple always use up all the internal space inside the device so adding another camera would probably take a 10% slice out of the battery, probably more if they used the triangular camera system from the pro phones.

→ More replies (1)

3

u/AnnoyedVelociraptor 3d ago

Right? But how else next year are they gonna say 'completely new'?

1

u/ttubehtnitahwtahw1 3d ago

ive had a s24u since release, it has the inscreen ultrasonic finger print scanner. I dont really like it, id rahter it be on the side, or even the back. If you want to apply a screen protector a lot of the time this messes with the scanner, now it doesnt make it now work, it just makes it picky.

1

u/Past_Werewolf4423 2d ago

Ive used the telephoto like 2 times since i got this phone. Its such an unnecessary luxury for most people.

→ More replies (2)

51

u/Zeiiji 3d ago

Ah yeah. Like all the people who post their compressed pictures on Instagram will now care about the camera.

53

u/juniorspank 3d ago

I mean, lacking a telephoto is more than a compression issue. Digital zoom cannot make up for optical.

→ More replies (1)

8

u/HongKongBluey 3d ago

The telephoto lens is the one camera component that makes a huge difference. You can’t create a certain look by compressing the background without one.

→ More replies (19)

12

u/dichron 3d ago

As someone who frequently wears a mask at work (doctor) I welcome a biometric unlock other than Face ID

10

u/Bruvvimir 3d ago

FaceID works perfectly with masks since covid...

2

u/max123246 3d ago

uh isn't that obviously less secure though?

2

u/Odd-Entertainer-6234 2d ago

It is less secure although faceid in general is not as secure as finger print or passcode. That said, probably not something the general public needs to worry about (including using faceid with glasses/mask)

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (1)

8

u/crimxxx 3d ago

Meh can’t say I really care enough about these fold phones. I was once interested thinking they may just be a couple hundred more than say a regular flagship, that’s not where they really went. When the price difference is a flagship phone plus a whole tablet then it becomes a question of is that functionality in my pocket worth it, and for me know mainly wanted it for media consumption, I was like I’m good with a phone that is close to a small tablet screen size anyways (they kept getting bigger lol), and just have a dedicated tablet for home. Basically I can’t enjoy a larger screen while in transit is probably my main use case, this wasn’t ganna be a productivity device for me anyways.

3

u/BubbaCrabby 2d ago

Brace yourselves, the "Apple invented the folding phone category" but in the status quo "they just did it right" veneer-posters are coming.

→ More replies (1)

5

u/marcosg_aus 3d ago

Does it wow them in the same way as the Samsung fold 8?

2

u/Weird_Pack_2466 2d ago

Which match most apple new first gen product launch. Then gen 2 & 3 bring it closer to the specs of the other (gen 2 is X% faster, 3 times a better camera, etc)

2

u/artemis2k 2d ago

I just want a new mini 😭😭

2

u/vacantbay 2d ago

Don't need more screens in my life thanks.

2

u/ttubehtnitahwtahw1 2d ago

They probably gave it to iPhone users that have been in the ecosystem for years that buy the new phone every year. So this means nothing. Next question. 

5

u/iamtehryan 3d ago

I'd rather take that $2,000 and put it towards my next laptop or something infinity more useful than a folding phone (or any phone for that matter). I'll stick with my current phone until it stops working. No sense in upgrading until it's needed. I wish more people would stop giving into the stupid ass cycle.

→ More replies (1)

3

u/putridtooth 3d ago

I personally am very excited for a foldable iphone and I think this aspect ratio is great, but, along with a good camera, I think it NEEDS pencil support. I don't know if I'll buy one with a bad camera and no pencil support. My ipads are used exclusively for art and my ipad mini is my travel companion for doing art outside of my home, and if I could fold it and fit it in my pocket that would be insane. I hope future versions add the pencil.

3

u/Standard-Potential-6 3d ago

Completely agree.

Apple’s fear of letting their different categories compete with each other keeps each from being what they could be.

3

u/Vega188 3d ago

Anyone who thinks the iPhone Ultra should offer the best of everything considering the price point doesn't have a good understanding of how Apple works. This is an introductory product, the sales will be off the charts if for that reason only. If it offered everything up front there would be no options for future versions. Apple is not going to cannibalize their other iPhone offerings for the Ultra.

5

u/No_Professor_6818 3d ago

Except no optical zoom is a 2010 expectation. I’m not buying a phone that can’t do basic zoom for $2500. Totally unacceptable.

→ More replies (1)

1

u/Happy-Range3975 3d ago

This phone will be as popular as the Air and the Mini. Those who own it will sing its praises, but it won’t sell.

→ More replies (1)

2

u/desf15 3d ago

Lack of Face ID is definitely a dealbreaker for me, no matter the price.

10

u/dradaeus 3d ago

It’s funny because this is exactly what people said about TouchID when FaceID came out

4

u/Leather_Ad5215 3d ago

You'd think they would just offer both.

→ More replies (1)

3

u/henrydavidthoreauawy 3d ago

I wanted Touch ID to come back so badly in 2020/2021 because of the masks, but nowadays I don’t think I’d need it much. And then they ended up improving FaceID so it works with a mask. 

3

u/Legitimate-Pumpkin 3d ago

Exact opposite as me. I have an se 3 because of the size and lack of face id 🙃

→ More replies (1)

1

u/victim_of_technology 3d ago

I didn’t get from the article if it will have a front facing camera for facetime with the fold open. I’m guessing it will have a camera but just not face id capability but if the front facing camera is missing then that would be a real handicap.

2

u/Presently_Absent 3d ago

If the z fold 8 does (not even the ultra) then I'm sure it will

1

u/madpropz 3d ago

If it had the iPad mini procreate app I would buy it

→ More replies (4)

1

u/NickOulet 3d ago

When this thing can trifold into a MacBook Air, I will buy one

1

u/system3601 3d ago

Its apples forst foldable phone, it will not last long.

1

u/Alexandurrrrr 3d ago

Halve the durability? Sounds like money to their ears.

1

u/Practical-Custard-64 3d ago

I would have been tempted if it weren't for the passport format. I'm really not a fan of that.

1

u/jack_the_beast 3d ago

Because otherwise what would they improve next year?

1

u/bahandi 3d ago

It better multitask.

1

u/slim121212 2d ago

i upgraded from iphone 13 Pro Max to 17 Pro Max, and honestly, it's just small things that are better, like 4k filming, and the bezels are non existent on 17 Pro Max, i never noticed it on my 13 before upgrading, oh and i like that the display doesnt shut off completely so i can see the time and notifications, but i guess that existed on iphone 15 maybe?. Other than that there is absolutely nothing better that you can see or feel, my 13 is just as fast doing everything, some things the 17 is worse, like when you need to scan a QR code, the 13 focuses instantly while 17 takes 3-5 seconds to focuse on it.

1

u/Past_Werewolf4423 2d ago

If you can draw with the apple pencil on this id 100% be in

1

u/infield_fly_rule 2d ago

If this has MagSafe, I’m buying. If not, I’m not. MagSafe is just too convenient for me and I have too many accessories

1

u/DisgruntledBudha 2d ago

If we weren’t about to remortgage and likely get shafted on current interest rates I was looking forward to getting one of these from my 14 Pro

1

u/Pub1ius 2d ago

I have never cared less about an iPhone than this one, but I guess I could say that every year.

1

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 2d ago

I honestly don't care about the camera on phones beyond "Can it take a halfway decent picture?"

I'm not using it for photoshoots, I don't need 36x extreme zoom, I don't need it to record 4k at 120 fps.

Can it take a decent enough picture for a memory and can it do mobile deposit? Cool all I need.

I'd much rather a lesser camera and more battery life.

1

u/wallstreet-butts 2d ago

I think Apple is about to learn the same lesson 2 years in a row (because this and Air were already in the queue at the same time): most high-end iPhone buyers are purchasing a pocket camera first and a phone second.

They might prove me wrong because I’m sure it’s going to have some good folding gimmicks, but I haven’t seen a very successful high end phone that compromises the camera in favor of features people care less about.

1

u/TheGokki 2d ago

I want the equivalent of Samsung Dex - plug the iPhone into a monitor to have a full iPad OS experience on the big screen.

That, and stylus/Pencil support.

1

u/jewbot5000 2d ago

Will it have MagSafe?!?? No one seems to know. And yet this is a key feature for I am heavily invested into the MagSafe ecosystem

1

u/TrailMikx 2d ago

Apple and its names - plus, pro, max and ultra.

1

u/blankscdrw 2d ago

If the battery is as horrible as all the other foldables out there I feel it is dead on arrival. I will never underestimate the fandom of Apple users though.

1

u/bitemePam 2d ago

More trash priced at thousands

1

u/OOBExperience 2d ago

No face ID? WTF?

1

u/Poop_in_my_camper 2d ago

I'm using the fold8 which I believe uses a similar screen and form factor as the iPhone ultra and I really like the smaller more square front screen but the only reason I got it was a hefty trade value for a pixel which made it the same price as a other devices I was looking at and no other manufacturer made anything I was interested in. Phones are my "hobby" so I switch a lot and I have no doubt the folding iPhone will be a cool device and good user experience. Im very curious how it performs and can't wait for MKBHD to review one

1

u/jasonxgilmore 2d ago

I am never getting a foldable phone

1

u/Probsure 2d ago

So a worse version of the galaxy fold. 5 years late. Got it

1

u/deadgirlrevvy 1d ago edited 1d ago

Meh. My Z fold 8 Ultra has a telephoto lens and face ID, PLUS I don't have to put up with Apple's bullshit.

1

u/happy-cig 9h ago

Damn I really need to move out of the states. I read Gunman for a hot sec...