iPhone Ultra: Dummy shows the foldable in white Apfelpatient

A new, low-resolution photo purports to show Apple's first foldable iPhone in white for the first time – reinforcing a picture that has been emerging for months: the iPhone Ultra is likely to launch with a decidedly understated color palette. However, it's doubtful whether the model shown is actually a production device.

Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable phone later this year, alongside the upcoming Pro models in September. The device, rumored to be the iPhone Ultra, is becoming clearer with each new report – and the latest leak provides the first concrete impression of its color. The image fits into the existing picture of the iPhone Ultra, which suggests an extremely high-priced premium device with a limited selection of options.

A white model from an uncertain source

The image was shared by leaker Ice Universe via the platform Weibo. The automatic translation of the accompanying text refers to a prototype of the device, but the evidence suggests it's more likely a third-party-made dummy: the surface appears cheap and plasticky, which argues against it being a genuine pre-production model. Nevertheless, the model is more detailed than the dummy units that have been circulating recently.

The basic design of the mock-up is known. It is expected to feature an outer display of 5.3 to 5.5 inches and an inner display that unfolds to between 7.6 and 7.8 inches, with dimensions similar to an iPad mini. The back is expected to house two 48-megapixel sensors – a main camera and an ultrawide camera – while each of the two screens will have its own front-facing camera.

White is the only "confirmed" color so far

Even though the photo itself is only partially reliable, the color matches previous indications. Leaker Instant Digital identifies white as the only confirmed color so far. What the second option will be is unclear: A supply chain source, cited in another report, mentions an indigo finish similar to the Deep Blue of the iPhone 17 Pro. Overall, the foldable is likely to offer significantly fewer color choices than the iPhone 18 Pro models – according to reports, bold or particularly striking colors are not planned.

Two colors – and the reasons behind them

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman draws the same conclusion: Apple intends to forgo playful colors for the model and instead focus on classic tones like space gray or black, and silver or white. A parallel is obvious – the iPhone X was also released in 2017 in only two variants: silver and space gray.

The limited color palette is likely primarily due to manufacturing constraints. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently warned that production difficulties could limit shipments at least until the end of the year; any additional color would further increase the complexity and cost of an already difficult-to-manufacture device. Given that Apple is positioning this device as a new premium tier above its existing lineup, and its expected starting price is over $2,000, the company would have little incentive to expand the color range at launch - especially since buyers in this price segment are unlikely to base their decision on color choice.

The second color remains the open detail

The market launch is expected in September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Until then, it remains to be seen which second color option besides white will actually be released – and whether the impressions gleaned so far from mock-ups and rumors from the supply chain will hold up to the final product. (Image via Weibo)