News (EN)

Pre-launch: Ultra foldable iPhone has leaked prices with a focus on the high-luxury segment

iphone fold
Photo: iphone fold - WartinTech/Shutterstock.com

The expectation surrounding a foldable smartphone from Apple, previously known as the iPhone Fold, reaches a new level with information that points to a strategic change in naming. The device, which is expected to be unveiled in September, will not only introduce an innovative screen format, but will also inaugurate an elite line under the iPhone Ultra seal, as recent leaks indicate.

This change in name reinforces the predictions of experts such as Mark Gurman, from Bloomberg, suggesting a clear intention of Cupertino to dissociate the device from its conventional line. The move aims to position it as a new pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in the mobile phone market, redefining standards of performance and status.

The pricing strategy, one of the most anticipated aspects, is already beginning to be revealed through listings from the supply chain on China. Estes data indicates that the initial cost of the iPhone

The ‘Ultra’ strategy and the new level of luxury

The adoption of the “Ultra” prefix for Apple’s line of foldable smartphones is not merely a marketing choice, but an indicator of its market strategy. The Este seal is already synonymous with extreme performance in products like the Apple Watch and the M-series chips, and its application to the iPhone validates the foldable as a distinct category. The company seeks to establish a new revenue and prestige ceiling.

With this decision, the technology giant reinforces the idea that the focus is not on competing for sales volume, but on solidifying the perception of exclusivity and innovation. The iPhone

Details of the values ​​revealed in China

The most concrete information about the values ​​of the future iPhone Ultra was shared by renowned leaker Instant Digital, known for his solid record of correct predictions about the Apple. Dentre its previous revelations, the launch of the yellow iPhone 14 and the frosted glass texture of the iPhone 15 stand out, which gives great credibility to its projections.

Original prices, as leaked in the Chinese supply chain, start at RMB 15,999 for the version with 256 GB of storage. The higher variants include RMB 17,999 for 512GB and reach RMB 19,999 for the 1TB configuration, putting the device in a fairly high price range for the Asian market.

It is essential to note that directly converting these values ​​to other currencies, such as the US dollar, can be misleading, resulting in numbers that easily exceed US$2,300. However, Apple historically applies a specific exchange rate parity logic between the Chinese and American markets, which tends to result in prices that are more in line with consumer expectations in the Estados Unidos.

Price predictions for the American market

Considering the exchange rate parity that Apple usually applies, the price of the entry-level iPhone Ultra, with 256 GB, should be set at US$ 1,999 in the Este value already positions the device at the highest end of the smartphone market.

For users who require greater storage capacity and are willing to invest more, the 512 GB version of the device is projected to cost US$2,199, equivalent to around R$11,535. The Essa variation reflects the pricing policy of the Apple, which offers multiple configurations to suit different needs and budgets within the premium segment.

The top-of-the-line configuration, which offers 1 TB of storage, can cost up to US$2,399, approximately R$12,585. Este not only sets a new price record for an iPhone, but also underlines Apple’s intention to create a product that represents the ultimate in luxury and technology available in the company’s portfolio.

This high pricing strategy, with the initial value being identical to what Apple already charges for the iPhone 17 Pro Max in its maximum 2 TB configuration, operates as a psychological anchoring maneuver. The company seeks to justify the value of the new foldable by associating it with what is already perceived as the upper end of its catalog, making it easier for the public to accept the price.

Although other sources, such as the WayLabs profile, have suggested a more optimistic and disruptive price scenario, at around US$1,221 (around R$6,350), the Instant Digital’s history of precision in hardware details gives greater solidity and weight to the more elitist values ​​leaked by it. The consistency of your past information supports the credibility of your current projections. Expected prices for the American market are:
– 256 GB Modelo: US$1,999 (equivalent to ~R$10,485)
– 512 GB Modelo: US$2,199 (equivalent to ~R$11,535)
– 1 TB Modelo: US$2,399 (equivalent to ~R$12,585)

Premium device technology and differentiators

To justify its price positioning and the “Ultra” badge, the Apple foldable must incorporate cutting-edge hardware specifications and unprecedented software integrations. One of the expected highlights is the inclusion of 12 GB of RAM, a capacity that is essential to support the most demanding functions of the Apple Intelligence, the company’s new artificial intelligence platform, ensuring fluidity and superior performance in multitasking and complex processing.

However, the real competitive differentiator and main selling point of the iPhone Ultra does not just lie in its raw technical specifications. The device will be promoted for its elite product status and deep software integration with the foldable form factor. The Essa combination promises an unprecedented user experience, where the flexibility of the screen combines with the optimization of the Apple ecosystem, offering new forms of interaction and productivity that go beyond traditional smartphones.

The maturation of the foldable segment and the vision of Apple

The entry of Apple into the foldable smartphone segment with the iPhone Ultra marks a significant inflection point for the market. Até was then dominated by competitors that explore the category with different price and design approaches, the arrival of a product from Apple with such a premium positioning signals the maturation and consolidation of this technology. The company does not just seek to participate, but rather to redefine the segment, raising the standard of demands and aspirations. Instead of a fight for volume, the strategy is to elevate the category, where innovation and a premium user experience justify the investment. Este movement also validates the foldable market as a lasting trend, capable of attracting an audience willing to pay more for differentiated functionality and design.

Expectations for the September event

With the September event approaching, expectations surrounding the iPhone Ultra are intense. If price and name leak predictions are confirmed, Apple will be about to present a device that not only represents the pinnacle of its mobile engineering, but also the most expensive and, possibly, most coveted product in the brand’s entire history. The launch, which will share the stage with the future iPhone 18 Pro line, promises to be a milestone for the technology industry, redefining the concept of luxury smartphones and consolidating Apple’s vision for the future of mobile technology.