We may encounter a new high-end iPhone next year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is considering releasing a more expensive iPhone “Ultra” model that will sit above the iPhone Pro and Pro Max. The device is said to be available early next year.
If you’ve been following Gurman’s posts for a while, you may remember that Apple previously reported that it was considering renaming the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max as the iPhone 15 Ultra. Now, he says, there is evidence that Apple wants to offer wealthier consumers a more powerful and expensive iPhone. Gurman points specifically to a recent comment by Apple CEO Tim Cook. When asked by analysts whether the rising average price of the iPhone is sustainable, “iPhone has become an integral part of people’s lives,” Cook said, adding: “I think people are willing to pay more to get the best they can afford in this category.”
It is not possible to say how Apple’s new model will differ from the others. Gurman suggests that the iPhone Ultra could have a faster processor, better camera hardware than the Pro and Pro Max, and even a larger screen. “There may also be more future-proof features, such as finally leaving the charging port,” he adds.
It’s also worth noting that news about the iPhone 15 series indicates that Apple is looking for more ways to differentiate its Pro models from their mainstream counterparts. For example, a recent report reported that the upcoming Pro versions may have WiFi 6E connectivity, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will ship with older WiFi 6 connectivity support. Pro models may come with tactile volume and power buttons and other distinctive features, including redesigned titanium bezels. It is also alleged that Apple will equip the Pro Max with a periscope camera lens.