Recently about the next generation iPhone The discussion has heated up again. With the exposure of the latest metal model, there are also size comparisons with the current iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPad mini. Not only are the appearance details of the iPhone 18 Pro series becoming clearer, but the design direction of the first foldable iPhone Ultra has also become more specific. From appearance configuration to operating logic, Apple seems to be making choices that are different from the mainstream of the market, especially in the use and positioning of folding machines, which has brought many changes worth thinking about. Whether these designs are just small adjustments, or whether they will affect future iPhone usage habits, it seems that there are already outlines of the answer.

▲Image source: Vadim Yuryev
The latest metal models of the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Ultra folding machines are exposed! Compare with iPad mini and 17 Pro Max
Judging from the rㄐㄧㄣ model exposed by Vadim Yuryev on
However, if you look closely, you can still find several changes. The first is that the thickness of the camera module has increased again, especially on the iPhone 18 Pro Max model. This usually represents an upgrade in imaging hardware, such as a larger sensor or a more advanced lens structure.

▲Image source: Vadim Yuryev
In addition, it is rumored that this generation will introduce a smaller dynamic island design and even further integrate under-screen Face ID technology, making the frontal vision closer to a complete full screen. If this technology matures, it will be an important change in the front design of the iPhone.
In terms of communications, Apple may also continue to promote its self-developed chip strategy and switch to its own C2 baseband, gradually reducing its dependence on Qualcomm. Although these changes are not as intuitive as the appearance, they will have a long-term impact on the overall experience and performance.
Overall, the iPhone 18 Pro series is more like a stable evolution rather than a major innovation. What really attracts attention is another brand-new product.
If the changes in the iPhone 18 Pro are more detailed, then the iPhone Ultra is completely different starting from the definition of size.
After unfolding, the overall proportion of this folding iPohne is biased toward a horizontal wide screen, which is visually closer to the iPad mini. Judging from the model, the width after unfolding is significantly larger than that of ordinary mobile phones, but the height is relatively short, forming a “wide and short” tablet shape.

▲Image source: Vadim Yuryev
This design brings two important points:
- After unfolding, the display area is greatly increased, and reading, watching videos or multitasking will be closer to the tablet experience.
- The size in the folded state will become thicker because it needs to accommodate the double-layer screen and hinge structure.
It is currently speculated that the folded state thickness may fall above 10 mm, or even close to 12 mm, and may be compressed to about 5 mm after unfolding. Such data is actually comparable to other folding machines on the market, but it is still significantly thicker than the average iPhone.

▲Image source: Vadim Yuryev
Based on the actual comparison between the iPhone Ultra metal model and the iPad mini, it can be found that the body size is similar to the screen display area of the iPad mini.

▲Image source: Vadim Yuryev
Conclusion
The exposure of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra models gives people a clearer picture of Apple’s strategic differences in “size and thickness.” The former maintains a familiar feel and achieves stronger body performance through subtle thickening, while the latter directly breaks the size frame of mobile phones and moves towards a tablet-like experience.
For users, this is not just a change in appearance, but a choice in daily use. Do you want to maintain lightweight and convenient one-handed operation, or are you willing to accept a thicker body in exchange for larger screen space? Future iPhone product lines may make this issue increasingly important.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese