Reported by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Malayalam Radio Station
For years, Apple has defined its product lineup with familiar labels like Pro, Max, and Air—each representing a clear step in performance, size, or portability. Now, a new shift appears to be taking shape, one that could redefine what “premium” truly means in the Apple ecosystem.
According to insights from Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring a broader use of its “Ultra” branding. What began with high-end chips and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra may soon expand to the company’s most ambitious devices yet—including a foldable iPhone and a next-generation MacBook.
A New Top Tier Above Pro
This move isn’t just about naming. It signals Apple’s intention to create a distinct top-tier category—“Ultra”—that sits above even its Pro lineup. Rather than simply upgrading existing devices, Apple appears to be building a new class of products designed to push boundaries in design, performance, and user experience.
One of the most anticipated developments is a foldable iPhone. Interestingly, reports suggest Apple may avoid calling it a “Fold” altogether. Instead, it could debut as the iPhone Ultra, aligning with a consistent high-end identity across its product range.
Foldable iPhone: A Category Shift
Leaks indicate the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, opening into a larger display of nearly 7.8 inches—similar to a compact tablet—while maintaining a smaller outer screen for everyday use.
Rather than replacing the Pro lineup, this device is expected to sit above it as a separate ultra-premium option. Apple’s focus appears to be on refining the foldable experience, particularly by addressing common issues like screen creases and durability—areas where competitors have struggled.
Under the hood, the device is rumored to include cutting-edge hardware such as a next-generation chip, a large battery, high-resolution cameras, and possibly the return of Touch ID integrated into the frame. Materials like titanium and aluminium could further enhance durability.
More significantly, the software experience may evolve. A foldable iPhone is expected to introduce more advanced multitasking features, borrowing from tablet-style interfaces and blurring the line between smartphone and tablet usage.
MacBook Ultra: A New Laptop Vision
Apple’s “Ultra” ambitions may extend beyond phones. Reports suggest a MacBook Ultra is also in development, potentially featuring an OLED touchscreen—a major shift from Apple’s traditional laptop design philosophy.
With manufacturing support from display leaders and development of advanced OLED panels, this device could represent a new tier above the MacBook Pro rather than replacing it. The goal appears to be creating a more immersive, visually rich, and interactive computing experience.
Why ‘Ultra’ Matters
The introduction of an Ultra tier could reshape the entire premium tech landscape. For consumers, it may redefine expectations around pricing, features, and what qualifies as a flagship device.
By clearly separating its most advanced products, Apple could make its Pro models feel more accessible while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of innovation at the top end. It also signals a broader strategy: building a consistent, high-performance layer across its ecosystem where “Ultra” represents the pinnacle of technology.
When to Expect It
The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to be unveiled around September 2026, while the MacBook Ultra may arrive later, possibly in the first half of 2027 due to the complexity of its new display technology.
If these plans materialize, Apple’s “Ultra” branding may evolve from a label into a defining philosophy—one that sets the standard for the most advanced, premium, and forward-looking devices in its lineup.
