iPhone Ultra vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: Here’s the one I’m putting my money on

Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max have smartphone enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation. While foldable phones remain a hot topic, it remains to be seen if the iPhone Ultra can truly compete with the highly regarded top-of-the-line flagship. To determine which device could ultimately win you over, explore the key selling points of the iPhone Ultra versus the iPhone 18 Pro Max based on leaks and rumors ahead of Apple's September 9 event.

The traditional flagship design seems unshaken, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max promising all the must-have features you rely on daily. Expect unmatched battery endurance, exceptional camera performance, and unwavering reliability from Apple's latest offering. However, the iPhone Ultra could seriously challenge the Pro Max's dominance.

Early testing of foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Motorola Razr Fold reveals the iPhone Ultra as a true productivity powerhouse. With a colossal 7.8-inch main display, it sets itself apart from the 6.9-inch screen of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This larger size could finally introduce side-by-side multitasking to an iPhone, a feature that has been long awaited.

If Apple manages to implement multitasking in iOS 27, it would be a game-changer, even if the iPhone 18 Pro Max would have to stack multiple windows in portrait mode.

The iPhone Ultra's exterior screen, though narrower than the 18 Pro Max's, offers easier one-handed maneuverability. This means swift tasks, such as texting and calendar invitations, would feel much more agile. For content creators, the iPhone Ultra's dual-camera system holds an edge over the Pro Max's triple-camera setup, offering a more streamlined experience.

The Ultra also benefits from its outer cover as a live viewfinder for the rear cameras, similar to other book-style foldables. On the flip side, the iPhone 18 Pro Max stands tall in the realm of serious creators, boasting a true optical zoom telephoto lens and a rumored variable aperture. These enhancements provide unmatched optical flexibility and creative control.

Both phones are expected to run on Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, promising identical performance in real-world usage. However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's unibody design benefits from a larger 5,567 mAh battery, making it a potential battery endurance champion. The iPhone Ultra's dual-battery setup, coupled with its 4,883 mAh battery, could still deliver a solid performance, but the Pro Max's edge is significant.

Ultimately, software could be the deciding factor. The iPhone Ultra's success hinges on Apple's ability to master the dynamic layouts and interface of foldable phones. If iOS 27 resolves the common issues plaguing Android foldables, such as subpar app scaling and awkward orientation transitions, it could tip the scales in the Ultra's favor.

However, considering the potential price hike of up to $350 for the Ultra, the iPhone 18 Pro Max at a slightly higher premium may still have an edge. If the price gap between the two stays around $1,000, the Ultra could be a strong contender.