iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Ultra and beyond — here are the latest mobile features I saw at IFA 2026 that Apple needs to steal
From a bezel-less display to a detachable camera module, IFA 2026 showed what a future iPhone could look like.
The IFA 2026 expo concluded, but it's time to focus on the much-anticipated iPhone 18 series launch. Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. While the new features of the upcoming iPhones are already known, the experience of exploring new smartphones at IFA 2026 has expanded my iPhone wishlist. These features, while not likely to arrive this week, are things I'd love to see Apple bring to its future devices.
One such feature is a foldable phone with a telephoto camera. Apple has been hesitant to join the foldable phone trend, waiting for the hardware and software to reach the desired level of refinement. However, Xiaomi's 18 Fold at IFA 2026 has shown that it's possible to fit a telephoto camera in a foldable phone. Xiaomi managed to fit three cameras on the back, including a dedicated zoom camera, in a passport-style form factor. Apple could take inspiration from this and offer a more advanced camera setup in the iPhone Ultra.
Another feature I'd love to see Apple adopt is a special edition iPhone. While Apple has released devices with special colors before, a true limited-edition iPhone collaboration would make for a standout device. Perhaps a partnership with Issey Miyake, the brand Apple worked with for the iPhone Pocket last year, could create a unique and memorable product.
Lastly, a bezel-less display on an iPhone would be a welcome addition. Tecno's concept phone at IFA 2026 has shown that it's technically possible to achieve a nearly bezel-less display. Tecno managed to eliminate most of the black border around the display by redesigning the display manufacturing process. Although this concept phone remains a prototype, it demonstrates that a phone with virtually no bezels is feasible.
Apple, with its resources, could easily bring this innovative design to life. The introduction of a truly bezel-less iPhone would look impressive and give users a refreshing change from the current bezel-heavy designs.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
