Leaks: 'iPhone 18 Pro' to stand out from 'iPhone Ultra' with 4 capabilities
Leaked details from a specialized report published on 9to5Mac.com reveal four anticipated technical capabilities that will make the iPhone 18 Pro a more attractive option than the higher-priced iPhone Ultra, despite the significant price difference between the two. The report indicates that these four capabilities focus on fundamental improvements in camera performance, battery life, security systems, and photography, placing users in a dilemma between the higher price and the integrated experience.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to receive a significant upgrade to its main camera, featuring a variable aperture lens—a feature that will not be available on the iPhone Ultra due to its ultra-slim design, which cannot accommodate the larger components required for this technology. This innovation will make a noticeable difference in low-light photography quality and depth-of-field control, particularly in portrait mode.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will boast the best battery life in iPhone history, thanks to a battery 10 percent larger than the previous generation, combined with the efficiency of the A20 Pro and C2 processors. In contrast, the ultra-slim and foldable design of the iPhone Ultra will limit its battery capacity, making it unable to compete with the Pro Max in this regard.
For the first time in years, a mainline iPhone will lack the Face ID facial recognition system. The iPhone Ultra will rely solely on the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. This change is attributed to designers’ inability to provide sufficient space for Face ID components in the slim design, as it previously required two sets of components for the outer and inner screens.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will continue to offer a telephoto camera, while the iPhone Ultra will be limited to just a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro will receive an enhanced telephoto camera with a larger aperture this year, further strengthening its advantage in the integrated camera system.
Below is a comparison of the features in the two models:
• Battery Life: The iPhone 18 Pro offers the longest battery life in iPhone history; the iPhone Ultra has less due to its slim design.
• Telephoto Camera: Available and enhanced in the iPhone 18 Pro; not available in the iPhone Ultra.
In addition to these four advantages, there is an “extra element” consisting of the familiar traditional experience for iPhone users. The iPhone 18 Pro will be more familiar to those accustomed to classic iPhone models, whereas the iPhone Ultra represents a significant design shift that may not suit all tastes.
