[DigitalToday intern reporter Seung-a Yoo] Apple is expected to unveil a new flagship model, the "iPhone Ultra", alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max next week. The iPhone Ultra is expected to offer differentiated strengths in how the display is used, portability and software compared with the Pro lineup.

According to IT outlet 9to5Mac on Sept. 3 (local time), the iPhone Ultra is expected to offer both a larger and a smaller screen than the iPhone 18 Pro, and to improve portability with a more compact form when folded. It also raised the possibility that some iOS 27 multitasking features could be applied.

The biggest difference is the display. The iPhone Ultra is said to feature a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen. Compared with the iPhone 18 Pro's 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 18 Pro Max's 6.9-inch screen, it would use a smaller screen when folded and a larger screen when unfolded.

As a result, the iPhone Ultra could be an option not only for users who want a large-screen smartphone but also for those who prefer a smaller smartphone. In particular, the 5.5-inch cover screen could be an advantage for users who prefer smaller screens like the discontinued iPhone mini.

Portability is also cited as a strength of the iPhone Ultra. There have been suggestions that the iPhone 18 Pro and especially the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be difficult to carry in a pocket. The overall size of the Pro models to be released this year is not expected to change significantly from existing models, but observers say the camera section could become thicker to accommodate a new camera system.

By contrast, the iPhone Ultra is expected to have a relatively compact form when folded, making it easier to fit into a wider variety of pockets. Analysis also says that if it adopts a thin design reminiscent of the Air lineup, it could feel more comfortable in the hand than thicker Pro models.

Software could also become a point of differentiation unique to the iPhone Ultra. The iPhone Ultra is expected to exclusively offer a side-by-side multitasking feature that can run two applications at the same time when the screen is unfolded. It is also said to support dragging and dropping content between apps.

iOS 27 is expected to add landscape support to several default apps. The feature could be available on other iPhone models, but it is expected to be particularly useful on the iPhone Ultra with its 7.8-inch large screen. It is described as enabling app use in a way similar to the iPad.

Still, the iPhone Ultra is not expected to be superior to the iPhone 18 Pro in every respect. The Pro models are expected to have several elements that lead the iPhone Ultra. Even so, the iPhone Ultra is expected to offer a user experience differentiated from existing bar-type iPhones by highlighting its foldable design, large screen and multitasking features.