[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong] Additional information has continued to emerge about the design and core specifications of the 'iPhone Ultra', believed to be Apple's first foldable iPhone. A white dummy model has recently been revealed, and claims have also surfaced that it could use vapor chamber (VC) cooling to manage heat, drawing growing interest.

On June 1 (local time), IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that prominent leaker Ice Universe recently shared photos of a white dummy model believed to be the iPhone Ultra.

The device is seen as closer to a dummy model made by a third party than an actual prototype. Its surface finish also looks more like a plastic mock-up than a finished product, but it is drawing attention as a reference that reflects the design direction known so far.

The reappearance of a white colour option in particular drew attention. The industry has suggested Apple may offer only two colours, black and white, for the initial foldable iPhone model. This is interpreted as a strategy to streamline colours at launch to improve production efficiency and demand forecasting accuracy.

The form factor also did not differ much from earlier expectations. The industry expects the iPhone Ultra to have an external display of 5.3 to 5.5 inches, and an internal display of 7.6 to 7.8 inches when unfolded. The inner screen would be similar in size to the iPad mini, making it likely to bridge the line between smartphones and tablets.

The camera setup is also taking shape. Based on CAD images and leaked materials disclosed so far, the rear is expected to feature a dual-camera system consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Separate front cameras that can be used in both folded and unfolded states are also being suggested.

New information has also emerged on the thermal design. Another leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, claimed on Weibo that the iPhone Ultra will deliver "impressive VC cooling performance". This is interpreted as meaning Apple could adopt a vapor chamber-based cooling system for its foldable iPhone.

A vapor chamber disperses heat inside a smartphone across a wider area, helping to effectively control heat generated during prolonged high-performance tasks. In foldable smartphones, where internal space is limited, it is considered one of the key factors that can determine overall product quality.

Apple has already applied vapor chamber technology to the iPhone 17 Pro series. After it was assessed to have improved sustained performance under heavy workloads, the possibility has been raised that similar technology could be expanded to the next foldable product.

Expectations for the launch timing are also holding. Some recently suggested the schedule could be delayed due to difficulties in the production process, but Fixed Focus Digital claimed that "all signs point to the originally planned September launch".

All information released so far is based on unofficial leaks. It has not yet been confirmed whether Apple will adopt a vapor chamber, whether the product name will be finalised as iPhone Ultra, or whether a September launch schedule will be maintained.

Even so, the recently revealed dummy model and cooling-related information suggest Apple is pushing development of its foldable iPhone into a full-fledged final stage. The industry expects a key variable for the product's success will be whether Apple can deliver thinness, heat control and tablet-level screen usability at the same time.

In particular, if launched, the iPhone Ultra is being discussed as potentially the most expensive iPhone ever, and market attention is expected to focus on further leaks and any official announcement.