An Ultra iPhone Model Might Be Coming

Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted that the company could potentially develop a high-end version of the iPhone in the future. In an earnings call (via Bloomberg) addressing holiday results, Cook responded to a query about the rising cost of iPhones and if Apple could sustain its business model.

"I think people are willing to really stretch to get the best they can afford in that category," Cook said, while adding that upscaled iPhones made sense. How different a proposed Ultra--similar to Apple's label for its high-spec smartwatch--model of the iPhone could be when compared to the current top-tier Pro Max smartphone is unclear, but it'll likely offer better cameras, more storage capacity, and other futureproofed ideas for a considerable price.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max for example, can cost up to $1,600 for the version that has 1TB of storage space, a massive increase when compared to Apple's iPhone X with 256GB of storage that was released in 2017 for $1,150. High-spec smartphones aren't uncommon, with Apple's biggest rival Samsung having its own Ultra line of hardware that offers a substantial amount of extra hardware when compared to standard phones from the brand.

Another example in this space would be the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro, which has a gamer-centric identity, 18GB of RAM, and an LED screen on the rear that can feed extra information to a user. On the more budget-friendly side of Apple, the company is reportedly working on less expensive AirPods to help them compete with cheaper wireless headphones.

Apple has also been working on a mixed-reality VR headset known as the Reality Pro for years now, and it seems that the VR hardware will finally be ready to ship later this year.