After seeing our first leaked design model hands-on video of Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, we are now learning that the phone will reportedly feature a sophisticated vapor chamber (VC) cooling system.
Thermal Engineering and Thinness
Despite the rumors of an ultra-slim 4.5mm profile, a fresh report from a top leakster indicates that Apple is prioritizing high-end thermal engineering, with the leaker describing the device's thermal performance as "quite impressive". This is the first time a reliable source has hinted at a vapor chamber cooling system for the foldable iPhone. For reference, the similarly thin iPhone Air does not utilize this technology.
Feature Compromises for Thickness
To accommodate the rumored 4.5mm thickness, the device is expected to omit several standard iPhone features, including Face ID, MagSafe, and a physical SIM slot, with Touch ID serving as the biometric authentication. The VC cooling system is expected to mirror the design first introduced in the iPhone 17 Pro, which circulates deionized water to distribute heat across the chassis.
Sustained Performance Goals
This move suggests that Apple might really be going all out to ensure the A20 Pro-powered foldable can maintain sustained performance despite its compact internal volume. While the cooling solution might indeed be on the way, the iPhone Ultra continues to face manufacturing challenges. Reports suggest that pre-assembly stages, specifically regarding surface-mount technology (SMT), are proving difficult to scale.
Manufacturing and Pricing
However, despite these yield pressures, the September 2026 debut remains on track to coincide with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Pricing for the foldable iPhone is rumored to start at $2,000. Further updates on the device are expected to be shared by the leaker in the coming days.
Sources: weibo.com, www.macrumors.com