Apple is tipped to release an 'Ultra' model as part of its iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, but it is expected to be more expensive than any iPhone in the company's current portfolio — and pack some standout features. Apple released the Watch Ultra last year alongside the standard Apple Watch Series 8 models. Despite its higher price, it has been received well by consumers and the media alike. Now, the company is looking to bring naming parity between its smartphone and smartwatch lineups by introducing an 'Ultra' model in its iPhone lineup as well.

While the iPhone Ultra has long been rumored to be the top-end model in Apple's smartphone lineup in the near future, it was expected to launch this year as a replacement for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, a new report now suggests that the iPhone Ultra might not release before next year. That's according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that the iPhone 16 Ultra could launch alongside the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max next year as the company's new flagship smartphone.

Related: Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Which Is The Better Flagship?

iPhone 16 Ultra Could Be Expensive

iPhone 14 Pro and Pro max against a brick wall background

Gurman also provided a few tidbits about how the iPhone 16 Ultra will be different from the two Pro models. According to him, the device could have a new design, a faster processor for enhanced performance, and a larger display with dedicated software for additional features. With all the changes, the new device is likely to have a higher asking price, which could make it out-of-reach for most mainstream consumers. The current top model in the iPhone lineup is the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099 for the base 128GB model, while the top-end 1TB variant costs a whopping $1,599.

The iPhone 16 is expected to have a number of differences from the iPhone 14, including a USB-C charging port that is expected to be introduced with the iPhone 15-series this year. The change will be implemented to comply with a new EU regulation that mandated a common charging port for all mobile devices. It will also be interesting to see whether the iPhone 16 Ultra will introduce other features that have long been available on Android, like split-screen support for better multitasking.

The iPhone Ultra has long been a topic of speculation among Apple fans, with a report from late last year claiming that it will be priced higher than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Other reports also seemingly revealed a few tidbits about the rumored device. While well-regarded tipster Majin Bu last year claimed that the iPhone 15 Ultra will get two selfie cameras, a more recent report from prominent tipster LeaksApplePro suggested that it will have more advanced image processing and a beefier cooling system than the iPhone 15 Pro. Following Gurman's latest report, it will be interesting to see whether the Ultra will still come this year or if Apple will only bring it next year as part of the iPhone 16-series.

More: iPhone 14 Plus Vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Should You Spend $899 Or $1099?

Source: Bloomberg