Opinion: If Apple’s folding iPhone drops this feature, I’m out
Opinion: If Apple’s folding iPhone drops this feature, I’m out
Publish Date: 2026-05-01 21:40:00
Source Domain: creators.yahoo.com
The rumors and reports about Apple releasing a folding iPhone this year are plentiful. The news keeps intensifying, just like it did before the launch of the Apple Vision Pro or the original Apple Watch.
There are even leaks indicating that the folding iPhone will be called the iPhone Ultra. My guess is on iPhone Studio, but what’s it’s called will be less important than what it can do, or can’t do.
The latest dummy iPhone 18 mockups, used by accessory manufacturers, seem to indicate that the ultra-expensive folding iPhone will be lacking MagSafe, despite likely starting around $2,000.
There are other features that a folding iPhone might lack, simply because of the device’s technical limitations. As someone who covers Apple and technology, I’ve spent a lot of time considering what features this new phone might need to compromise on. The super-thin iPhone Air is an example of sacrificing some features for a sleek, thin device. However, as much as I might be willing to give up the Action Button or a third camera lens, I don’t know if I could give up MagSafe.
The twist here is that it may not be the thinness keeping MagSafe off of the upcoming folding iPhone.
Dummy models of iPhone 18 Pro Max, folding iPhone, and iPhone 18 Pro
(Sonny Dickson)
MagSafe has become critical to iPhones
The rumored omissions from the folding iPhone are Face ID, telephoto camera, MagSafe, Action Button, and (physical) SIM card slot. I would deeply miss Face ID. I would be disappointed by the lack of a telephoto camera and an Action Button. But the lack of MagSafe may be a bridge too far.
I use the magnetic wireless charging feature every night to recharge my phone, while it doubles as a clock on my nightstand. But more importantly, I use the magnet on the back multiple times a day with magnetic stands and other accessories. It’s not just tech nerds, either. Everyone uses these accessories, from magnetic wallets to stick-on lights.
