Apple has never thrown the Ultra label around carelessly. Until now, it has only been reserved for top-tier chips and the most expensive Apple Watch. But this year, everything could change: according to multiple sources, the company is preparing to launch four new Ultra devices. If the rumors prove true, 2026 will become the most “Ultra”-packed year in Apple’s history. Now imagine how much they’ll all cost. Let’s break down what exactly Cupertino is preparing and why Apple needs so many flagships at once.
After affordable devices, Apple is preparing a wave of expensive Ultra gadgets. Image: wired.com
What We Know About Three New Apple Ultra Devices
Information about the triple launch emerged amid numerous leaks from the supply chain and analyst notes. We’re talking about three completely different products united by one thing — positioning at the top of their respective lineups.
Three Ultras in one year — Apple has clearly decided that modesty is out of fashion
The first and perhaps most anticipated is the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The third generation of Apple’s “indestructible” watch is expected to receive an updated design, a new processor, and, according to rumors, additional health sensors. Enough time has passed since the release of Apple Watch Ultra 3, and an update is long overdue.
The second device is the new MacBook Ultra. For the first time, Apple computers will feature a touchscreen OLED display, which will be the device’s main innovation. The laptop will run on the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips and will replace the current MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max.
The third device is the most intriguing. Sources point to the possible launch of the iPhone 18 Ultra (or iPhone Ultra, without a number). This is the model that, according to rumors, will sit above the Pro Max and become the most expensive and technologically advanced iPhone in history. In reality, Apple has long hinted at such a move — the Pro Max lineup has already hit its ceiling, and it needs a new flagship above it.
iPhone Ultra: How It Will Differ from iPhone 17 Pro Max
While Apple Watch Ultra 4 and MacBook Ultra are more or less predictable (updates to existing lineups), the iPhone Ultra is a fundamentally new product. And it raises the most questions. According to available data, iPhone Ultra is the long-awaited foldable iPhone. No “Fold” branding. Apple’s most expensive smartphone will get a fitting name. So what will it offer?
Everyone has been waiting for a foldable iPhone for a very long time. Image: @UniverseIce
- Titanium + aluminum body for greater structural reliability
- Two screens: 5.3-inch external and 7.8-inch internal
- Touch ID in the lock button
- Possibly next-generation satellite connectivity
But it’s not that simple. The main question is the price. If the iPhone 18 Pro Max is already expected to cost around 140,000–150,000 rubles in Russia, the Ultra could run as high as 250,000 rubles. Meanwhile, not every Pro Max user even utilizes half of its capabilities. So who needs the Ultra? Apple is apparently targeting the same segment that buys Hermès watches and gold AirPods Max — people for whom “the best iPhone” matters more than common sense.
250,000 for a smartphone — now that’s the real “Ultra” experience for your wallet.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 and MacBook Ultra: What to Expect from the Updates
Apple Watch Ultra 4 is probably the most predictable update of the trio. The watch has already found its audience among athletes, divers, and those who simply want the coolest Apple Watch. The new generation is expected to feature an updated S11 processor, an improved blood oxygen sensor, and possibly more advanced blood pressure monitoring support. This feature already exists and works in the new Apple Watch, but it doesn’t show absolute values. In the new generation, those numbers may finally appear on screen.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 won’t change externally at all. Image: 9to5mac.com
As for design, no major changes are expected. The Apple Watch Ultra already looks rugged and distinctive — why fix what isn’t broken? Most likely, we’ll see new case colors and updated bands.
The MacBook Ultra screen will be even better. Image: 9to5mac.com
The MacBook Ultra, on the other hand, is serious business. Apple has long been asked when OLED will come to its computers, and it looks like that moment is just around the corner. Such a computer would be perfect for those who work with graphics, since color reproduction has always been OLED’s strong suit. However, the inclusion of a touch layer raises more questions than answers for now.
AirPods Ultra: Why Apple Is Adding Cameras to Earbuds
But Apple’s “Ultra” experiments may not stop there. According to insiders, the company is also working on a new model of earbuds called AirPods Ultra. These earbuds are expected to sit above the current AirPods Pro and become the most expensive option in the lineup.
Earbuds will now have cameras. Cringeworthy. Image: beebom.com
The main feature of AirPods Ultra is the use of computer vision cameras. They’re not for taking photos but for feeding data to the Apple Intelligence system and the Siri voice assistant. The cameras will be able to analyze the surrounding environment and transmit visual information to the system so it can better understand what’s happening around the user.
Essentially, Apple is turning earbuds into yet another sensor for the ecosystem. Siri will be able to receive more context and provide more accurate responses: for example, helping with navigation, recognizing nearby objects, or responding to voice commands more quickly. If the rumors are confirmed, AirPods Ultra will become one of the most unusual Apple products in recent years.
