Phones could get weird after iPhone Ultra. I’m here for it
The upcoming iPhone Ultra is expected to shake up the smartphone design industry in unexpected ways. While most foldable devices have a square aspect ratio, Apple’s iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature a more compact iPad-like design with a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded. This departure from the norm is likely to influence not only foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide but also non-foldable phones.
One potential impact of the iPhone Ultra’s design is a shift back to shorter screen aspect ratios. Current smartphones typically have a tall 19.5:9 aspect ratio for maximum screen space and ergonomic handling. However, a decade ago, phones like the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S7 sported a stouter 16:9 aspect ratio. Reports suggest that Huawei is exploring a return to this shorter aspect ratio with a new non-foldable smartphone model inspired by its foldable Huawei Pura X. Other major brands may follow suit if Huawei’s experiment proves successful.
The success of the iPhone Ultra, with a rumored starting price of $2,000, will determine the extent of its influence on the industry. Apple has a history of setting trends that other smartphone manufacturers follow, as evidenced by the plethora of iPhone imitations on the market. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a resurgence of the 16:9 aspect ratio in smartphones by 2027 or 2028, reminiscent of designs from a decade prior.
In conclusion, the iPhone Ultra’s unique design is poised to reshape the smartphone landscape, prompting both foldable and non-foldable phone manufacturers to reconsider their screen aspect ratios. As Apple leads the way with innovative designs, the industry is likely to follow suit in the coming years.
