The MacRumors Show: Andru Edwards Talks 'iPhone Ultra'

YouTuber and podcaster Andru Edwards joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to discuss the rumored "iPhone Ultra" model that could emerge next year.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos

According to a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has discussed offering a new top-of-the-line iPhone alongside the "Pro" and "Pro Max" models in 2024 at the earliest. Based on this timeframe, the device would be part of the iPhone 16 lineup or later.

Gurman initially said there was "potential" for an "iPhone 15 Ultra" to replace the "iPhone 15 Pro Max" this year, but he has since revised that prediction, suggesting Apple might release an even higher-end "Ultra" model above both Pro variants next year instead.

Gurman speculated that the future device could feature additional camera improvements, a faster chip, a larger display, and perhaps a portless design without Lightning or USB-C. He also said the device would be "pricier" than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099.

iphone ultra concept daehnertiPhone Ultra concept by Jonas Daehnert

We take a look at some of the biggest news from the past week, including reports that Apple may not update the Mac Studio with the M2 Max and ‌M2‌ Ultra chips due to its similarity with the upcoming Apple silicon Mac Pro, ‌iPhone‌ reverse wireless charging for accessories like AirPods is still in the works, and the second-generation AirPods Max may not launch until the second half of 2024 at the earliest.

Andru also tells us about his recent experience interviewing Apple's Laura Metz, the Director of Product Marketing, Anand Shimpi of Hardware Engineering, and Tuba Yalcin from the Pro Workflow team to discuss the design process behind Apple silicon, the ‌M2‌ chip, the ‌M2‌ Max MacBook Pro, the ‌M2‌ Pro Mac mini, and more. See the full interview over on his YouTube channel, and follow him on Twitter @AndruEdwards.

Finally, we also take a look at when Apple's next event could be and what it could entail, as devices like the company's mixed-reality headset and Apple silicon ‌Mac Pro‌ seemingly approach announcement.

Listen to The MacRumors Show in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. Watch a video version of the show on the MacRumors YouTube channel.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion on Samsung's newly announced Galaxy S23 lineup, reviews of the new HomePod, and the latest rumors around Apple's first foldable device.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, Quinn Nelson, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Sara Dietschy, Luke Miani, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, iJustine, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, Jon Rettinger, Rene Ritchie, and Mark Gurman. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover in the future.

Top Rated Comments

Ctrlos Avatar
12 months ago
One of these days a YouTube channel might employ someone with actual graphic design skills to build a thumbnail. This isn‘t a dig against Macrumors specifically; pretty much every channel is guilty of the gurning look at some point.

They don’t all need to be Lucasfilm movie poster quality but heck, you can be lazy and employ an AI to do it for you for free.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
12 months ago

the Apple Watch Ultra was to attract those extreme activity users. Not sure why you'd have an iPhone Ultra ?
The market is moving away from low-cost phones.

I would be happy if it just offers

* Titanium Frame
* 2500 + nits brightness
* 48-72 Hours of solid battery life

Also, Dan made some excellent points about the iPhone numbering. It's becoming too much and it's frustrating. Apple needs to go back to keeping the name simple. Heck, leave it as iPhone. Let the customers decide. Too many options and names are not good. (The iPhone names such as Pro/Pro Max/Ultra/Extreme are getting out of hand). Lastly, He seems frustrated with the whole iPhone numbering, hahah! I agree with him. 32:54 - 40:26. Solid points! ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adamlbiscuit Avatar
12 months ago
Thank you for making these podcasts Dan & Hartley - they make my commute to work much more bearable :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wmmead Avatar
12 months ago
I gotta wonder if Steve Jobs could come back to Apple from the great beyond, if he wouldn't do what he did back and '97 or '98 and slash all the product lines until it was clear and simple.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
12 months ago
So, Apple is copying Samsung again by naming a phone "Ultra".

*ducks* incoming tomatoes.???

?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Denzo Avatar
12 months ago
Wow. Apple copying Samsung, or we just pretending it’s not a thing.

And let me guess, gonna milk this body shape another year and then give us the privilege of foldable a for $2.5k? Lol I’m so done

Apple needs to diversify industries or something where they can innovate because phones ain’t it
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 17

iOS 17.3 Will Add These Two Useful Features to Your iPhone

Sunday December 24, 2023 8:59 am PST by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 17.3 earlier this month, and the upcoming software update includes two new features so far. iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility if testing is prolonged. Below, we provide additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far. Stolen Device Protection Earlier this...
iPhone 15 Blue Three Quarters Perspective Camera Closeup Feature

6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos

Tuesday December 26, 2023 3:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhones include several headline camera features that are worth using, such as Portrait Mode and Photographic Styles. But if all you want to use is the standard photo mode, there are still several tools and settings that can improve the composition of your pictures and help you capture the perfect shot using more traditional techniques. Whether you are the owner of a new iPhone or a...
iPhone 15 General Feature Black

New iOS Features Coming in 2024 for Messages, Apple Music, and More

Thursday December 28, 2023 7:30 am PST by
2024 is just a few days away, and there are many iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year. Below, we have recapped new iOS features expected in 2024, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the EU, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS ...
iPhone 17 Five Features Header

iPhone 17: Five Features Apple Plans to Save for 2025

Thursday December 28, 2023 2:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Available in Apple Stores Starting Today, Online Sales to Resume Tomorrow

Wednesday December 27, 2023 2:28 pm PST by
Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are back in some of Apple's retail stores in the United States today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Select stores will have availability today, while all stores will have the Apple Watch models back in stock by December 30. Online sales of the devices are set to resume tomorrow by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple is able to begin selling ...
Mac Gaming

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Thursday December 28, 2023 6:19 am PST by
Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes commentary from Apple marketing managers Gordon Keppel and Leland Martin. One of the biggest reasons that gaming has improved on the Mac in recent years is the switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon, resulting in MacBooks providing...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Sales Ban Paused by US Appeals Court

Wednesday December 27, 2023 8:49 am PST by
The ban on imports of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models has today been temporarily paused, meaning that the devices can now go back on sale for a short while longer in the United States. Apple filed an emergency request to the United States Court of Appeals following President Biden's decision to decline a veto on the sales ban, allowing it to take effect earlier this week. ...