The Rise of Apple’s Ultra Suffix: What’s Next for the iPhone?

In recent years, Apple has been experimenting with a new suffix in its product lineup: Ultra. From the M1 Ultra Apple Silicon to the Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra branding has been making waves across the tech giant’s ecosystem. But what does this mean for the iPhone? Could we be seeing the end of the Pro Max and the rise of the iPhone Ultra?

A Brief History of Apple’s Ultra Suffix

The Ultra suffix first appeared in 2022 with the M1 Ultra Apple Silicon, which was met with confusion due to its placement above the already top-tier M1 Max. However, Apple didn’t let that stop them from doubling down on the Ultra branding. The Apple Watch Ultra followed, offering a ruggedized, high-end wearable that sat above the top-tier Apple Watch. The M2 Ultra chip was also introduced for Apple’s most powerful Macs, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was released.

The Connection to CarPlay

This week, Apple took the Ultra branding to new heights by introducing CarPlay Ultra, a.k.a. next-gen CarPlay, a.k.a. the new delayed CarPlay. The branding was also associated with Aston Martin, a luxury car manufacturer. This move has led many to speculate that Apple is preparing to drop the Pro suffix in favor of an Ultra model.

The iPhone 17 Air and the Potential for an Ultra Model

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has been talking about the possibility of an iPhone Ultra since 2022. In his Power On newsletter from September that year, he mentioned that the iPhone 15 could see a rebranding of the Pro Max as the Ultra. Although the iPhone 15 came and went without an Ultra model, it’s possible that we might see it with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.

Why an iPhone Ultra Makes Sense

Apple tends to be conservative when it comes to iPhone suffixes, so it would make sense to take this opportunity to reframe the entire lineup, bringing it closer to the MacBook and iPad naming conventions. An iPhone Ultra would allow Apple to differentiate the model with exclusive hardware and software, while also streamlining the branding across its entire product ecosystem.

The Verdict

While there are no credible rumors about an upcoming leap to Ultra, the idea of an iPhone Ultra now feels less like a rumor and more like an inevitability. With the Pro and Pro Max getting closer in features and the Ultra branding gaining momentum elsewhere, it’s possible that we might see an iPhone Ultra in the near future.

What Do You Think?

Could Apple finally be ready to go Ultra with the iPhone? Let us know in the comments!

Actionable Insights

• Keep an eye out for any future iPhone 17 Air rumors, as they might give us a hint about the possibility of an Ultra model.
• Consider the benefits of an iPhone Ultra, such as exclusive hardware and software, and how it could streamline Apple’s product ecosystem.
• Stay tuned for any updates on CarPlay Ultra and how it might impact the iPhone lineup.

Conclusion

The Ultra suffix has been making waves across Apple’s ecosystem, and it’s possible that we might see an iPhone Ultra in the near future. With the Pro and Pro Max getting closer in features and the Ultra branding gaining momentum elsewhere, it’s an exciting time for Apple fans. Whether or not an iPhone Ultra becomes a reality, one thing is certain: Apple is shaking things up with its Ultra branding, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.