iPhone Ultra Gets Rubberized Body and Flush Camera Array

When left alone at home, many might indulge in gaming marathons, binge-watch their favorite shows, or call friends over for an impromptu hangout. But for a designer, an idle mind is a playground for creativity. Enter Braz de Pina, a Principal Designer at Microsoft, who used his time to reimagine what the iPhone Ultra–Vision could look like.

Rethinking the iPhone: Form Meets Function

Unlike the usual concept renders predicting Apple’s next move, de Pina’s iPhone Ultra concept strips the device down to its core aesthetic. His design eliminates the need for a protective case by incorporating a durable rubberized body—offering a solid grip while maintaining Apple’s signature premium feel.

Inspired by a simple yet profound question—“Why do we buy a beautifully designed product only to cover it up?”—de Pina’s iPhone Ultra envisions a smartphone that redefines both durability and ergonomics. By thickening the frame, this concept eliminates the protruding camera bump, allowing the rear camera array to sit flush with the body—a move that could redefine smartphone design.

A Retractable Camera for the Future?

While many Android manufacturers have dabbled with pop-up selfie cameras, the iPhone Ultra takes a forward-thinking approach. A retractable front camera could not only enhance durability but also pave the way for more screen real estate. Could a 360-degree swiveling camera be the next big thing by 2025? If not Apple, perhaps another brand will take note.

A Fresh Take on the iPhone Experience

Apple users often celebrate the iPhone’s sleek design, only to immediately wrap it in a case for protection. De Pina’s vision eliminates that contradiction by designing the phone itself to be both rugged and premium. Whether or not Apple embraces this approach, the concept challenges conventional thinking about smartphone materials, durability, and usability.

For now, the idea remains a fascinating design exercise, but as smartphone innovation continues, who knows? Maybe Apple—or a competitor—will take inspiration from this Microsoft designer’s vision for the iPhone of the future.

via Yanko Design/ Designer

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Passionate about design, especially smartphones, gadgets and tablets. Blogging on this site since 2008 and discovering prototypes and trends before bigshot companies sometimes