iQOO may be skipping the Ultra model for its upcoming iQOO 16 series, according to a new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station.
The decision is reportedly tied to rising memory prices.
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The tipster suggested that iQOO had previously indicated its Ultra lineup would not follow a fixed annual release cycle.
Instead, new Ultra models are expected only when the company has a significant technological breakthrough to introduce.
If accurate, the iQOO 16 series could launch without an Ultra variant.
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The next Ultra model might arrive at a later stage when iQOO is ready with more substantial upgrades.
It remains unclear whether the iQOO 17 Ultra will debut as part of the iQOO 17 series or if the company will extend the gap between Ultra models even further.
In the meantime, iQOO is preparing to launch the mid-range iQOO Z11i on July 3 in China. Later in July, the Dimensity 9500-powered iQOO Neo 11S may follow.
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In October, the brand may announce the iQOO 16 and Neo 12 flagship phones, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipsets, respectively.
The iQOO 16T is expected to launch in the first half of 2027 in China.
Globally, iQOO reportedly has no plans to launch any Neo-branded phones this year.
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Among its flagship lineup, the iQOO 16 may be the only model to launch in multiple markets outside China.
