After more than half a decade of speculation, Apple is finally poised to enter the foldable smartphone market. This week—likely at its September 9 event—the company is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, a move that comes over five years after Samsung introduced its own foldable lineup.
This year's launch is particularly significant, as it marks a major leadership transition. Tim Cook is handing over the CEO role to John Ternus, the former Vice President of Hardware Engineering, who now faces the challenge of delivering on Apple's promise of innovation in a brand-new form factor. The stakes are high, and expectations are soaring.
While Apple remains famously secretive, a steady stream of leaks and analyst reports has painted a detailed picture of what to expect. Beyond the highly anticipated foldable device, the event is likely to showcase updates to the iPhone 18 line, AirPods, and HomePods. Here's what we know so far.
The Foldable 'iPhone Ultra': What the Leaks Tell Us
If Apple has kept consumers waiting this long, its first foldable phone had better impress—especially considering the reported price tag of over $2,000. While that's steep, it's still more accessible than the $3,500 Vision Pro headset, and unlike a headset, a smartphone is a device people actually use and buy in volume.
Early testers, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have reported a positive experience. The device is described as having a premium feel, fitting comfortably into a pocket, and unfolding into a wide, iPad-like display. The cover screen is expected to measure 5.5 inches, expanding to 7.8 inches when fully opened. When folded, the phone will appear shorter and wider than a standard iPhone.
However, achieving that sleek, pocketable design has required compromises. Notably, reports suggest the foldable iPhone will skip the telephoto camera—a potential disappointment for consumers willing to pay a premium for top-tier photography. Instead, it's expected to feature a dual-lens rear system with a main and ultra-wide camera, similar to Apple's standard iPhone models.
Another trade-off involves security features. While MagSafe, Apple's magnetic wireless charging system, is expected to be included, the company may forgo Face ID to save internal space. Instead, a Touch ID fingerprint button would be integrated into the side of the device. For most users, this is a minor adjustment, but it could require a period of adaptation for those accustomed to Face ID.
In terms of software, the foldable iPhone is expected to support side-by-side multitasking, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously on the unfolded display. Despite resembling a small iPad when open, the device will run iOS rather than iPadOS. This should not be a concern, as Apple's latest chips are more than capable of handling the additional functionality. In fact, the same chip reportedly powers Apple's more affordable iPhone models, ensuring a consistent and powerful experience across the lineup.
As the September 9 event approaches, the tech world is watching closely. If the rumors hold true, Apple's first foldable iPhone could redefine its product line—and set the tone for the company's future under new leadership.
via TechCrunch