This week marks a significant moment as we anticipate the unveiling of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, arriving more than five years after Samsung’s debut foldable phone.
Apple’s annual iPhone launch events are always noteworthy, but this year’s program is generating immense excitement. With Tim Cook transitioning the CEO position to John Ternus, the former Vice President of Hardware Engineering, expectations are high for Apple’s upcoming devices, particularly as the company enters a new design territory.
While Apple typically maintains a tight lid on product details before their release, leaks have provided glimpses into what to expect during the Apple event on September 9. The foldable iPhone is capturing the most attention, but we also look forward to updates on AirPods, HomePods, and the traditional iPhone 18 lineup.
Insights on the foldable “iPhone Ultra”
After keeping consumers waiting over five years for its entry into the foldable market, Apple’s inaugural offering must impress—especially with reports suggesting a price tag exceeding $2,000. Thankfully, it’s more affordable than the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset, and unlike headsets, smartphones tend to have a broader audience.
Initial feedback from early testers of the device has been positive. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone boasts a premium design, comfortably fits in pockets, and features a spacious, iPad-like display when opened. The device is expected to have a 5.5-inch cover display that extends to 7.8 inches when unfolded. When closed, it will appear shorter and wider compared to typical iPhones.
To maintain a sleek profile for portability, Apple has likely compromised on certain features. Reports suggest the absence of a telephoto camera, which may disappoint users willing to invest substantially in an elite phone. However, the device is projected to include a dual-lens rear camera system featuring a standard and an ultra-wide lens, akin to those found in Apple’s more affordable models.
There are rumors about the inclusion of MagSafe technology for wireless charging and accessories, but Face ID might not make the cut. Instead, a Touch ID fingerprint button may be located on the side of the device, which, while a slight adjustment for users accustomed to Face ID, offers a similar level of convenience.
Likely to follow the trend of other foldable phones, the iPhone Ultra is expected to facilitate side-by-side multitasking, allowing two applications to run simultaneously on each half of the unfolded screen. Despite its resemblance to a small iPad when opened, it will operate on iOS rather than iPadOS, which shouldn’t be a concern, as Apple’s latest chips are powerful enough to support it—reportedly the same chip that also powers the budget MacBook Neo.
A common challenge for foldable phone users has been noticing the “crease” whenever they unfold their device. Other brands have struggled to resolve this issue, but it seems Apple has worked on a display design that minimizes its visibility.
No need to worry—traditional iPhones are still available
For those not keen on foldable phones or hesitant to spend significantly more on their next device, Apple is also set to introduce new models in the iPhone 18 series. While there have been some leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, details regarding the standard iPhone 18 remain scarce, but it is anticipated to be launched six months after the September event, marking a first for Apple in releasing premium models ahead of the standard version.
Could there be Siri HomePods? AirPods with cameras?
As Apple progresses with its Gemini-powered Siri AI updates, a refresh of the HomePod—a smart speaker meant to compete with products like the Amazon Echo—is also on the horizon.
Recent findings by users exploring a macOS preview build have hinted at new HomePods in the works.
Possibly the most unexpected revelation is that Apple may be developing AirPods equipped with built-in cameras. Researcher Aaron Perris discovered a video in the same macOS preview illustrating someone using the AirPods while holding a book.
A voiceover in the video states, “With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.”
While some users may feel apprehensive about a device that can see their surroundings—drawing comparisons to Meta’s controversial “pervert glasses”—there is hope that Apple, with its commitment to privacy, will offer better solutions.
According to Gurman, “the cameras primarily serve as visual input for the Siri digital assistant and are not intended to capture images or video.” Rather, the microphones and sensors will allow the earbuds to collect visual data at a low resolution.
