Apple is preparing for one of its most anticipated events in recent years, scheduled for September 9, as the company prepares to unveil its first foldable iPhone. The release comes more than five years after Samsung introduced its inaugural foldable device. The launch also coincides with a leadership transition, as CEO Tim Cook hands over the reins to John Ternus, the former Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
Reports indicate the new foldable device, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, will carry a price tag exceeding $2,000. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, early testers have described the device as having a premium feel and a form factor that fits comfortably in a pocket. The phone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch cover screen that expands to a 7.8-inch display when unfolded, offering an interface similar to an iPad while continuing to run iOS rather than iPadOS.
To maintain a sleek profile, the iPhone Ultra is said to omit a telephoto camera, relying instead on a dual-lens rear system comprising main and ultra-wide lenses. In a significant design shift, Apple is reportedly dropping Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor to conserve internal space. MagSafe wireless charging is expected to remain, and the device will support side-by-side multitasking on the expanded screen.
Beyond the foldable flagship, Apple is anticipated to introduce updates to its iPhone 18 lineup. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will launch in September, with the standard iPhone 18 arriving approximately six months later—a departure from Apple’s traditional release schedule.
The event is also expected to highlight AI integrations across Apple’s ecosystem. Following the rollout of Gemini-powered Siri, new HomePods are anticipated, with references to the devices recently discovered in a macOS preview build. Additionally, researcher Aaron Perris identified evidence of AirPods equipped with built-in cameras. Promotional material suggests these cameras will support a “Visual Intelligence” feature, allowing users to save items they see by asking Siri.
While privacy advocates have drawn comparisons to controversial camera-enabled wearables from competitors, Gurman has stated that the AirPods’ cameras are designed to capture low-resolution visual data to assist the digital assistant rather than to take photos or record video. Despite these assurances, Apple’s entry into camera-equipped audio wearables is likely to spark debate regarding surveillance and privacy concerns.
AirPods with cameras? Even low-res ones sound like a privacy nightmare. I’d keep mine strictly for audio.
Foldable iPhones are finally here! But $2,000? I hope Apple includes a warranty for the hinge this time.