Apple's First Foldable iPhone: What to Expect at Sept. 9 Event
Original: What we expect from the upcoming Apple launch
Why This Matters
Apple entering the foldable market signals a major shift in premium smartphone form factor competition.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone — reportedly called 'iPhone Ultra' — at a September 9, 2026 event. The device is anticipated to cost over $2,000, feature a 5.5" cover display expanding to 7.8", and mark a new era under incoming CEO John Ternus.
Apple is set to hold its annual iPhone launch event on September 9, 2026, widely anticipated to include the company's first-ever foldable smartphone — more than five years after Samsung entered the foldable market. The event also coincides with a leadership transition, as Tim Cook hands the CEO role to John Ternus, former Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
According to Bloomberg's Apple reporter Mark Gurman, the foldable 'iPhone Ultra' offers a premium feel, pockets comfortably when folded, and opens into a wide iPad-like display. Specs include a 5.5" cover display that expands to 7.8" when unfolded. The device will reportedly run iOS and support side-by-side multitasking across its two halves.
However, the phone comes with trade-offs: it is expected to omit a telephoto camera, offering instead a dual-lens rear system with main and ultra-wide lenses. Face ID is also reportedly dropped in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint sensor to save space. MagSafe wireless charging support is expected to be retained.
The starting price is reported to exceed $2,000. Beyond the foldable, Apple is also expected to announce updates to the standard iPhone 18 lineup, AirPods, and HomePods at the same event.