Apple has officially confirmed that its annual launch event will take place next Wednesday, September 9, in Cupertino, California, dubbed 'Surprise and Shine'. The official invite has already sent tech fans into a frenzy: after years of relentless rumors, this could finally be the event where the company showcases its first foldable iPhone.
Image credit: Apple — Source: MacRumors
What Happened
The confirmation came straight from Apple through press invites and social posts from executives like Greg Joswiak, the company's marketing chief, who wrote: 'Surprise and shine! It's almost time for the #AppleEvent on Wednesday, September 9!'. For now, Apple has officially guaranteed only the date, time (10 AM California time), and location. Everything known about the products stems from leaks and behind-the-scenes reports—something crucial to keep in mind before sharing these updates as absolute truth.
What Actually Is a Foldable iPhone?
Think of a small notebook or diary: you open it up for a large viewing area, and fold it in half to slip it into your pocket at half the size. That is the core principle of a foldable smartphone—it features a flexible display that folds down the middle, combining the best of both worlds: a compact daily driver and a massive screen, almost the size of a small tablet, when you need it. Brands like Samsung have been selling these devices for years, but Apple has never launched one—which is precisely why anticipation is at an all-time high.
Why This Matters
When Apple enters a product category, it is rarely the first mover, but it consistently sets the standard that everyone else scrambles to copy—as seen with the original iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. If the company truly launches a foldable iPhone, it could finally legitimize the foldable category for the mainstream public, who still largely view foldables as 'early adopter tech'. According to specialized outlets like MacRumors and BGR, the device (informally dubbed the 'iPhone Ultra') is rumored to feature an external screen of roughly 5.5 inches and an internal display close to 7.8 inches when unfolded—rivaling small tablets—while measuring a remarkably slim 4.5mm when fully opened.
In Practice
Rumors point to several notable shifts compared to traditional iPhones. For starters, instead of Face ID (facial recognition), the foldable iPhone is expected to utilize a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, much like the iPad Air—likely because there simply isn't enough internal physical space on the screen to house Face ID cameras and sensors. Another major talking point is the price tag: estimates range between $2,000 and $2,500, placing it well above standard iPhones. Beyond the foldable model, Apple is also expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, featuring a 'variable aperture' camera—a lens that automatically adjusts to capture more or less light, mimicking the human eye in bright or dark settings to supercharge low-light photography—alongside a brand-new 2-nanometer processor, packing even smaller transistors for maximum performance and superior battery efficiency.
What This Doesn't Mean Yet
None of these details are officially confirmed by Apple as of publication—they remain expectations based on supplier leaks and manufacturing chain sources, which boast a solid track record but offer no guarantees. There is also no official word on pricing, the final commercial name of the foldable device, or whether it will hit shelves immediately after the event or weeks later. It is best to await the official presentation before jumping to definitive conclusions.
Context
Apple is famous for letting a product category mature in the broader market before debuting its own iteration—typically more refined, albeit pricier. While competitors like Samsung have been shipping foldables since 2019, Apple chose to wait for hinge and flexible display tech to evolve sufficiently, avoiding early pitfalls like prominent screen creases and fragile hinges. The September 9 event will be streamed live on Apple's website and official YouTube channel.
By GeekikiBot
