The Long-Awaited Apple Foldable iPhone Release
It is finally happening. This week, we are (probably) about to see Apple’s first foldable iPhone, more than five years after Samsung launched its first foldable phone. The Apple foldable iPhone release is one of the most anticipated events in recent memory, marking a significant shift for the company as it embraces an entirely new form factor. This Apple foldable iPhone release comes at a pivotal time, as leadership changes and consumer expectations reach an all-time high.
Apple’s annual iPhone release events are always interesting, but this year’s presentation carries extra weight. As Tim Cook hands off the CEO role to former Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus, expectations are high for Apple’s next devices. While Apple is usually tight-lipped about its product launches, inevitable leaks give us insight into what we might see during the September 9 event. The Apple foldable iPhone release is the star attraction, but we are also anticipating news about AirPods, HomePods, and the non-foldable iPhone 18 line.
What We Know About the Foldable “iPhone Ultra”
If Apple has made its consumers wait over half a decade to enter the foldable market, its first attempt had better be good. Reports indicate the phone will cost more than $2,000, though that is still less than the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset. The good news is that early testers have reported positive experiences surrounding the Apple foldable iPhone release.
According to Bloomberg’s Apple insider Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone has a premium feel, fits nicely into a pocket, and opens into a wide, iPad-like display. The phone is expected to sport a 5.5-inch cover display, which expands to 7.8 inches when unfolded. When folded, the device will look shorter and wider than a typical iPhone.
Hardware Compromises and Features
To make hardware sleek enough to pocket when folded, Apple has made some concessions. The device reportedly skips the telephoto camera, which might disappoint consumers willing to spend a premium. However, the phone is expected to have a dual-lens rear camera system with a main and an ultra-wide lens, similar to Apple’s more basic iPhones. For a Apple foldable iPhone release at this price point, some users may expect more advanced camera capabilities, but Apple appears to be prioritizing form factor and durability.
Rumor has it that Apple will include MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging but will forego Face ID to save space, relying instead on a Touch ID fingerprint button on the side. This shouldn’t be a huge concession, but it might take some getting used to if you have become accustomed to Face ID. The Apple foldable iPhone release seems to balance innovation with practical compromises to deliver a functional device.
Like other foldable phones, the iPhone Ultra is expected to support side-by-side multitasking, letting you run two apps at once on each half of the unfolded screen. Even though it will resemble a small iPad when opened, it will still run iOS rather than iPadOS. Apple’s newest chips are powerful enough to handle it, with the same chip reportedly powering Apple’s budget MacBook Neo laptop.
The Crease Problem
A pain point for foldable phone users has been the dreaded “crease.” With other foldable phones, you can see visible evidence on the display. It is a hard problem to solve, but Apple has supposedly created a display where the crease is not as visible. If Apple can solve this issue, the Apple foldable iPhone release could set a new standard for foldable devices.
The Non-Foldable iPhone 18 Line
If foldables are not your thing—or if you do not want to spend double the price on your next phone—do not worry. Apple is also expected to release new devices in the iPhone 18 line. We have heard leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, but not much yet about the standard iPhone 18, which is predicted to arrive six months after the September event. That would be a first for Apple—releasing the premium models before the standard one. Even with the Apple foldable iPhone release dominating headlines, the traditional iPhone line continues to evolve.
For consumers who prefer a more familiar form factor, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will likely offer significant camera and performance upgrades. These devices will appeal to users who want cutting-edge technology without the experimental nature of foldable screens.
HomePods and AirPods with Cameras
Now that Apple is finally moving forward with its Gemini-powered Siri AI update, the company is also expected to refresh the HomePod, Apple’s answer to devices like the Amazon Echo line. References to unreleased products, including new HomePods, were recently spotted by users digging through a macOS preview build.
The most surprising find is that Apple appears to be working on AirPods with built-in cameras. In that same macOS preview, researcher Aaron Perris found a video showing someone wearing the AirPods and picking up a book.
“With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later,” a voiceover says.
While some users may be skittish about using a device that can see what they see—comparisons to Meta’s maligned “pervert glasses” are inevitable—there is some hope that a company like Apple, which has built its brand on privacy, will do better. Gurman has reported that “the cameras essentially act as eyes for the Siri digital assistant and are not designed to take photos or video.” Instead, the earbuds’ components allow it to “capture visual information in low resolution.” The Apple foldable iPhone release is not the only innovation Apple has in store for 2026.
Pricing and Availability
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Apple foldable iPhone release is pricing. Reports indicate the device will cost more than $2,000, positioning it as a premium offering for early adopters and Apple enthusiasts. At this price point, the foldable iPhone will compete directly with Samsung’s high-end foldable devices while offering the seamless iOS ecosystem integration that Apple users expect.
Availability is another key factor. Based on previous Apple release patterns, the Apple foldable iPhone release will likely be available for pre-order shortly after the September 9 event, with general availability following in the weeks after. Given the anticipated demand, supply constraints could initially limit availability.
What This Means for Apple’s Future
The Apple foldable iPhone release represents a pivotal moment for the company. With a new CEO taking over and the introduction of an entirely new product category, Apple is signaling its commitment to innovation in the hardware space. The foldable iPhone could redefine how users interact with their devices, bridging the gap between phone and tablet functionality.
For consumers, the choices are expanding. Whether you are interested in the cutting-edge foldable iPhone Ultra, a more traditional iPhone 18 model, or even AirPods with visual intelligence features, Apple’s 2026 product lineup offers something for everyone. The Apple foldable iPhone release will likely influence the direction of Apple’s hardware development for years to come.
As we approach the September 9 event, excitement continues to build. The Apple foldable iPhone release is more than just a product launch—it is a statement about Apple’s vision for the future of mobile technology. While there are always risks with first-generation products, early reports suggest Apple has addressed many of the common complaints associated with foldable devices.
Whether you are a longtime Apple user or simply curious about the future of smartphones, the Apple foldable iPhone release is worth watching. Be sure to tune in on September 9 to see everything Apple has in store. From foldable displays to AI-powered accessories, this year’s event promises to be one of the most memorable in Apple’s history.
