Apple has set the date for its next major product showcase: September 9. The invitation, tagged with the slogan “surprise and shine,” hints at a landmark announcement – the debut of the first foldable iPhone. The event will also be the first public appearance of Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, who assumes the role on September 1 after succeeding Tim Cook.
Why the foldable iPhone matters
The iPhone accounts for roughly half of Apple’s revenue, making it the company’s most profitable product line. Introducing a foldable model could attract high‑spending customers who might otherwise choose competing devices, especially from Samsung, which currently dominates the niche market for foldable smartphones. Samsung’s senior vice president of mobile product management, Drew Blackard, said greater visibility for the category benefits everyone.
New leadership, new direction
Beyond the hardware, the September keynote will give Ternus a platform to outline his vision for Apple. Analysts expect him to emphasize a stronger focus on artificial‑intelligence‑powered gadgets, a move that could help Apple close the perceived gap with rivals that have integrated AI more aggressively. Bank of America analysts noted that Ternus could “cement Apple’s device dominance in an AI‑enabled era.”
Pricing expectations
Foldable phones typically carry premium price tags. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts near $2,000, and Apple’s own memory shortage has already prompted price increases across its product lineup, including iPads and MacBooks. Industry experts suggest that the new iPhone could be priced around $1,500, a notable rise from the current $1,000‑$1,200 range.
What else to expect
While the foldable iPhone is expected to be the headline, Apple is also likely to unveil updates to its existing iPhone lineup and new Apple Watch models. The company’s September event is traditionally its most important moment of the year, drawing worldwide attention from consumers, investors, and tech analysts.
Apple’s move to introduce a foldable iPhone under Ternus’s leadership reflects a broader strategy to diversify its hardware portfolio and reinforce its position at the forefront of consumer technology.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
