Apple has officially sent out invitations for its annual fall iPhone event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT at Apple Park in Cupertino. The invitation features a glowing Apple logo on a light blue background with the tagline “Surprise and shine”.
But the real surprise might be the device that’s been rumored for years: Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
A New Era Begins
This event marks more than just another product launch. John Ternus, Apple’s former head of hardware engineering, officially takes over as CEO on September 1, with Tim Cook moving into an executive chairman role. The September 9 keynote will be Ternus’s public debut leading the company.
Analysts at Bank of America noted that “Ternus could cement Apple’s device dominance in an AI enabled era”. And what better way to start than with the most significant iPhone redesign since 2017?
The Foldable iPhone: What We Know
After years of speculation, multiple reports suggest Apple will finally unveil its first foldable smartphone. The device has been referred to by several names in rumors—iPhone Ultra, iPhone Fold, or iPhone Flip—though “iPhone Ultra” appears to be the frontrunner.
Here’s what the leaks tell us about the device:
Design and Display
Book-style foldable design that opens like a book, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series
Outer display: Approximately 5.3–5.5 inches
Inner display: Approximately 7.6–7.8 inches when unfolded—comparable to a small iPad
Wide, squat form factor similar to the original Google Pixel Fold or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Titanium frame for durability
Hardware and Features
A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm manufacturing process
12GB of RAM
Two 48MP rear cameras (no telephoto lens)
Touch ID built into the power button instead of Face ID
Liquid metal materials in the hinge to minimize screen creasing
Price and Availability
Expected starting price between $2,000 and $2,500
Some configurations could cost as much as $2,500
Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to prepare for 10 million foldable iPhone units in 2026
However, initial supply may be constrained, with only 500,000 to 1 million units available in the third quarter
Production ramp-up could take three to five months
What Else to Expect
The foldable iPhone isn’t the only thing coming on September 9:
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
A20 Pro chip on 2nm process
Variable-aperture main camera (possibly Pro Max exclusive)
Smaller Dynamic Island
Apple’s C2 cellular modem
New “Dark Cherry” color option
Starting price expected around $1,199 (up from previous generations)
Notably absent: The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air are not expected at this event. Reports suggest Apple is changing its launch schedule, with these models potentially arriving in spring 2027.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 12
Apple Watch Ultra 4
AirPods
AirPods 5 (ANC and non-ANC versions)
Smart Home
Possible refreshed Apple TV 4K, new HomePod mini, and a home hub with a seven-inch screen
The Big Question: Will It Actually Ship?
Announcing a foldable iPhone and getting it into customers’ hands may be two different challenges. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple could unveil the foldable alongside the iPhone 18 lineup but wait until later in the year to put it on sale—similar to the iPhone X launch in 2017.
Supply chain reports indicate that mass production is underway, but early demand will almost certainly outstrip supply.
The September 9
“Surprise and shine” event is shaping up to be Apple’s most significant product launch in nearly a decade. A foldable iPhone would represent the company’s first major design departure since the iPhone X—and at a price point starting above $2,000, it would also be Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever.
Whether you’re ready to spend $2,500 on a folding phone or just curious to see what Apple has been working on for all these years, September 9 is a date to mark on your calendar.
One thing is certain: Apple is about to enter the foldable phone market. And if the rumors are true, they’re doing it in a way only Apple can—at a premium price, with premium materials, and with enough hype to make the entire tech world stop and watch.
What do you think? Will you be buying Apple’s first foldable iPhone, or is the price tag too steep?
