Apple is holding its highly anticipated September product event today (September 9, 2026) and the biggest news could be that the company finally enters the foldable smartphone market after years of rumors and reports about a folding iPhone.
After all those years of speculation and leaks around a folding iPhone Apple will reveal its first foldable device alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The event “Surprise and Shine” will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, Calif. It’s also a big day for Apple because it’s the first iPhone launch under new CEO John Ternus who took over earlier this month.
Although Apple has announced the September 9 event, it hasn’t confirmed yet that there will be a foldable iPhone at all or if it even exists (the company hasn’t said). Multiple technology publications have reported strongly that one of the headline announcements will be a foldable model.
First Foldable iPhone Could Be Called iPhone Ultra
One of the biggest unknowns about Apple’s first foldable is what it will be called. The device has been referred to as the iPhone Fold but reports over the last few weeks have pointed more and more toward the name iPhone Ultra. Apple hasn’t officially confirmed branding yet so the final name could still change when they take the stage.
The report says the device will have a book-style folding mechanism (not like some competing smartphones clamshell design). When closed it would be like a regular smartphone but if opened it could be much bigger sort of like a small tablet.
Large Inner Display and Passport-Style Design
Reports say Apple’s foldable will have a roughly 5.5-inch external screen and an approximately 7.8-inch internal screen. The overall design has been described as having a wide passport shape when folded.
The hinge and display crease are also expected to be big focus areas. Apple wants a folding screen with less of a crease (that’s where foldable-phone manufacturers have continued competing), Reuters says analysts expect Apple’s hardware approach to emphasise “a strong hinge and a small screen crease”.
Premium Pricing Expected
The foldable iPhone will be at the very top of Apple’s smartphone range. Reports and analyst estimates have put the starting price at $2,000 or more potentially one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones ever.
Reuters said the device would be priced above $2500 but other tech reports in recent weeks have given estimates closer to $2k. So price is still one of the biggest details consumers will want to see at the event.
For Indian customers the final price could be much higher after taxes, duties and other market related costs. Apple will announce regional pricing and availability when it announces the device officially.
Apple Finally Enters the Foldable Market
Apple’s arrival would be significant because Samsung, Google and other smartphone manufacturers have been working on foldable devices for years Samsung released its first Galaxy Fold several years ago while the category has grown with products from multiple manufacturers.
Apple is a latecomer but because of the size of its iPhone customer base and how it drives smartphone design trends it could have a big impact on the segment. Foldables still represented only a small share of the overall smartphone market according to the Verge but Apple’s entry could drive huge interest in the category.
iPhone 18 Pro Models Also Expected
The foldable iPhone is not going to be the only big smartphone announcement. Apple is also expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the September 9 event.
Some reports claim that Apple is moving its traditional iPhone release date back this year. The standard iPhone 18 and some cheaper models are reportedly being pushed to spring 2027 while September is all about Apple’s premium phones.
Apple will also show new Apple Watch products and possibly updated AirPods or other hardware at the event as well.
A Major Moment for Apple's New CEO
The foldable iPhone launch would also give John Ternus an opportunity to show his leadership at Apple. Ternus became CEO on September 1 after Tim Cook stepped down from the role and today’s event will be his first major iPhone presentation as chief executive of Apple.
If Apple does announce the foldable iPhone, it will be one of the biggest hardware changes the company has made in years. It rarely enters new product categories before technologies mature and its approach to foldable phones seems to follow that logic.
🚨 Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone today. pic.twitter.com/03XLtdZvp9
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) September 9, 2026
For consumers the biggest questions will be final design, official name, display tech, cameras, battery life, hinge durability, software features, price and release date. Many specs have already leaked out but Apple will likely answer all of these at today’s event even if some answers are already known.
The launch could therefore be a new chapter for the iPhone. After years of rumours Apple’s first foldable smartphone may finally move from speculation to reality reshaping the premium smartphone market and giving consumers a new way to use the iPhone.
