Apple prepares first folding iPhone: what will be revealed on September 9

Apple is preparing to hold one of the year's most anticipated events. On September 9, the company will introduce a new generation of iPhone, with the main highlight expected to be the first folding smartphone in Apple's history. Simultaneously, new Apple Watch and AirPods models are anticipated.

Apple's first folding iPhone

According to MacRumors, Apple is developing a book-style folding iPhone that, when unfolded, will resemble a small tablet. The speculated name for the device is iPhone Ultra, though the official title remains unconfirmed.

Leaks indicate the smartphone will feature an outer OLED display of approximately 5.5 inches. Once opened, users will have access to a main screen measuring around 7.8 inches.

One of Apple's primary challenges in designing the device was the hinge and folding screen construction. While the company reportedly failed to eliminate the display crease entirely, it should be kept to a minimum. Additionally, Apple is said to be using a reinforced liquid metal hinge with a strong focus on the mechanism's durability.

In its unfolded state, the smartphone's thickness could be just 4.5 mm. However, the drive to make the device so thin may have forced Apple into several compromises.

Face ID may be replaced by Touch ID

One of the most noticeable changes will be the biometric authentication system. Due to limited space inside the slim chassis, Apple was reportedly unable to accommodate the full TrueDepth system for Face ID.

In its place, the folding iPhone may feature Touch ID integrated into the side button. Front-facing cameras, meanwhile, will be located on both the outer and inner sides of the device.

Limitations will also affect the main camera setup. There was reportedly no room in the folding body for a triple-camera system, so the iPhone Ultra may only receive main and ultra-wide cameras, omitting a telephoto lens.

However, according to the latest reports, MagSafe support—which previously remained uncertain—will indeed be included.

Performance and price

The device is expected to feature a new 2nm A20 Pro processor. Preliminary data suggests it could be roughly 18% more powerful than the A19 Pro while consuming up to 30% less power.

The smartphone may also pack 12 GB of RAM and a battery with a combined capacity of around 5400–5800 mAh, divided between the two halves of the body.

The main hurdle for widespread adoption of the folding iPhone could be its price. Leaks indicate the device will start at around $2,000, with higher storage variants potentially exceeding $2,500.

iPhone 18 Pro will also be updated

Alongside the folding device, Apple is expected to present the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Visually, they are anticipated to retain the familiar design of the previous generation while receiving several internal upgrades.

The key camera update could be a variable aperture system on the primary sensor. This will allow control over the amount of light hitting the sensor, improving shooting performance in various conditions and offering greater control over depth of field.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max may also gain a larger battery, with new displays and the 2nm processor further boosting energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is not expected to launch in September; rumors suggest its release has been postponed to spring 2027.

New watches and AirPods

In addition to iPhones, Apple may show the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. No major design overhauls are expected, but the devices should receive a new processor along with health and fitness enhancements.

Another product on the lineup could be AirPods 5, rumored to feature a new H3 chip that should enhance audio quality and reduce latency.

Thus, Apple's September event could be unusual primarily due to the introduction of a completely new form factor for the company. If predictions hold, September 9 will mark Apple's official entry into the folding smartphone market—years after such devices became a distinct market segment.