Apple's First iPhone Event Under New CEO John Ternus Expected to Debut Foldable iPhone

Apple's latest event is being watched closely not only for its product announcements but for the leadership transition it represents. This is the first iPhone keynote led by John Ternus, who took over as CEO from Tim Cook earlier this year. In a staff memo, Ternus reportedly described the launch as "a huge launch . . . that's going to be phenomenal."

All signs and rumors point to the debut of a foldable iPhone — likely branded as the iPhone 18 Duo or iPhone 18 Pro Fold. This would be Apple's first entry into the foldable smartphone market, a segment where competitors like Samsung have held the lead for several years. The design is expected to feature a flexible display that folds inward, similar to existing foldable devices.

Beyond the foldable iPhone, the event is expected to include the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro models, along with updates to the Apple Watch lineup and new AirPods. Apple is also likely to provide details on upcoming software releases, including iOS 20, watchOS 11, and other operating system updates.

Ternus, who previously served as Apple's vice president of hardware engineering and led the development of key products including the M1 chips and recent iPad Pro models, has been positioning the company for a new chapter. The foldable iPhone has been rumored for years, and its arrival would represent a significant product shift for the company.

Why This Matters

This event marks the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, signaling Apple's strategic direction for the post-Cook era.
A foldable iPhone would open Apple to a new form factor that has grown in popularity, potentially driving a major upgrade cycle among iPhone users.
The success or failure of this product could shape consumer expectations for foldable devices and influence competitors' roadmaps.

Background

Apple has historically introduced new iPhone models at annual September events, but this year's gathering carries extra weight due to the CEO transition. John Ternus, who was promoted to the top role earlier this year, has a long history at Apple leading hardware engineering, including overseeing the transition to Apple silicon and the development of the latest iPad and iPhone designs. Rumors of a foldable iPhone have circulated for years, with Apple reportedly exploring various hinge and display technologies to meet its quality standards. The company has faced pressure to enter the foldable market as rivals like Samsung, Huawei, and Google have released multiple generations of folding devices.

Key Perspectives

Apple (John Ternus): The new CEO is looking to make a strong impression and demonstrate that Apple's innovation engine remains robust after the Cook era. A foldable iPhone could be a flagship product that defines his tenure. Consumers: Longtime iPhone users may be eager for a fresh design, but some may have concerns about durability, crease visibility, and the premium price expected for a foldable device. Critics/Skeptics: Skeptics note that foldable phones have faced reliability issues and niche appeal. They question whether Apple can deliver a foldable that overcomes these challenges and achieves mass-market adoption.

What to Watch

The specific design of the foldable iPhone: screen size, hinge mechanism, and whether it uses a single fold or a clamshell form factor.
Pricing and availability: foldable smartphones typically cost significantly more than standard flagships.
Any new software features or operating system optimizations that leverage the folding display.

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