Inside Apple's First Foldable iPhone: What You Need to Know

Apple is gearing up for one of the most pivotal product launches in its modern history. The tech giant's upcoming "Surprise and Shine" event at the Steve Jobs Theatre in Cupertino marks more than just a seasonal hardware refresh. It is the official debut of John Ternus as CEO—who took the helm on September 1—and the rumored unveiling of Apple's first-ever foldable smartphone: the iPhone "Ultra."

A New Era Under CEO John Ternus

For the first time in over a decade, a new face will lead Apple's keynote. John Ternus, a veteran who has spent over two decades shaping Apple's hardware, is stepping into the spotlight to succeed Tim Cook.

This event serves as an early referendum on Ternus's leadership style. With hardware and silicon teams now consolidated under Johny Srouji—reporting directly to Ternus—all eyes are on how this restructured chain of command performs. Observers want to see if Ternus will maintain Cook’s operational discipline or push Apple back into aggressive, category-defining innovation.

The Foldable iPhone "Ultra"

The crown jewel of the event is expected to be Apple's first foldable device, widely rumored to be named the iPhone "Ultra." This represents Apple’s most radical design shift since the iPhone X ditched the home button in 2017.

Unlike competitors who rely on off-the-shelf components, Apple's foldable is expected to showcase heavy custom engineering. Thanks to Ternus's background in tightly integrating chassis, custom chips, and modems, the "Ultra" will likely feature a highly sophisticated, proprietary hinge-and-glass mechanism rather than a standard folding design.

A Split iPhone Cycle and Smart Home Surprises

Alongside the foldable flagship, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These models will likely focus on design continuity, featuring minor upgrades like a smaller Dynamic Island.

However, a major strategy shift is brewing: Apple may split its release cycle. The standard iPhone 18 and the next-generation iPhone Air are rumored to be delayed until Spring 2027. This suggests a new two-tier launch strategy: premium hardware in the fall, followed by more affordable consumer models in the spring.

Beyond smartphones, Ternus is expected to showcase his passion for expanding Apple's ecosystem:

• Wearables: Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4.
• Smart Home: A highly anticipated smart home hub, a refreshed Apple TV 4K, and an updated HomePod mini.
• Software: Official release dates for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate.

Notably, industry insiders do not expect deep dives into Apple Intelligence or Siri during this hardware-focused presentation. The focus remains squarely on physical engineering and the new executive vision.