Apple is poised to unveil its highly anticipated first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," at the September 9 event. This launch is particularly significant as it marks Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market more than five years after Samsung's initial release. The event will also be notable as former Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus steps into the CEO role, succeeding Tim Cook. Alongside the foldable device, updates for AirPods, HomePods, and the new iPhone 18 lineup are expected to feature.

The foldable iPhone Ultra is reported to have a premium build and a unique design with a 5.5-inch cover display that unfolds to a 7.8-inch screen, resembling a small iPad. While the device will cost over $2,000, it aims to balance sleekness and functionality by omitting the telephoto camera and Face ID, instead relying on Touch ID integrated into the side button. Early testers describe the experience positively, and the phone will support multitasking via side-by-side app usage, running iOS powered by Apple's latest chip.

For those uninterested in foldables or seeking a more affordable option, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max soon, with the standard iPhone 18 possibly arriving six months after the initial launch. This would mark an unusual shift in Apple's release strategy, presenting the premium models ahead of the standard version. These new iPhones will likely continue Apple's trend of incremental improvements alongside the introduction of new device categories.

In addition to phones, Apple is preparing to refresh the HomePod, integrating advanced features powered by its Gemini AI for Siri. Of particular interest are new AirPods rumored to include cameras, designed to assist the voice assistant by providing low-resolution visual input rather than capturing photos or videos. While the presence of cameras in earbuds raises privacy concerns, Apple’s strong commitment to user privacy may help alleviate some apprehensions.