Apple’s annual iPhone launch event will take place on Wednesday, September 9. It is a staple of the tech scene every year, but this year’s iPhone event is arguably one of the most consequential for Apple in well over a decade.
Not only is the company expected to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone, but this year’s showcase will also be the first under Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus. Here’s what to expect—and what to watch out for.
The world’s first foldable iPhone
Despite being nearly 20 years old, the iPhone has had only two major designs throughout its history. The first was the iPhone with the physical home button (on the wide bottom bezel “chin” of every iPhone from the original in 2007 to the iPhone 8 in 2017).
In 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, which eliminated the physical home button in favor of an all-screen design and Face ID.
Next week, the iPhone is expected to get its third and most radical redesign yet with the introduction of the so-called iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold.
As the latter name suggests, the new device will turn the iPhone from a slab-only form factor into a foldable one, and comes at a time when foldables are more popular than ever. But unlike common compact-style flip and book-style fold Android phones, the first foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a passport-style design that will give it roughly a 4:3 aspect ratio when closed.
Given that Apple hasn’t had a hit new product in years (hello Vision Pro), a lot will be riding on how consumers react to the company’s first foldable. If things go well, it could make the iPhone lineup feel innovative again.