Apple will hold a product launch event on September 9. Multiple media outlets and leak reports suggest that the focus of this event may extend beyond the iPhone 18 series to include Apple’s first foldable smartphone and new hardware initiatives centered around Siri AI.
Fold iPhone or debut
Currently, the device is widely referred to by the public as the "iPhone Ultra." According to existing reports, it features a 5.5-inch external display when folded and a 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded, making its form factor more akin to a pocket-sized iPad.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman previously said that early testers have praised the device's feel and portability. Apple is reportedly also trying to address the common screen crease issue found on foldable displays. However, to control the device's thickness and internal space, this phone may not include a telephoto lens and instead feature a dual-camera setup consisting of a main and ultra-wide lens.
Regarding unlocking and accessories, rumors suggest the device may retain MagSafe but eliminate Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint sensor. At the system level, the device is expected to continue running iOS and support split-screen multitasking.
The iPhone 18 series may adjust its release schedule.
In addition to foldable models, Apple is also expected to update its regular iPhone lineup. Current leaks primarily focus on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with relatively less information available about the standard iPhone 18.
If the leak is accurate, Apple may first release the premium model, followed by the standard version several months later. This would differ from its traditional approach of launching all models in a generation simultaneously, suggesting that Apple may be adjusting the sales rhythm of its flagship products.
Siri AI drives hardware upgrades
In addition to the iPhone, Apple may also update the HomePod. Recent clues have appeared in the macOS preview version code, and references to unreleased products have been discovered by outsiders.
More notably, the new AirPods may include a camera or visual sensing component. Researcher Aaron Perris discovered a demo video within the same preview version, showing that users could use the device to identify objects in front of them and have the system save relevant information.
According to the demo script, this capability is related to "Visual Intelligence," with the focus not on taking photos or recording video, but on providing Siri with low-resolution visual information to enhance the voice assistant's understanding of its environment. This also indicates that Apple is attempting to extend its AI capabilities beyond the smartphone interface to wearable devices.
Based on current information, the highlights of this launch go beyond just hardware upgrades. The foldable design, Siri AI, and new wearable devices may collectively determine Apple’s next product direction.