Anticipating the Next Apple Launch: What to Expect

The moment has arrived — this week, we are (most likely) on the brink of witnessing Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone, over five years after Samsung debuted its first foldable device.

Apple’s yearly iPhone release events are always captivating to some degree, but this year’s showcase is particularly highly anticipated. As Tim Cook transitions the CEO role to former Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus, expectations are soaring for Apple’s upcoming devices, especially with the company venturing into a completely new form factor.

While Apple typically remains secretive about its product launches, leaks are inevitable, providing hints about what may be revealed during the Apple event scheduled for September 9. While the foldable iPhone is generating the most buzz, we’re also looking forward to news regarding AirPods, HomePods, and the non-foldable iPhone 18 series.

What we think we know so far about the foldable “iPhone Ultra”

If Apple has kept consumers waiting for over five years to enter the foldable market, their first attempt had better meet expectations — especially since reports suggest the device will retail for over $2,000. At least it’s not as expensive as the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset, and unlike headsets, smartphones have a much broader consumer base.

On a positive note, early testers of the device have shared favorable experiences. According to Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone offers a premium experience, easily fits into a pocket, and opens up to reveal a spacious, iPad-like display. The phone is expected to feature a 5.5″ cover display that expands to 7.8″ when unfolded. When closed, the device is anticipated to be shorter and wider than a standard iPhone.

To maintain a sleek profile when folded, Apple has made some compromises. Reports indicate that the phone will forgo a telephoto camera, which may disappoint consumers willing to pay a premium for a phone that costs as much as a family’s monthly groceries. However, it’s expected to include a dual-lens rear camera system with a main lens and an ultra-wide lens, similar to Apple’s more affordable iPhones.

Rumors suggest that Apple will incorporate MagSafe, the magnetic wireless charging and accessory technology but will omit Face ID to save space, using a Touch ID fingerprint button on the side of the phone instead. This may not be a significant drawback — pressing a button is about as simple as looking at a screen — but it might require some adjustment for those used to Face ID.

Like other foldable devices, the iPhone Ultra is expected to support side-by-side multitasking, enabling users to run two apps simultaneously on each half of the unfolded screen. Even though it will resemble a compact iPad when opened, it will still operate on iOS rather than iPadOS, which shouldn’t pose any issues, considering Apple’s latest chips are powerful enough to manage it. In fact, the same chip is reportedly used in Apple’s budget MacBook Neo laptop.

A common concern for foldable phone users has been the notorious “crease.” With other manufacturers’ foldable devices, you can visibly see the evidence when opening the phone, indicating it’s not a typical display. It’s a tough challenge to address, and while it might not be worth the extensive technical effort, Apple has allegedly developed a display where the crease is less apparent.

Don’t worry, you can still get a new iPhone that doesn’t fold

For those who prefer non-foldable devices — or don’t want to invest double the amount in their next phone — there’s no need for concern. Apple is also anticipated to introduce new models in the iPhone 18 lineup. While there have been rumors regarding the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, details about the standard iPhone 18 remain sparse, which is expected to launch six months after the September event. This would mark a first for Apple — launching the premium models ahead of the standard variant.

Siri HomePods? AirPods with cameras?

As Apple progresses with its Gemini-powered Siri AI update, the company is also rumored to be refreshing the HomePod, its smart speaker designed to compete with devices like the Amazon Echo series.

Recently, references to unreleased products, including new HomePods, were discovered by users exploring a macOS preview build.

However, the most unexpected discovery is that Apple seems to be developing AirPods with built-in cameras. During that same macOS preview, researcher Aaron Perris found a video showcasing someone wearing the AirPods and picking up a book.

“With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later,” a voiceover in the video states.

While some users may feel apprehensive about using a device that can visually observe their surroundings — comparisons to Meta’s controversial “pervert glasses” are likely — there’s hope that a company like Apple, known for prioritizing privacy, will handle this responsibly.

Gurman has reported that “the cameras essentially act as eyes for the Siri digital assistant and aren’t intended for taking photos or videos.” Instead, the components in the earbuds are designed to “capture visual information in low resolution.”