Samsung Electronics’ new foldable Galaxy Z8 series has been flying off the shelves during pre-sales, creating significant buzz in the market. At the same time, Apple’s own foldable device is set for a September launch.
Industry insiders expect Apple to unveil five new products at its annual event in early September, including the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone.
According to sources on Wednesday, Apple is slated to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models at the upcoming event. In a departure from tradition, the standard iPhone 18 model is likely to hit the market in the first half of 2027, reflecting a shift in Apple’s sales strategy.
The most notable upgrade in the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to be its camera system. Leaked images from Tata Electronics’ supply chain in India suggest that the external design will largely mirror that of the iPhone 17 Pro.
The new series is also anticipated to feature Apple’s next-generation mobile processor and boast the largest battery capacity in the company’s history.
However, due to the recent surge in memory prices, known as chipflation, launch prices are likely to see a significant bump. For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB model currently retails for 2.59 million KRW (approximately 1,816 USD) in South Korea. If prices increase in line with rising costs, they could easily surpass the 3 million KRW mark (about 2,100 USD).
There’s growing speculation that Apple will unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside its new smartphone lineup.
This device, previously dubbed the iPhone Ultra, has reportedly faced production delays.
However, a Chinese tech insider known as Fixed Focus Digital Camera recently claimed on Weibo that while there were initial hiccups in ramping up production, the assembly line setup was completed by late July.
The foldable iPhone is expected to hit the market around the end of 2026. Given its status as a first-generation product, it may be produced in limited quantities.
In addition to new smartphones, Apple is likely to showcase updated wearable devices, including new iterations of the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Traditionally, Apple has unveiled new Apple Watch models each September. This year, industry watchers anticipate the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12. The Ultra 4 is rumored to feature design enhancements and new health-focused sensors.
Furthermore, Bloomberg recently reported that the iOS 27 beta contains references to a new device codenamed B790, fueling speculation about the long-rumored AirPods Pro 4th generation with built-in cameras.
These cameras are not intended for photography, but rather as vision sensors to help artificial intelligence (AI) systems better understand the user’s surroundings. However, given the novelty of such a device, questions remain about its practical utility in everyday use.
