Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone on Wednesday as the company holds its latest product launch event, marking new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus’ first major presentation since taking over from Tim Cook.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6pm Nigerian time and is expected to focus on new iPhone models, with the long-awaited foldable device likely to be the biggest announcement.
Reports indicate that the foldable iPhone could cost more than $2,000, with some estimates putting the starting price at around $2,000 and higher-storage versions approaching $3,000. Reuters has reported that the device could be priced above $2,500.
The device is expected to have a book-style design, allowing the screen to open into a larger display. Reports suggest it could feature an outer screen of about 5.5 inches and an inner display of around 7.8 inches when unfolded.
Apple is also expected to focus on the device’s hinge and display, with reports suggesting that the company has worked to reduce the visibility of the crease that has been a common feature of foldable smartphones.
The launch would mark Apple’s entry into a market already occupied by companies including Samsung, Google and Motorola. Although foldable phones remain a relatively small part of the global smartphone market, analysts expect Apple’s entry to significantly increase competition in the segment.
Alongside the foldable model, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. New Apple Watch and AirPods models are also expected to feature at the event.
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The company may delay the standard iPhone 18 and other lower-priced models until 2027, according to reports, as Apple adjusts its product launch strategy amid higher component costs and a global memory chip shortage.
The event will also put Ternus in the spotlight. He became Apple CEO on September 1, succeeding Cook, who moved into the role of executive chairman after more than a decade as the company’s chief executive.
Ternus, a longtime Apple hardware executive, now faces expectations to maintain the company’s strength in hardware while addressing its growing competition in artificial intelligence.
Apple has also been working on a major upgrade to Siri, with the company seeking to improve its position in the AI market against rivals including Google and OpenAI.
The foldable iPhone, if unveiled as expected, would represent Apple’s biggest change to the iPhone design since the company entered the smartphone market in 2007.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
