Apple confirms September 9 hardware event with foldable iPhone expected to headline

Apple has confirmed a September 9 product event, immediately shifting part of the mobile industry's attention toward what could become the company's most significant iPhone launch in years. Reuters reports that Apple is expected to introduce its next iPhone generation and that a foldable model is anticipated as a major part of the lineup. Apple's entry would transform the foldable category because the company typically waits until a product format reaches sufficient maturity before committing at scale.

Samsung, Motorola, Honor and Chinese manufacturers have already spent years refining hinges, crease visibility, durability and software. Apple can therefore enter a market whose basic engineering problems are better understood, while bringing its enormous developer and accessory ecosystem. The September 9 event will also be the first major Apple product presentation under incoming CEO John Ternus, who takes over on September 1 as Tim Cook becomes executive chairman.

Foldable pricing, thickness and software behavior will be watched particularly closely.