Apple's foldable iPhone dominates attention ahead of September 9 event

Apple's expected foldable iPhone has become one of today's biggest mobile-hardware talking points ahead of the company's September 9 product event. Recent reporting suggests Apple's first foldable could cost more than $2,000 and serve as the flagship introduction under new CEO John Ternus. Foldables still represent only a small share of global smartphone sales, but Apple's entry could dramatically change consumer awareness and accessory support around the category.

The company has reportedly spent years experimenting with hinge design, screen durability and crease reduction rather than rushing into the market behind Samsung, Huawei and others. That familiar Apple strategy—enter later, then attempt to make an existing category feel mainstream—faces an unusually difficult challenge here because foldables remain expensive and mechanically complex.

A successful launch could trigger a new upgrade cycle among premium users; a weak one could reinforce the idea that folding screens remain a niche curiosity. Concrete specifications will need to wait for Apple's event, but the foldable is already shaping the competitive conversation across the smartphone industry.