How to watch Apple’s foldable iPhone announcement

Apple is poised to officially enter the foldable smartphone market with the "Surprise and shine" event, expected to unveil the "iPhone Ultra," a device entering the market approximately seven years after Samsung's initial foldable offerings. The event, accessible via Apple's website and a YouTube livestream, will also feature the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This marks a significant product announcement under new CEO John Ternus, succeeding Tim Cook. Alongside the foldable and standard iPhone upgrades, Apple may introduce new HomePod, AirPods, and Apple Watch models. The "iPhone Ultra" is rumored to retail around $2,000, positioning it as a premium, albeit delayed, entrant into a category dominated by competitors.

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Apple's long-anticipated foldable iPhone, tentatively named "iPhone Ultra," is set to debut, marking the company's entry into a segment Samsung has occupied for years. The "Surprise and shine" event will provide the official unveiling, accessible through a dedicated YouTube stream and Apple's events portal. This launch is significant as it follows Samsung's substantial lead in the foldable space, suggesting Apple may be aiming to refine the technology or offer a distinct user experience at a premium price point, reportedly around $2,000.

Beyond the foldable, Apple is expected to refresh its high-end smartphone lineup with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This dual strategy caters to both enthusiasts of new form factors and those preferring traditional designs, while also potentially segmenting the market based on price and features. The absence of a standard iPhone 18 model at this event, slated for release later, indicates a staggered product rollout strategy for the iPhone 18 series.

The announcement also signifies a new era for Apple under CEO John Ternus. This event is his first major product reveal since Tim Cook's departure, making it a crucial moment to set the tone for future hardware innovation. The potential introduction of updated HomePods, camera-enabled AirPods, and new Apple Watches alongside the flagship iPhones suggests a broad hardware refresh across Apple's ecosystem, aiming to reinforce its market position and user engagement.