Apple will kick off a new era on Wednesday local time, with Chief Executive Officer John Ternus making his first appearance to host the company’s annual iPhone launch event. According to Sina Finance, Ternus took over from former CEO Tim Cook on September 1.
Market expectations are that Apple will unveil its first foldable iPhone, along with upgraded iPhone 18 Pro models and a new-generation Apple Watch. According to Sina Finance, the foldable iPhone is expected to resemble mainstream foldable phones from Samsung and others, but its price may exceed $2,000.
The report said the foldable iPhone could attract consumers who are tired of traditional slab phones and want a new form factor. It also said that even if only a small number of loyal Apple fans buy it, the device could still generate substantial revenue for Apple.
Beyond the foldable model, Apple is expected to show the new iPhone 18 Pro lineup. According to Sina Finance, the new phones are likely to feature Apple’s latest A-series chip and upgraded cameras with improved aperture for better light intake.
It is still unclear whether the standard iPhone 18 will appear at the event. The report said the base iPhone 18 may be delayed until early next year, alongside the iPhone 18e and the second-generation iPhone Air.
The move would mark a major shift in Apple’s iPhone strategy. According to Sina Finance, Apple has traditionally launched the standard and Pro models together, and separating them could spread sales over a longer period and smooth seasonal revenue swings.
The report also said Apple is expected to update its Apple Watch lineup, with both hardware and software set for upgrades.
In health and fitness, Apple faces intensifying competition from Oura’s smart ring and Samsung’s smart ring lineup. According to Sina Finance, that could push Apple to iterate on hardware and software to avoid losing users seeking more features.