First Foldable iPhone to Launch 9 September 2026, What Will It Cost?

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - American technology giant Apple is scheduled to hold a new product launch event on 9 September. This annual agenda is predicted to be one of the most crucial in the company’s history, as Apple will introduce its latest iPhone line-up featuring its first foldable model.

The arrival of the first foldable iPhone is believed to be an important catalyst for Apple. Analysts note that the high-end device will be a key driver for lifting the average selling price (ASP) while boosting the company’s profit margin growth.

This launch event will also be the biggest debut stage for John Ternus since officially assuming the role of Apple’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Tim Cook.

Ternus, who previously led Apple’s hardware division for a long period, officially ascended to the CEO position on 1 September. Meanwhile, Tim Cook has transitioned to a new role as Executive Chairman.

The leadership transition is viewed by the market as Apple’s long-term strategy to strengthen its core competitiveness in hardware innovation.

At present, the global foldable phone stage is still dominated by Samsung Electronics. Although it remains a niche market, this segment is projected to soon become mainstream, despite carrying a premium price tag.

On the other hand, the consumer electronics industry as a whole continues to be tested by significant challenges, including a supply crisis in memory and storage chips that has triggered a surge in production costs. To ease the pressure, Apple was previously forced to raise the selling prices of its Mac and iPad lines. Nevertheless, management says global supply chain constraints continue to overshadow short-term sales performance.

Based on analyst estimates, Apple’s foldable iPhone is likely to feature a screen size equivalent to an iPad mini when unfolded.

Research firm IDC projects that foldable iPhone shipments could surpass 17 million units by 2027. Apple’s entry into the foldable phone arena is also believed to be a key driver of industry growth, with IDC predicting a 12.6% surge in foldable phone shipments this year, amid a broader downward trend in global smartphone shipments.

However, it remains to be seen what price Apple will set, particularly amid the global memory chip shortage crisis and uncertain macroeconomic conditions.