Imminent iPhone Launch: Will Apple Unveil Its First Foldable Phone?

Estimated Price Tag Exceeds $2,000 per Unit Amid Soaring Semiconductor Costs
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With Apple's new product launch event just one day away, there is growing anticipation over whether the company will, as expected, unveil its first foldable (flip) smartphone.

Apple logo. The Asia Business Daily DB.

On September 9 (local time), Apple is set to showcase new products—including a new iPhone—at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

The biggest question is whether Apple's first foldable phone will be released. Amid rumors about possible names like 'iPhone Ultra' and 'iPhone Duo,' companies that manufacture iPhone cases are already preparing accessories that precisely fit the anticipated design, effectively treating the product release as a foregone conclusion.

According to market research firm IDC, Apple's foldable phone is expected to sell over 10 million units in its first year, with cumulative sales reaching 17 million by next year. IDC also projected that Apple's market share in the foldable segment could reach between 31% and 40%.

Nabila Popal, IDC's research director for smartphone markets, commented, "Even if the price is high, the foldable iPhone will enjoy broad success," adding, "It would not be surprising if this product became the 'Hermes Birkin bag' of smartphones in China."

International outlets such as Bloomberg have reported that the phone, when folded, will be about the size of a passport and will be similar in design to Samsung Electronics' recently launched 'Galaxy Z Fold8.' It is also expected to feature Apple's newest iPhone chip, the 'A20 Pro,' and Apple's proprietary 'C2' modem chip. Furthermore, unlike previous foldable smartphones, the crease in the folding area is expected to be much less visible.

John Turners, CEO of Apple

However, the consensus is that the device will feature Touch ID fingerprint recognition instead of the Face ID facial recognition unlock feature, and it will not be equipped with a telephoto camera. The price of Apple's first foldable smartphone is estimated to exceed $2,000 (approximately 2.7 million won) per unit, reflecting both its groundbreaking design and the recent sharp increase in memory semiconductor prices.

This event also marks the first major test for newly appointed CEO John Turners. Turners is known for being a steadfast supporter of the foldable smartphone project—which Apple has been planning for the past 10 years. Known within Apple as a hardware specialist, he is widely regarded as the ideal choice to introduce a product with such engineering complexity.

In a memo sent to staff on his first day as CEO, September 1, Turners wrote, "The major launch event scheduled for next week will be extraordinary," and added, "I have great expectations for the future—not only for the amazing products already in development, but also for those we have yet to imagine, dream, and create together."

Tim Cook, the former CEO who recently moved to the role of executive chair of the board, will be in the audience but, according to Bloomberg, is not expected to take the stage. Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, the Apple Watch, and new wireless AirPods at the event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.