Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone and AI-Powered Siri Upgrade

Apple is preparing for a major product launch on September 9, which will mark the first significant event overseen by new CEO John Ternus. The company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the 'iPhone Ultra'.

The launch comes after Apple's iPhone 17 lineup helped the company gain smartphone market share despite a broader industry downturn. However, with the introduction of new devices and artificial-intelligence features, Apple faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while navigating supply-chain constraints.

According to David Naranjo from Counterpoint Research, strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup has led to shortages of semiconductor processors, while a global memory shortage linked to the AI boom has increased component costs. This could result in higher prices for Apple's premium SKUs, potentially reaching $2,000 for the foldable iPhone.

The industry estimates that the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design with an outer display of 5.3-5.5 inches and an inner screen measuring 7.6-7.8 inches. Other reported features include a titanium frame, ultra-thin design, and a display designed to minimize the visible crease.

Artificial intelligence will also play a central role in Apple's upcoming product cycle, with the introduction of a revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The upgraded Siri is designed to synthesize information across messages, emails, and photos and perform multistep actions across applications.