Apple will hold a new product launch event on September 9th. Multiple media sources and leaks indicate that the focus of this event may not only be on the iPhone 18 series, but also include Apple's first foldable phone, as well as a new hardware lineup centered around Siri AI.
Fold iPhone or Debut
Currently, the outside world generally refers to this device as “iPhone Ultra”. According to the available information, it comes with a 5.5-inch external screen when folded, and an 7.8-inch internal screen when unfolded, making its form more similar to that of a small-sized iPad that can be put in a pocket.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman previously stated that early testers had positive reviews of the device's grip and portability. It is said that Apple also attempted to address the common issue of screen wrinkles associated with foldable screens. However, in order to control the thickness of the device and the internal space, this phone may not be equipped with a telephoto lens, but instead will adopt a dual-camera setup consisting of a primary camera and an ultra-wide-angle lens.
In terms of unlocking and accessories, the leaks suggest that this device may retain MagSafe, but Face ID will be removed in favor of side Touch ID fingerprint recognition. At the system level, it is expected that this device will still run on iOS and support split-screen multitasking.
iPhone Series 18 or Adjusting the Pace
In addition to the foldable models, Apple is also expected to update its regular iPhone product line. At this stage, the information that has leaked mainly focuses on the iPhone 18, Pro, and Pro Max; there is relatively less information regarding the standard version of the iPhone 18.
If the rumors are true, Apple may release the high-end model first, followed by the standard version a few months later. This would be different from the past practice of launching models of the same generation simultaneously, and it also indicates that Apple may be adjusting the sales rhythm of its flagship products.
Siri AI drives hardware updates
In addition to smartphones, Apple may also update HomePod. Relevant clues have recently appeared in the preview version code of macOS, and reference information for products that have not been released has also been discovered by the outside world.
What is of more concern is that the new version of AirPods may include a camera or visual perception components. Researchers Aaron Perris discovered a demonstration video in the same preview version, which shows that the wearer can use the device to identify objects in front of them and have the system save relevant information.
According to the presentation, this capability is related to “Visual Intelligence”. The focus is not on taking photos or recording videos, but on providing low-resolution visual information for “Siri” to enable the voice assistant to have a stronger understanding of its environment. This also indicates that Apple is attempting to extend the capabilities of “AI” from mobile phone interfaces to wearable devices as well.
From the current information, the highlights of this press conference are not just hardware upgrades. The foldable design, Siri AI, and new types of wearable devices may jointly determine Apple's product direction for the next phase.
