Tech
Hands holding smartphone to record concert with vibrant stage lights.
Photo: vee terzy

Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch 12 at 2026 Event

Apple introduced its inaugural foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro and the Apple Watch 12 during a live 2026 product launch, signaling a new hardware direction for the company.

Apple held its highly anticipated 2026 live event on Tuesday, unveiling a suite of new hardware that includes the company’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro and the Apple Watch 12. The announcements were streamed globally and marked the first time Apple has ventured into a folding smartphone form factor, a move that aligns the brand with competitors that have already released foldable devices.

The foldable iPhone, presented as a premium device, features a flexible display that can transition between a compact phone size and a larger tablet-like screen. Apple executives highlighted the seamless integration of iOS across the two modes, promising a unified user experience without the need for separate devices. While detailed specifications such as screen size, processor and pricing were not disclosed during the presentation, the company emphasized durability and a new hinge mechanism designed to withstand daily use.

ALSO READ | Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Duo Set for Tonight’s Launch with Leaked Color Lineup and Pricing

Alongside the foldable model, Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro, its next‑generation flagship. The iPhone 18 Pro is said to be powered by Apple’s latest silicon generation, delivering faster performance and improved energy efficiency. The device also introduces a variable‑aperture camera system, allowing photographers to adjust the lens opening for better low‑light shots and greater depth‑of‑field control. The iPhone 18 Pro retains the familiar flat‑screen design but incorporates upgraded materials and a refined chassis.

The Apple Watch 12 was the third major product revealed. Building on the health‑focused features of its predecessors, the new watch adds a brighter always‑on display, enhanced biometric sensors and a faster S‑chip processor. Apple highlighted new software capabilities, including advanced sleep tracking and expanded integration with the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera system for remote photography.

Analysts note that the simultaneous launch of a foldable phone and a new flagship suggests Apple is hedging its bets between maintaining its traditional design language and exploring emerging form factors. The event also underscored Apple’s continued emphasis on premium pricing and ecosystem lock‑in, as each new device is positioned to work best when paired with the others.

Video: Apple Event September 9 2026: Introducing iPhone Duo and more
Watch on YouTube ↗
Why This Matters

The introduction of a foldable iPhone could reshape the premium smartphone market, forcing rivals to accelerate their own folding technology roadmaps and potentially redefining consumer expectations for device versatility. By merging phone and tablet functionalities, Apple may also influence app developers to optimize iOS for dynamic screen sizes, impacting software ecosystems worldwide.

Apple Watch 12’s health‑sensor upgrades reinforce the company's strategy to dominate the wearables market, where data privacy and medical‑grade accuracy are becoming regulatory focal points. The combined hardware rollout strengthens Apple’s ecosystem lock‑in, which could affect market share dynamics for Android manufacturers and third‑party accessory makers.

Reporting based on verified dispatches from Cbnc. View primary release ↗
Stay Connected
Follow SamacharDaily on Instagram

Visual explainers, infographics, and daily news briefings on your feed.

More in Tech