Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone and New Flagship Models

Tech giant Apple is set to unveil its latest innovations at its annual "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino, California. This year's event marks a significant leadership transition, with newly appointed CEO John Ternus hosting for the first time, succeeding Tim Cook who moves to the role of active chairman.

The most anticipated reveal is expected to be Apple's first foldable smartphone, reportedly named the iPhone Ultra. Rumors suggest it will feature a 5.5-inch external display and a larger 7.8-inch foldable internal screen, comparable to an iPad mini. The device is anticipated to have a rigid hinge and a user interface optimized for tablet mode. However, reports indicate a compromise in camera capabilities, omitting a telephoto lens, despite an expected price tag exceeding $2,000.

Alongside the iPhone Ultra, Apple is also expected to launch the standard premium models, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In an unusual move, Apple has split its product launches this year, with the base iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air delayed until spring 2027.

The event will also showcase new Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 12 and the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 4. The event will be livestreamed starting at 8:00 PM Israel time on Apple's official channels and the Apple TV app.

Separately, a report from TrendForce highlights a significant increase in the cost of components for the iPhone 18 Pro 256GB, estimated at a 38% rise compared to the previous generation, largely due to soaring memory and storage prices. This is projected to translate to a starting price in Israel between 6,000 and 6,300 shekels, an increase of up to 1,500 shekels from current models.