Apple Set for Major September Hardware Pivot with First Foldable Smartphone and Delayed Base Model

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. is preparing a major shakeup to its annual autumn launch strategy next month, setting the stage to unveil its first foldable smartphone alongside premium handsets while pushing the release of its standard base model into early 2027, according to industry sources and supply chain leaks.

The planned shift represents the most significant departure from Apple’s traditional hardware schedule in a decade. By staggering its release cycle, the company aims to maximize high-margin hardware sales during the holiday shopping season while building a secondary sales surge in the spring quarter.

Central to the September event will be the introduction of the iPhone Fold, marking Apple’s entry into the foldable hardware segment. The device is expected to adopt a book-style form factor featuring a narrow cover display when closed and a wide inner tablet display when opened, placing it in direct competition with foldable devices from Samsung Electronics Co.

Apple will complement the foldable handset with its traditional flagship lineup, introducing the iPhone 18https://nile1.com/en/2026/07/14/apple-to-launch-first-foldable-iphone-ultra-amid-tight-supply-and-high-pricing-analyst-says/” class=”auto-internal-link” title=”Apple to Launch First Foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’ Amid Tight Supply and High Pricing, Analyst Says”>iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The high-end devices are slated to feature a smaller Dynamic Island cutout, upgraded camera systems, and new color options while maintaining the overall design language of previous iterations.

In a notable break from routine, the entry-level iPhone 18 will not be showcased during the September keynote. Multiple industry reports indicate Apple has rescheduled the standard model for a March 2027 launch, where it is expected to debut alongside an entry-tier iPhone 18e.

The hardware lineup will extend to wearables with the debut of the Apple Watch Series 12, featuring artificial intelligence integration within an updated health tracking platform. Apple is also considering the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which would incorporate a faster processor, improved battery efficiency, and a slimmer chassis.

For home hardware, Apple is readying a refreshed Apple TV 4K box equipped with upgraded silicon, artificial intelligence capabilities, and a smaller footprint. The device could launch alongside a long-rumored smart home command center combining a touch display with an integrated speaker to serve as a central controller for connected home ecosystems.