Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - John Ternus will reportedly introduce Apple's first ever foldable iPhone just days after taking over as CEO from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026, marking one of the company's most ambitious product unveilings in years. The timing aligns perfectly with Apple's strategy to position Ternus as the face of this blockbuster new category, potentially priced at $2,000+, featuring a crease free display and iPad like experience when unfolded.

Expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series this fall (possibly named iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra), the device promises peak performance, durable folding mechanisms, and an outer screen for compact use aiming to challenge Samsung's foldable dominance while luring Android switchers. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple engineered the transition so Ternus, already deeply involved in its development, hosts the event, signaling confidence in both the hardware and his leadership. Ternus inherits a rich pipeline from Cook, including up to 10 major products versus the prior era's three annually, but the foldable iPhone stands out as the decade's pivotal shift. Despite past engineering hurdles like crease visibility and test production delays, Apple remains on track for September, betting big on foldables as the next growth engine amid maturing smartphone markets.

Ternus's foldable iPhone debut catapults Apple into premium foldables at a pivotal market moment, with shipments projected at 3-5 million units despite the steep price. Success here could redefine mobile computing and cement Ternus's legacy from day one, or expose risks if durability and supply fall short of hype.