Upcoming Apple Launch Event
Apple’s next launch event is scheduled for September 9, where the tech giant is anticipated to introduce its latest iPhone models along with a long-awaited foldable phone.
This new foldable iPhone is seen as a significant milestone for Apple. Analysts believe that these premium devices could be instrumental in driving up prices and improving profit margins for the company.
This event will also be pivotal for John Ternus, who will be making his debut as Apple’s new CEO. Ternus, previously the hardware chief, will step into his role on September 1, as Tim Cook transitions to become the executive chairman.
Ternus’s appointment, announced back in April, is viewed as a reflection of Apple’s renewed focus on enhancing its core strengths in hardware.
At present, Samsung Electronics holds a leading position in the expanding foldable smartphone market, which many companies believe is on the verge of becoming mainstream, despite the higher prices associated with these devices.
Foldable phones are anticipated to provide a positive boost for consumer electronics manufacturers who have struggled recently due to a significant shortage of memory and storage chips, leading to price increases and a dip in overall consumer demand.
Apple has responded to rising costs by increasing prices across its Mac and iPad ranges. However, the company indicated in July that it is dealing with “very significant” supply chain difficulties, which are expected to negatively impact sales in the upcoming quarter.
Analysts predict that the foldable iPhone will have a display approximately the size of an iPad mini. Earlier this year, Samsung introduced a new passport-sized foldable phone as it tries to maintain its market position against Apple.
Research firm IDC estimates that Apple could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027. This entry into the foldable market is crucial for the company’s growth, especially as IDC also forecasts a 12.6% increase in foldable phone shipments for this year, contrasting sharply with a projected 16.7% decline in overall global smartphone shipments.
During last year’s launch event, Apple introduced a slimmer version of the iPhone Air and enhanced the base models of the iPhone 17 with several new features. This iPhone 17 lineup successfully sparked a robust upgrade cycle among consumers.
