Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be revealed in a few weeks to join the competition among Google’s Pixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold lineups. Apple usually announces new features and hardware at the September showcase, and there are plenty of surprises since the tech giant keeps its announcements under wraps until the big reveal.
The rumored book-style folding smartphone could launch alongside the rumored iPhone 18, and have a starting price of $2,000. Apple hasn’t confirmed specifications, price tags or even whether it’s coming now or later. So in the meantime, let’s have fun with guessing what Apple will unveil in a few weeks.
The CNET Group is hosting a Big Guessing Game contest across its websites — CNET, Lifehacker, Mashable, PCMag and ZDNET. The first round of our game focused on Apple’s software, the second round focused on its devices, and the third round on the upcoming Apple Event launches today. A brand-new Apple Watch is up for grabs to the winner with the most correct guesses.
We won’t know some of the answers for certain until next month, but here’s what CNET readers expect.
Nearly 80% expect Apple’s first foldable phone
Most CNET readers (77%) think Apple will debut its first foldable phone this year. Many leaked rumors and reports suggest it could be as soon as September.
There’s plenty of speculation around the design, price and name. Apple could name it the iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra or iPhone Flip. It might fold like a book, resembling other foldable phones like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. There’s also the rumor of a clamshell-style design like the Motorola Razr models and the just-announced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8.
One other big question is how much the phone will cost, given the global RAM shortage and Apple’s recent price hikes. Some rumors say the phone could start at $2,000 and go up to $2,500.
We don’t know whether Apple will unveil a foldable phone on Sept. 9 this year, but in the past, it has announced new phones at its September event. For example, the iPhone 17 models and iPhone Air were announced on Sept. 9, 2025, at Apple’s “Awe Dropping” keynote. And the iPhone 16 models were released on Sept. 9, 2024, at the “It’s Glowtime” keynote.
Over 70% predict a black iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max
I was disappointed when I upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and found out it wasn’t available in black, but most readers (72%) think the color will be making a comeback with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
There are plenty of rumors about which colors the Pro model will come in — like light blue, dark cherry and dark gray. However, there aren’t any rumors of black yet.
We haven’t seen black in the Pro and Pro Max models since the iPhone 16, and the iPhone 15 came in black titanium. Before that, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max came in space black. And earlier versions came in different black variants, such as the iPhone 13 and 12 Pro in graphite and the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max in space gray.
Most don’t expect new AirPods with cameras next month
AirPods with cameras sound like cutting-edge technology. Experts say the cameras would be more like AI sensors to guide Siri, not for taking high-quality photos and videos.
We know Siri’s getting a major upgrade soon with agentic AI features and a standalone app. So it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple wants those devices to work in tandem.
However, most readers (77%) don’t think Apple will unveil the new earbuds this year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects AirPods with cameras to be a part of Apple’s 2027 product plan. That’s the same time we could see a 20th anniversary iPhone and the second generation of Apple’s rumored foldable phone.
Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 last September, while the AirPods 4 were released in September 2024. We may see new AirPods, but it’s unlikely Apple will announce a camera-equipped version this year.
Readers are nearly split on Apple releasing smart glasses
Just over half (51%) of readers think Apple will announce its first pair of smart glasses in September, while 49% don’t.
However, experts aren’t expecting Apple’s smart glasses this year. Gurman says we shouldn’t expect them until late 2027, because Apple has experienced “bumps” during development.
Gurman also says that outgoing CEO Tim Cook is a big fan of the smart glasses project and that it’s a major part of Apple’s product roadmap. The smart glasses are rumored to be led by Cook’s successor, John Ternus.
They want a cheaper iPhone, but that’s wishful thinking
If there’s one thing CNET readers could change about the iPhone, it’s the price — 16% want a lower sticker price. Currently, the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. The iPhone 17E, the budget-friendly model, costs half as much — $599.
The hope for better pricing is wishful thinking, since Apple raised prices on many of its products in June, including MacBooks and iPads. Many brands, including Apple and Samsung, are increasing tech prices due to a RAM shortage and rising demand for memory chips used in most personal devices. You may be able to save money by buying a refurbished iPhone, but demand for gently used smartphones is also increasing as new phones get more expensive. So you can expect higher prices for the foreseeable future.
The other most requested change to the iPhone? A bigger battery or faster charging. Even though phone batteries are now more powerful than ever, 14% of readers who entered our contest want more juice in their iPhones.
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