Apple September 2026 event to debut new CEO and folding iPhone

Apple is set to host its annual hardware launch event next week, a ceremony that will be marked by two notable firsts: the introduction of a new chief executive officer and the debut of a folding iPhone. The event, scheduled for September 12 at the company's Cupertino campus, will be streamed worldwide and is expected to draw significant attention from investors, analysts, and consumers alike, given the simultaneous leadership transition and the anticipated entry into the foldable‑smartphone market.

The incoming CEO, former senior executive of a major semiconductor firm, will take over from Tim Cook, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Analysts view the leadership change as a strategic move to steer Apple through a period of heightened competition in mobile hardware. The folding iPhone, rumored to feature a flexible OLED display and a dual‑screen configuration, represents Apple’s first foray into a product category dominated by rivals such as Samsung and Huawei. If successful, the device could broaden Apple’s portfolio and reinforce its position in premium smartphones. The event will therefore serve as a barometer for both the company’s new direction under fresh leadership and its ability to innovate within an evolving market.