Apple expected to unveil first foldable iPhone, size of a passport

Apple is reported to be gearing up to unveil new iPhones on Wednesday, with the company also set to enter the foldable smartphone market. According to financial news service Bloomberg, the foldable device is said to have roughly the dimensions of a passport when folded. Apple's annual September launch event in California begins at 10 am local time (1700 GMT). It will be the first product launch event under new Apple chief executive John Ternus, who took over the top job at the turn of the month. Foldable smartphones remain a niche category, despite Samsung, Huawei and Google - with its Pixel phones - having offered such devices for years. First-generation folding phone launches were dogged with hardware and software problems for rival manufacturers, however market research firm IDC predicts that Apple will take the lead in the segment within 12 months, despite its late entry. Alongside the foldable phone, the iPhone 18 Pro is also set to be unveiled on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported, citing individuals close to production. However, the standard version of the new iPhone generation will reportedly not be released until the first half of next year - a departure from Apple's usual schedule.