CNET Readers Are Convinced Apple Has an Upcoming Foldable iPhone. But What About Smart Glasses?
In past years, September has always been about new Apple devices – whether it’s the new iPhone, AirPods or the Apple Watch. And we are ready for everything.
But Apple is full of surprises. You never know what’s coming until the main announcements. Until then, all we have are rumors and a product roadmap that Apple has been using to help guide us where it is. strength go next. So let’s play a game to pass the time before the big reveal.
The CNET team 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 software, while the second round was about Apple devices.
We won’t know some of the answers until September, but here’s what CNET readers can expect.
About 80% expect Apple to announce its first foldable phone
A majority of CNET readers (77%) think Apple will release its first foldable phone this year.
Many rumors have leaked and reports suggest that it could be as early as September.
There is a lot of speculation about the design, price and name. Apple can name it iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra or iPhone Flip. It can fold like a book, similar to other foldable phones like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. There are also rumors of a clamshell-style design like the Motorola Razr models and the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Another 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 if Apple will launch a foldable phone on September 9 this year, but in the past, it has announced new phones at its September event. For example, the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models were announced on September 9, 2025, at Apple’s main “Awe Drop” event. And the iPhone 16 models were released on September 9, 2024, with the title “It’s Glowtime”.
Most readers don’t think we’ll see new AirPods with cameras
AirPods with cameras sound like modern technology. Experts say the cameras will be like AI sensors to guide Siri, not to take high-quality photos and videos.
We know that Siri is getting big improvements soon with AI features for agent and autonomous app. So it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple wants those devices to work together.
However, the majority of readers (77%) do not think that Apple will introduce new earbuds this year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects AirPods with cameras to be part of Apple’s 2027 product lineup. That’s the same time we could see the 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 that Apple will announce a camera-equipped version this year.
More than 70% think the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max will come in black
I was disappointed when I upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and found out that it is not available in black, but most readers (72%) think the color will be returning with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
There are many rumors about what colors the Pro model will come in – like light blue, dark cherry and dark grey. However, there are no black rumors yet.
We haven’t seen black on the Pro and Pro Max models since the iPhone 16, while the iPhone 15 came in titanium black. Before that, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max came in a dark version. And previous versions came in different black variants, like the iPhone 13 and 12 Pro in graphite and the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max in space gray.
Students are almost divided by Apple’s release of 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 do not expect smart glasses from Apple this year. Gurman says we shouldn’t expect them until the end of 2027, because Apple has encountered “bumps” during development.
Gurman also says that outgoing CEO Tim Cook is a big fan of the smart glasses project and is a big part of Apple’s product roadmap. Smart glasses are said to be led by John Ternus, Apple’s chief executive.
Students want to make the iPhone cheaper
If there’s one thing CNET readers would 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, a budget-friendly model, costs a fraction – $599.
The prospect of better prices is wishful thinking, as Apple raised prices on many of its products in June, including MacBooks and iPads. Many brands, including Apple and Samsung, are raising technology prices due to RAM shortages and the growing demand for memory chips used in many personal devices. You may be able to save money by buying a refurbished iPhone, but the demand for gently used smartphones is increasing as new phones become more expensive. So you can expect higher prices for the foreseeable future.
Another most requested change to the iPhone? Big battery, or fast charging. Even though phone batteries are now more powerful than ever, 14% of our survey respondents want more juice from their iPhones.
Back to CNET on Aug. 18 for round 3 of the Big Guessing Game, where we’ll be asking questions and making predictions about Apple’s big event this fall.
