By Tahir Ahmad

Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market, reigniting one of the most entertaining rivalries in consumer technology.

The company’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has attracted considerable attention from smartphone enthusiasts who have long watched Samsung develop its Galaxy Z Fold series. With a book-style design, a large internal display and a premium price tag, the Duo appears ready to challenge Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy Z Fold8.

However, Apple’s arrival raises an important question: has the company introduced a genuinely different foldable experience, or has it simply refined a design Samsung has spent years developing?

Both phones follow the book-style foldable design. When closed, they function as conventional smartphones. When opened, they reveal a larger screen suitable for reading, watching videos, multitasking and productivity.

The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal screen. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 has a slightly larger 5.5-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal screen. Both internal displays support a 120Hz refresh rate and offer peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits.

The similarities, however, end quickly.

Apple has equipped the Duo with a nano-textured, anti-reflective display designed to reduce glare and make the crease less noticeable. Samsung uses a glossy display with anti-reflective treatment. Early impressions suggest that Apple’s crease is particularly difficult to see, although long-term testing will be necessary to determine whether this advantage survives months of use.

Apple has also introduced Apple Pencil support, giving the Duo an advantage for users interested in handwriting, sketching and digital note-taking. The Galaxy Z Fold8, in contrast, does not support Samsung’s S Pen.

The differences between the two devices become clearer when their specifications are considered in detail. The iPhone Duo is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Both processors are designed to handle demanding applications, gaming and multitasking, although real-world performance will depend on software optimisation and independent testing.

In terms of cameras, the iPhone Duo reportedly features a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a 50MP main camera alongside an ultra-wide camera. Although Samsung’s main camera has a higher megapixel count, that does not automatically make it superior. Image processing, sensor quality, stabilisation and software also influence the quality of photographs and videos.

Apple’s experience with computational photography, video processing and colour management could make the Duo a strong competitor for content creators. Samsung, however, has an established reputation for versatile camera systems and advanced video capabilities.

The two phones also differ in their physical dimensions. The iPhone Duo weighs 254g, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 weighs 201g, making Samsung’s device considerably lighter. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is approximately 8.9mm thick when folded, compared with the Duo’s reported 11.3mm. These differences could matter to users who carry their phones throughout the day.

The iPhone Duo reportedly supports up to 2TB of storage, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 offers up to 1TB. For users who regularly record high-resolution videos, store large files or use their phones for professional work, the additional storage on Apple’s device could be attractive.

Battery capacity and charging are also important considerations. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 has a reported 4,800mAh battery and supports wired charging of up to 45W. Apple’s battery capacity has not been publicly confirmed, although the company’s power-management technology could influence the Duo’s battery performance. The iPhone also supports MagSafe and wired charging.

Durability is another important consideration. Apple gives the Duo an IP68 rating, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 carries an IP48 rating. The difference suggests that the iPhone has stronger protection against dust and water, although neither rating makes a foldable immune to damage. The durability of the hinges, flexible displays and folding mechanisms will ultimately require extensive real-world testing.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at $1,899 in the United States. This gives Apple’s first foldable a $100 premium over Samsung’s latest model.

That difference may appear modest within the luxury smartphone market, but the final cost could be considerably higher in countries such as Nigeria, where exchange-rate movements, import duties, shipping costs, retailer margins and taxes influence smartphone prices.

For Nigerian consumers, the price difference could become more significant if the naira weakens against the dollar or if import-related costs increase. A phone priced at $1,999 could therefore become considerably more expensive locally than its advertised US price. Buyers may also have to consider the cost of repairs, replacement parts and specialist servicing, which can be more expensive for foldable devices.

Apple’s premium could also increase demand for older iPhone models, particularly if consumers who prefer the company’s ecosystem decide to upgrade. Samsung, on the other hand, may respond with discounts, trade-in offers or promotional bundles to retain customers.

The larger question is whether consumers will pay more for Apple’s first-generation foldable when Samsung already offers an eighth-generation alternative.

Apple’s announcement has also reignited the familiar rivalry between iPhone and Samsung enthusiasts. Technology commentators and creators, including Marques Brownlee, Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything and Parker Burton, have become part of the wider conversation surrounding foldable phones. Their reviews, comparisons and technical discussions help audiences examine the devices beyond marketing claims.

Brownlee’s long-standing influence in smartphone reviews, Nelson’s reputation for durability testing and the broader online technology community have made foldable-phone comparisons especially popular.

Social media has added another dimension to the rivalry. Samsung supporters have questioned whether Apple’s entry represents genuine innovation, while Apple supporters argue that the company has taken time to refine the technology before entering the market.

Samsung has also joined the conversation by mocking Apple’s foldable phone on social media, accusing the company of recycling an idea that Samsung had already developed. The exchange illustrates how smartphone competition has become more than a contest over specifications; it is also a battle over brand loyalty, identity and technological leadership.

The iPhone Duo brings Apple’s ecosystem, a new processor, Apple Pencil compatibility, a reportedly subtle crease and stronger water and dust resistance. It could appeal to users who want a foldable phone that doubles as a tablet while remaining integrated with their existing Apple devices.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a lighter body, a lower starting price, a mature foldable design and Android’s flexibility. Samsung’s experience could also make it a safer choice for consumers concerned about the risks associated with a first-generation product.

Ultimately, the better phone depends on what the user values most. Apple’s premium may be justified for those who prioritise its ecosystem and software experience. Samsung may offer better value for users who want a refined foldable without paying the additional cost of Apple’s debut.

As the iPhone Duo prepares to enter the market, which phone would you choose: Apple’s first foldable iPhone Duo or Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8—and what would ultimately influence your decision?

Tahir Ahmad is a journalist, author of Anti-Drug, Anti-Smuggling Campaigns: A Corper’s Chronicle, and a fellow of PRNigeria. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via tahirabdullahbaba12@gmail.com.

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The device, introduced on Wednesday at Apple’s first major product event under new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus, folds to roughly the size and shape of a passport and opens into a 7.6-inch display that can be used in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

A smaller external screen allows the phone to function normally while folded, while its open configuration gives users a larger workspace. Apple said the Duo is the thinnest iPhone it has produced when fully opened.

The launch represents Apple’s biggest change to the iPhone’s physical design since the company removed the traditional home button with the iPhone X in 2017.

The iPhone remains Apple’s largest source of revenue, generating $209.6 billion, or slightly more than half of the company’s total sales, in its most recent fiscal year.

Apple is positioning the Duo as more than a larger smartphone, highlighting its potential as a productivity device. During the presentation, executives demonstrated the phone handling multi-participant Zoom calls and displaying a wider version of the Slack messaging platform.

The larger screen can also accommodate multiple applications at once, extending a multitasking approach Apple has previously used on its iPad lineup.

Ternus criticised existing foldable phones as awkward and poorly suited to everyday activities such as scrolling and watching videos. He said Apple designed the Duo to deliver an iPad-like experience in a pocket-sized device through a customised hinge, dual displays with a consistent aspect ratio and a new titanium body.

“It’s entirely new and at the same time remarkably familiar,” Ternus said, describing the device as similar in size to a passport and comfortable to use with one hand.

The iPhone Duo will be powered by Apple’s A20 chip and feature the company’s new C2 modem, as Apple continues its effort to reduce reliance on Qualcomm for wireless connectivity components.

Analysts said the foldable could create a new premium segment for Apple and provide fresh momentum for the iPhone business. Apple shares, however, fell 1.8% by the end of the presentation.

Ternus Puts Privacy And AI At Centre Of New iPhone

The launch also marked the formal beginning of Ternus’ tenure as Apple’s chief executive, with outgoing CEO Tim Cook making a brief appearance at the start of the presentation before handing the spotlight to his successor.

Ternus presented the iPhone as a personal artificial intelligence hub built around privacy, contrasting Apple’s approach with technology companies that collect and store large amounts of user data.

He said Apple Intelligence processes information on the device whenever possible, giving users greater control over their personal data.

Apple also demonstrated an updated Siri assistant that the company said would work with about 300,000 applications at launch. Lilian Rincon, who oversees Apple’s iPhone AI products after joining the company from Google earlier this year, led the presentation of the updated assistant.

The company also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the latest versions of its conventional flagship smartphones.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299, representing a $100 increase over the starting prices of their predecessors.

Apple also introduced new technology designed to help users distinguish authentic photographs from AI-generated or manipulated images.

The company’s new “Apple Reference Image” standard is designed to verify images captured with the iPhone 18 Pro camera, while the devices will also support SynthID, an emerging technology for identifying images generated or edited using artificial intelligence.

The Apple Reference Image feature will not be available in the European Union or China.

The iPhone 18 Pro will also feature the A20 Pro chip, with improvements aimed at allowing more advanced AI models to run directly on the device.

AirPods And Apple Watch Get New Features

Apple expanded its hardware lineup with new AirPods and Apple Watch models.

A new AirPods model will start at $129 and introduce noise cancellation to Apple’s lower-priced earbud range. A $149 version will add features including wireless charging and volume controls that allow users to adjust sound by swiping up or down on the stem.

The company also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, positioning both as significant upgrades focused on health and fitness.

The watches feature redesigned sensor systems capable of collecting heart-rate information more frequently, supporting new tools designed to measure recovery and fitness.

Apple said new silicon and improved sensors make the latest watches its most accurate wearable devices for heart-rate tracking.

$1,999 Price Puts Foldable To The Test

The biggest challenge for Apple may be persuading consumers to pay nearly $2,000 for a smartphone.

Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have sold foldable phones since 2019, but the category has largely remained a niche market dominated by technology enthusiasts.

Apple’s entry could change that dynamic, particularly because of the company’s enormous customer base and influence over the premium smartphone market.

Analysts at International Data Corporation expect Apple to sell as many foldable iPhones as it can produce and potentially capture about 40% of the foldable smartphone market by the end of next year.

The launch therefore represents both a technological shift and a major commercial bet for Apple. With the iPhone already accounting for more than half of the company’s revenue, the Duo gives Apple a new premium category while testing whether its customers are ready to embrace a significantly more expensive form factor.

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The new Mate XT2 series, launched on Monday, features devices that fold twice to expand into a tablet-sized display and is powered by Huawei’s new Kirin 9050 Pro chip.

Prices start at 19,999 yuan, equivalent to about $2,980, while the most expensive model costs 24,999 yuan, or approximately $3,725.

Sales are scheduled to begin on September 12.

Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu acknowledged the pricing pressure facing the company, citing rising memory costs and the expense of incorporating new technologies into the devices.

“Pricing right now is a real challenge, because memory costs have risen sharply,” Yu said.

Huawei said the new processor is designed to deliver greater computing performance while consuming less power.

The chip uses an architecture called LogicFolding, part of the “Tau Scaling Law” approach Huawei introduced earlier this year as it seeks to develop advanced chips despite U.S. restrictions on access to certain technologies.

The Mate XT2 features a redesigned folding mechanism, improved water resistance and a display privacy feature designed to prevent people nearby from viewing content on the screen.

Huawei has also upgraded the cameras and claims the new series delivers 42% better overall performance than its predecessor.

The launch comes as competition in the foldable smartphone market intensifies.

Xiaomi is also launching a competing foldable device, while Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its September 9 event.

Huawei remains the only major smartphone manufacturer currently selling a commercially available tri-fold device.

The company, however, cannot sell its smartphones in the United States, where it has been designated a national security risk by Washington.

Samsung remains the world’s largest foldable smartphone manufacturer. The South Korean company launched its own tri-fold device in December but reportedly discontinued sales after three months.

Huawei’s position in China remains particularly strong. According to IDC, the company held 22.6% of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter, ahead of Apple at 18.1% and Xiaomi at 12.4%.

Huawei’s dominance is even greater in foldable devices, accounting for 68% of China’s foldable smartphone shipments during the quarter, according to Smart Analytics Global.

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The device, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and new Apple Watch models, marking Apple’s first major entry into a smartphone category already dominated by Samsung and other Android manufacturers.

Although Apple has not confirmed the device, a growing stream of leaks has revealed potential details about its design, hardware, charging technology, price and release timeline.

Thinner Foldable Design

The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a book-style folding design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.

Reports suggest the device could measure approximately 4.5mm thick when unfolded, potentially making it one of Apple’s thinnest smartphones.

It is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. Recent leaks have also pointed to a nearly crease-free folding display, rounded bezels and a redesigned hinge aimed at improving durability.

Leaked dummy units shared by YouTube channel Unbox Therapy reportedly show a design with similarities to Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold, including a dual-camera system on the rear.

The device is also expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip.

Other leaks have suggested changes to the button layout, including a possible relocation of the volume controls to the top of the device. Accessory manufacturer Benks has also reportedly published listings for cases designed for the unannounced smartphone.

MagSafe Could Feature

One of the more recent claims concerns Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging system.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said Apple is expected to retain MagSafe on the foldable iPhone despite its unusually thin design.

If accurate, the feature would allow the device to work with existing MagSafe chargers and compatible magnetic accessories.

Earlier leaks and dummy units had suggested Apple might omit the magnets because of the phone’s thin profile. Gurman’s claim therefore contradicts some previous reports.

The technology could reportedly fit into the foldable because Apple has already incorporated MagSafe into its ultra-thin iPhone Air.

Price Could Exceed $2,000

The expected price could make the iPhone Ultra one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones.

Current estimates put the starting price at around $2,000, although analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously projected a range between $2,300 and $2,500.

The International Data Corporation has separately estimated an average price of about $2,550, while Gurman expects the device to cost at least $2,000.

Apple has yet to confirm any pricing information.

Possible September Release

Apple has confirmed its September 9 launch event, where the iPhone 18 lineup is expected to be unveiled.

The event is widely expected to serve as the launch platform for the company’s first foldable iPhone.

Some reports suggest the device could reach stores later in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One estimate has pointed to September 19 as a possible retail date.

However, the timeline remains uncertain. Analyst Tim Long has previously suggested that shipments could be delayed until December, while Gurman has disputed that possibility.

For now, Apple has not confirmed the iPhone Ultra’s name, specifications, price or release date.

The September 9 event is expected to settle the speculation surrounding Apple’s long-rumoured entry into the foldable smartphone market.

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The app was removed and reinstated on the same day after Telegram deleted the offending content and banned the user responsible for posting it.

An Apple spokesperson said the company suspended Telegram after identifying material that violated its App Store guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse content.

“The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it,” the spokesperson said.

The incident marks the second time Apple has temporarily removed Telegram from its App Store. In 2018, the platform was briefly suspended over what Telegram founder Pavel Durov described at the time as “inappropriate content” before stronger moderation safeguards were introduced.

Telegram, which has more than one billion monthly active users, reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy on child sexual abuse material.

The company said it has blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels linked to such content so far this year.

Responding to Apple’s explanation, Telegram posted on X that it hoped the same standard would be applied consistently to all messaging platforms available on the App Store.

The incident also drew criticism from Epic Games Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney, who questioned whether removing an entire communications platform because of content posted by a single user set a workable precedent.

“Apple has stated they removed the app from availability to a billion users because a Telegram user posted something horrible and illegal,” Sweeney wrote on X.

“They did not elaborate on how, if that is the standard for app removal, any communications app could operate at scale, including iMessage.”

Apple declined further comment on the decision.

Telegram has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny over its handling of illegal content.

In April, Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, opened an investigation into allegations that child sexual abuse material had been shared on the platform. Telegram denied the allegations, saying it had “virtually eliminated” the public distribution of such material since 2018 through automated detection systems.

Earlier this year, Australia’s online safety regulator also fined Telegram for delaying responses to inquiries regarding measures to combat child sexual abuse material and violent extremist content on the platform.

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Apple has regained its position as the world’s most valuable company after overtaking Nvidia, marking a significant shift in investor sentiment surrounding the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

The iPhone maker now boasts a market capitalisation of approximately $4.88 trillion, edging past Nvidia’s $4.86 trillion after the AI chip giant’s shares fell by 3.5% on Friday, according to Reuters.

The development marks Apple’s first return to the top since April last year, ending nearly a year of Nvidia’s dominance, driven largely by soaring demand for AI chips and infrastructure.

Market analysts say Apple’s resurgence reflects growing confidence in its long-term AI strategy, despite earlier concerns that the company was lagging behind competitors in developing advanced AI models.

Toni Meadows, Head of Investment at BRI Wealth Management, said investors have reassessed Apple’s strengths, noting that the company is less dependent on the heavy capital expenditure required to build AI infrastructure.

“Apple was seen as a laggard in the AI race because it wasn’t spending to develop models, but now sentiment has changed,” Meadows said.

He added that Apple is better positioned to generate AI-driven revenue through its services ecosystem, hardware upgrades, and strong customer loyalty, rather than relying on speculative AI investments.

Analysts also believe Apple’s vast ecosystem of iPhone users gives it a significant advantage, with the enormous amount of personal data stored on devices presenting an opportunity to deliver more intelligent and personalised AI experiences.

However, they note that Apple must balance this opportunity with its long-standing commitment to user privacy, ensuring any AI improvements do not compromise customer data protection.

Apple’s return to the top comes as the company intensifies efforts to strengthen its position in the AI race.

Last month, the company unveiled a long-awaited overhaul of its Siri voice assistant, introducing new AI-powered capabilities aimed at narrowing the gap with major technology rivals and emerging AI startups.

The move signals Apple’s determination to integrate AI more deeply across its products while maintaining its traditionally cautious approach to new technologies.

The achievement also carries symbolic importance for outgoing Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who is expected to hand over leadership to hardware chief John Ternus in September.

Apple’s renewed market leadership is likely to shape investor assessments of Cook’s legacy after more than a decade at the helm, during which the company expanded its ecosystem and maintained its position as one of the world’s most profitable technology firms.

Apple’s market value resurgence follows another major milestone earlier this year when the company reclaimed its position as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer.

According to preliminary estimates by Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor, Apple overtook Samsung in 2025 as global smartphone shipments grew by two per cent year-on-year.

Strong demand for premium iPhone models and robust sales across emerging markets helped the company record the fastest growth among the world’s five largest smartphone brands, reinforcing investor confidence in Apple’s long-term growth prospects.

With renewed momentum in both smartphones and artificial intelligence, Apple appears to have convinced investors that its ecosystem-driven approach to AI could prove just as valuable as the infrastructure-focused strategies that previously propelled Nvidia to the top.

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The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that OpenAI orchestrated a systematic effort to obtain Apple’s proprietary information through former employees, recruitment practices and supplier relationships.

Apple named former senior system electrical engineer Chang Liu and former Vice President of Product Design Tang Yew Tan as co-defendants, alleging they improperly retained and transferred confidential hardware information before joining OpenAI.

According to the complaint, Liu failed to return a company-issued laptop and later exploited an authentication flaw to access Apple’s internal network, downloading confidential hardware-related files.

Apple also alleged that Tan emailed himself confidential information relating to suppliers and internal industry reports before leaving the company and encouraged Apple employees interviewing with OpenAI to bring hardware components to job interviews.

OpenAI denied the allegations, saying it has no interest in competitors’ trade secrets.

“We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere,” the company said in a statement.

Apple further claimed that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, stressing that while hiring former employees is lawful, using confidential information obtained during their employment is not.

The lawsuit comes as competition between the two companies intensifies over the future of AI-powered consumer devices. OpenAI has been expanding beyond software following its acquisition of hardware startup io Products, founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, while Apple continues integrating AI features across its ecosystem.

If successful, the case could significantly affect OpenAI’s hardware ambitions and further strain the companies’ partnership, which currently allows ChatGPT integration within Apple’s Siri and Apple Intelligence services.

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The upgraded assistant, branded as Siri AI, is designed to compete more directly with conversational AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Apple said the new version can draw on current web knowledge, understand information stored on a user’s device, and provide responses based on what is displayed on-screen.

Unlike previous versions that primarily relied on voice commands, Siri AI offers a more conversational experience and is capable of handling complex requests involving multiple sources of information.

The assistant can generate written content, draft messages, assist with brainstorming sessions, analyse documents, and create detailed plans using information from emails, calendars, contacts, and web sources.

Apple has also introduced a dedicated Siri application and redesigned how users interact with the assistant on modern iPhones. Siri AI is now integrated into the Dynamic Island interface, replacing the traditional screen-edge animation with a new interactive experience.

A new “Write with Siri” feature enables users to receive writing assistance tailored to their communication style. Apple says the assistant can learn how users typically interact with specific contacts and generate responses that match those patterns.

The company also announced improvements to Siri’s voice capabilities, including more natural speech, adjustable speaking styles, and enhanced dictation accuracy for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Beyond the iPhone, Siri AI is being integrated more deeply across Apple’s ecosystem. On macOS, users will be able to access Siri directly through Spotlight search, while Apple Watch users will gain expanded voice interaction capabilities.

The launch marks Apple’s most significant Siri upgrade since the assistant debuted and reflects the company’s broader effort to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI market.

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The approval expands Poke’s reach beyond SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp, bringing its AI-powered assistant to Apple’s messaging ecosystem.

Originally designed for customer support and business interactions, Messages for Business enables companies to communicate with users through iMessage for services such as appointment scheduling, customer service, and automated assistance.

Founded earlier this year, Poke offers AI-powered assistance through text conversations, helping users manage tasks such as scheduling, productivity, health tracking, smart-home controls, and photo editing.

The company says it has already processed approximately 100 million messages since launch.

Poke’s approval arrives ahead of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to unveil new artificial intelligence features and updates to Siri.

Although the move does not open Apple’s App Store directly to AI agents, it signals growing interest in supporting AI-powered services through existing messaging infrastructure.

According to co-founder Marvin von Hagen, securing Apple’s approval required months of compliance reviews, including provisions for human support escalation, transparency requirements, and adherence to Apple’s interface guidelines.

Backed by investors including Spark Capital and General Catalyst, Poke recently raised an additional $10 million in funding, bringing its valuation to approximately $300 million.

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Industry observers believe the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max could be among the devices dropped from the compatibility list when Apple introduces the software later this year.

The iPhone 11 series was launched in 2019 and currently supports iOS 26. Apple previously ended major software support for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max with the release of iOS 26, leading to speculation that the iPhone 11 lineup may be next.

The status of the second-generation iPhone SE remains uncertain because it uses the same A13 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 11 series.

Devices from the iPhone 12 lineup onward are widely expected to remain eligible for the update, including newer iPhone, Pro, and SE models.

Apple typically reveals supported devices when it releases the first developer beta version of a new operating system following its WWDC keynote presentation.

Even if older devices remain compatible, some advanced AI-powered features may be limited to newer hardware. Apple adopted a similar approach with Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26, restricting several AI capabilities to newer iPhone models equipped with more powerful processors and higher memory capacity.

Apple is expected to announce official compatibility details during WWDC on June 8.

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