Apple iPhone 18 event LIVE: Folding iPhone, new AirPods and more – every announcement as it happens

Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 18 event has commenced, with a focus on unveiling a folding iPhone and new AirPods. The event, known as "Surprise and Shine," is expected to introduce significant innovations to the iPhone lineup.

The rumored iPhone Ultra, previously referred to as the iPhone Duo, will adopt a new name, reflecting its foldable design. Bloomberg tech journalist Mark Gurman, known for his accurate industry insights, has cited a starting price of $1,999 for the iPhone Duo. This pricing is positioned between other prominent foldable smartphones, such as Google's Pixel Pro Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which starts at $2,099.

The iPhone Duo is expected to be more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google's Pixel Pro Fold, although specific discounts may apply.

Moreover, the event is anticipated to showcase an array of foldable phones from various manufacturers. While foldable smartphones from Chinese companies like Honor and Huawei will be introduced, they are not currently available for direct purchase in the United States. The prices of these foldable devices vary, with some models, like the Honor Magic V5, starting at $1,500.

The addition of these foldable devices to the market promises to further diversify the options available to consumers seeking innovative mobile experiences.