iPhone Price Drop? Readers Weigh In on Future of Apple

As Tim Cook prepares to step down as Apple CEO in September, with John Ternus set to take over, consumer expectations for Apple's product lineup are being voiced. CNET readers have indicated a strong desire for a reduction in iPhone prices, with 16% specifically requesting lower costs. This hope is tempered by current market conditions, including a RAM shortage and rising demand for memory chips, which have led to general price increases across many tech products.

Furthermore, a substantial 77% of CNET readers anticipate the debut of Apple's first foldable phone this year, with rumors pointing to a possible September announcement. Speculation is rife regarding its design, potential names like iPhone Fold or Flip, and its pricing, which could range from $2,000 to $2,500. Separately, 72% of readers are hoping for the return of black color options for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, a color that has been absent from Pro models since the iPhone 16.

Beyond hardware, readers expressed a lower likelihood of seeing AirPods equipped with cameras this year, with most experts predicting their arrival closer to 2027. The prospect of Apple's smart glasses also divides opinion, with just over half expecting an announcement in September, though expert forecasts place their release later in 2027. The next phase of the Big Guessing Game contest is scheduled for August 18, 2026.