ZDNET's guessing game: foldable iPhone or touchscreen MacBook next from Apple?

Apple's upcoming September 2026 event is generating heavy speculation, and ZDNET has launched the third and final round of its Big Guessing Game to tap into reader predictions. The contest, open to legal U.S. residents aged 18 and older, offers a new Apple Watch as the prize for correctly guessing Apple's next moves. According to Round 2 results, 55% of participants believe Apple will not release a foldable iPhone in 2026, while 28% expect a touchscreen MacBook. The remaining votes presumably cover other possible announcements. Entries close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 1, 2026, and answers will be scored against what actually happens at the event.

The outcome will be matched against Apple's real announcements in September, making this both a fan engagement play and a gauge of consumer expectations. A foldable iPhone has been rumored for years, but the survey suggests significant skepticism about a 2026 debut. Meanwhile, the touchscreen MacBook concept has gained moderate traction among readers. ZDNET's contest highlights growing curiosity about Apple's hardware roadmap, especially as competitors push flexible displays and hybrid devices. The winner will be contacted after the event, and the sweepstakes is sponsored by Ziff Davis—not Apple. Whether the guesses are right or wrong, the results offer an interesting snapshot of what tech enthusiasts believe Apple will deliver next.