Apple is preparing for one of its biggest product events of 2026. The company will host its September event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The event is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. More importantly, Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone.
Apple could also introduce new Apple Watch models and AirPods. Several other products are possible, although some may arrive at a later event.
Foldable iPhone
The biggest announcement could be Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The company has reportedly designed a book-style device with an iPad-like layout when opened. Apple has not confirmed the name. However, rumors suggest it could be called the iPhone Ultra.
The device could feature a ~5.5-inch OLED outer display. When opened, that screen would expand into an approximately 7.8-inch OLED display. The design will reportedly be wider than it is tall when opened. In simple terms, it could look similar to an iPad mini that folds in half.
Samsung’s recent Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a similar layout. It could therefore provide a good idea of what Apple’s foldable may look like. Apple reportedly wanted a completely crease-free screen. However, current foldable technology makes that difficult. The iPhone Ultra could instead use a minimal crease and a durable liquid metal hinge.
Apple is also said to be exploring ways to keep the crease less visible over time. One possible solution involves optically clear adhesive that fills micro-cracks from repeated folding. When unfolded, the iPhone Ultra could be as thin as 4.5mm. That would make it Apple’s thinnest iPhone so far.
The device could measure 9mm when folded. That would put it close to the 8.75mm thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. That slim design could force Apple to make some hardware compromises. The biggest change could involve biometric security.
Touch ID Could Replace Face ID
There may not be enough room for Apple’s TrueDepth camera system. As a result, the iPhone Ultra could use Touch ID instead of Face ID. Apple could place Touch ID inside the side button. The setup would be similar to the iPad Air and iPad mini.
However, the foldable should still have front-facing cameras. Apple could place one camera on each display. The rear camera system could also be different from Apple’s Pro iPhones. There reportedly isn’t enough room for three rear cameras.
The iPhone Ultra may therefore skip a telephoto lens. Instead, it could feature Wide and Ultra Wide cameras on the rear. This setup would allow the rear cameras to work while the phone is either folded or unfolded.
MagSafe was also uncertain after leaked dummy models showed no magnetic ring. Bloomberg reports that MagSafe charging will still be included.
A20 Pro Chip and Large Battery
The foldable iPhone is expected to use Apple’s 2nm A20 Pro chip. The processor could be around 18 percent faster than the A19 Pro. It could also offer up to 30 percent better power efficiency. The chip may feature a 7-core GPU, a wider memory interface, and a larger L2 cache.
The iPhone Ultra is also expected to include 12GB of RAM. Apple could use its own C2 modem across the 2026 iPhone lineup. The modem should offer better speed and efficiency than the C1X.
However, Apple’s approach to mmWave 5G remains unclear. U.S. models could use Qualcomm modems if the C2 lacks mmWave support. Apple could instead limit the foldable to sub-6GHz 5G worldwide. mmWave remains far more important in the U.S. than in most other markets.
The foldable could also pack a large battery. Each half of the device is expected to contain a battery. Combined capacity could reach between 5,400 and 5,800 mAh. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 5,088 mAh battery.
Apple is reportedly keeping the color choices simple. The foldable could launch in silver/white and a deep indigo shade close to black.
Software Could Be Key
Apple is also preparing iOS for its first foldable iPhone. The company has reportedly asked developers to support different screen sizes and aspect ratios. The iPhone Ultra could offer multitasking features similar to the iPad. These may include side-by-side apps and sidebars.
Pricing will likely make the device a premium product. Rumors point to a starting price of at least $2,000. Higher-capacity versions could cost more than $2,500. That would make Apple’s first foldable one of its most expensive iPhones.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple is also expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both models should retain much of the iPhone 17 Pro design. There are no major exterior changes expected. However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could become slightly thicker and heavier.
The larger size could make room for a bigger battery. Existing iPhone 17 Pro cases are also expected to fit the new models. Apple could slightly increase the thickness of the camera plateau. This change may support a new variable aperture camera system.
The company is also expected to introduce new colors. These could include dark cherry, light blue, and silver. A black iPhone 18 Pro option may not be available. Apple could also reduce the contrast between the glass back and aluminum frame.
The Dynamic Island could become smaller on both Pro models. However, Apple’s earlier plan for completely hidden Face ID is reportedly not happening.
Bigger Battery and Variable Aperture Camera
Battery life could improve significantly on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The phone is rumored to feature a 5,567 mAh battery. The 2nm A20 Pro chip should also improve efficiency. Apple could further improve battery life with a more efficient display.
The company is reportedly considering LTPO+ technology. This display could use less power than the current OLED panels. Camera upgrades could be another major focus. Apple is expected to add a DSLR-like variable aperture to the main camera.
The feature would give users greater control over incoming light. A smaller aperture could help with exposure in bright conditions. A larger aperture could capture more light in darker scenes. It could also reduce grain and produce sharper photos.
Variable aperture technology could also offer better control over background blur. However, some reports suggest Apple may reserve it for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple could also use a three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung. The technology could improve camera response and low-light performance.
The telephoto camera may receive a wider aperture as well. No major changes are currently expected for the Ultra Wide or front-facing cameras. Apple may also simplify the Camera Control button. The company could remove its capacitive layer and eliminate swipe-based adjustments.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 is not expected to receive a major design update. Apple could, however, bring back a ceramic case option. A new processor could also improve health and fitness tracking. Apple is reportedly testing a new way to collect heart-rate data.
The sensor could continuously gather information throughout the day. That data could power a new health app feature. The feature may provide wellness information similar to the data offered by the Oura Ring.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also expected to keep its current design. It could receive the same upgraded processor and related improvements.
AirPods 5
Apple could also introduce AirPods 5 during the event. References to the new earbuds reportedly appeared in the macOS 26.7 release candidate. The earbuds could launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple may equip them with an updated H3 chip.
The new chip could improve sound quality and reduce latency. Apple is also expected to keep both ANC and non-ANC versions.
Other Products Could Appear
Apple has several other products in development. However, their appearance at the September event remains uncertain.
One possibility is Apple’s rumored home hub. The device could feature a 7-inch square display, an integrated camera, and presence detection sensors. It would control smart home devices while also running apps. Users could reportedly make video calls and play content on the device. The hub could also interact with Siri AI. Apple is reportedly waiting to launch the device until the new Siri experience is ready.
A new Apple TV 4K could also arrive. The device is expected to feature a faster processor without a major design change. The new chip could support Siri AI and additional gaming features. Apple code has also reportedly pointed to a new remote.
The HomePod mini is another possible candidate. The smart speaker is due for an update and could receive a faster processor. No major design changes are expected for the HomePod mini. Apple could, however, introduce new color options.
Software Updates
Apple will also announce release dates for its next software updates. These include iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27.
The company will likely release release candidate builds to developers and public beta testers after the event. Based on Apple’s past schedule, iOS 27 and the other updates could arrive as soon as September 14.
What Apple Will Not Announce
Not every rumored Apple product is expected at the September event. The biggest omission could be the standard iPhone 18. Apple reportedly plans to delay the regular iPhone 18 until spring 2027. It could launch alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
This means Apple’s fall lineup could include only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone. The Apple Watch SE 4 is also not expected this year. Meanwhile, the M6 MacBook Pro should arrive before the end of 2026.
Apple is also rumored to be developing an M6 iMac. That machine could appear at a separate Mac event or arrive through a press release. The OLED MacBook Pro is another product expected later. It could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.
An OLED iPad mini is also in development. It is expected before the end of October, but it is unlikely to appear at the iPhone event.
John Ternus Will Lead the Event
The September event will mark an important change for Apple. New CEO John Ternus will host the iPhone event in his new role. Ternus has appeared at Apple events before. However, this will be his first major iPhone event as CEO.
Former CEO Tim Cook served Apple for 15 years. He is now the company’s executive chairman. Cook may not appear during the event. His absence would make the September launch a major leadership moment for Apple.
When Can You Preorder the New iPhones?
Apple typically opens iPhone preorders on the Friday after its September event. This year, that date falls on 9/11. The company may avoid starting preorders on Friday because of the date. Instead, Apple could open orders on Saturday, September 12.
Apple followed a similar schedule in 2015 when the preorder date also fell on 9/11. If Apple repeats that approach, preorders could begin at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 12. In 2015, Apple opened preorders at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time.
The iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Ultra could then reach customers on Friday, September 18.
How to Watch Apple’s September Event
Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, September 9. The company will livestream the event through its website and YouTube. Viewers can also watch it through the Apple TV app on supported devices.
The event could mark one of Apple’s biggest product launches in years. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup brings expected upgrades, but the foldable iPhone will likely take center stage. With a new CEO leading the event, Apple also enters a new chapter. The combination of new hardware, software, and leadership makes September 9 an important date for the company.
