Apple is set to hold its next major iPhone launch event on September 9, 2026. The company is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the event, along with its first foldable iPhone. The foldable model is reportedly being positioned as a premium iPhone and could be called the iPhone Ultra.
This year’s iPhone launch will be different from previous years. Apple is not expected to announce the standard iPhone 18 in September. The more affordable iPhone 18 models are reportedly being delayed until spring 2027. So, the September event will focus only on Pro models and the new foldable iPhone.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to retain much of the design seen on the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, Apple is reportedly planning some hardware improvements, particularly for the camera system.
The Pro models could get an upgraded variable aperture rear camera. A variable aperture would allow the camera to control the amount of light reaching the sensor, which could improve photography in different lighting conditions and offer more control over depth of field.
Both models are also expected to use Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. The chip is reportedly being manufactured using a 2nm process, which should bring improvements in performance and power efficiency compared with the previous generation.
Apple could also increase the prices of the new Pro models. Ongoing memory shortages are expected to increase component costs, and some of those additional costs could be passed on to customers. The final pricing is not confirmed yet.
The foldable iPhone is expected to be the biggest new product at Apple’s September event. It would be Apple’s first major new iPhone form factor since the iPhone X was introduced in 2017.
The device is expected to use a book-style folding design. It could have a display of around 5.5 inches when folded and around 7.6 inches when unfolded. The wider design could make the unfolded device feel closer to using an iPad than a traditional iPhone.
Apple is reportedly focusing on making the foldable iPhone very thin. However, the thin design could result in some compromises. The device is expected to use Touch ID instead of Face ID, while the camera system could also be less capable than the one on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
The foldable iPhone is also not expected to have a dedicated telephoto camera. This could be another compromise made to keep the device thin.
Apple is also expected to announce new Apple Watch models and introduce new smart home products. The long-rumored Apple smart home hub could finally make its debut.
The September event will also provide details about Apple’s upcoming software updates. Soon after the event, Apple will release iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, watchOS and other operating system updates.
Apple will stream the September 9 event live through its official website, YouTube and the Apple TV app.
