Apple is getting ready for its September event on September 9, 2026, and this year’s show could be very different from a normal iPhone launch. The biggest expected surprise is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, but several other products could also share the stage.
Apple has officially confirmed the event under the name “Surprise and shine.” The event will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, which is 10:30 p.m. India time.
The foldable iPhone could be the biggest announcement
The most talked-about product is a foldable iPhone that is widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra. Apple has never released a foldable iPhone before, so its arrival would mark a major change for the iPhone lineup.
Current reports point to a book-style design. The phone is expected to work like a normal smartphone when closed and open into a much larger screen for reading, video, and multitasking. Reports suggest a screen of roughly 5.5 inches on the outside and about 7.6 to 7.7 inches when opened.
Some expected details are especially interesting because they show the trade-offs Apple may make to keep the device thin. Reports say the foldable could use Touch ID built into the power button instead of Face ID. It may also have fewer camera features than Apple’s Pro phones.
These details are not confirmed by Apple. The company has only confirmed the September 9 event, so the final design, name, specifications, and price will be known only if Apple announces them.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the event. The regular iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive in September under the reported new launch plan. Instead, Apple’s less expensive iPhone 18 models are expected later, around spring 2027.
The Pro models are expected to bring performance and camera changes rather than a complete redesign. Reports point to a new A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, and possible camera improvements. The Pro Max could also receive a variable-aperture main camera.
Because these details come from reports rather than Apple’s own product announcement, they should be treated as expectations, not confirmed specifications.
| Expected model | What is currently expected | Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | New A20 Pro chip and design and camera updates | Expected |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Pro features with possible camera and battery changes | Expected |
| Foldable iPhone Ultra | Book-style foldable design with a large inner display | Expected |
| Regular iPhone 18 | Not expected at the September event | Reportedly delayed |
Apple Watch could bring another surprise
The iPhone may not be the only major hardware announcement. Apple is also widely expected to introduce new Apple Watch models during the September event.
The Apple Watch Series 12 could receive a newer chip, longer battery life and fitness-related improvements. A ceramic case option has also been reported.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is another expected product. Reports suggest Apple could improve performance and add new satellite-related features. However, not every rumored feature is expected to arrive, and some earlier reports about Touch ID appear to have been ruled out.
This means the Apple Watch part of the event could be important even if most of the attention stays on the foldable iPhone.
AirPods 5 could be the fourth big surprise
Apple may also use the event to introduce AirPods 5. Reports suggest there could be two versions, including a model with active noise cancellation and another without it.
AirPods would make sense as part of the event because Apple often uses its September launch to refresh several products alongside the iPhone. Still, Apple has not confirmed that AirPods 5 will be shown on September 9.
There are also reports about future Apple products such as camera-equipped AirPods and new smart-home devices. Those products are less certain for this event and could instead appear later in the year.
What Apple has actually confirmed so far
It is important to separate confirmed information from the large number of reports surrounding the event. Apple has officially confirmed the date, time and “Surprise and shine” theme. It has not publicly confirmed the foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 or AirPods 5.
The confirmed event details are:
- Date: September 9, 2026
- Start time: 10 a.m. Pacific Time, or 10:30 p.m. India time
- Location: Apple Park in Cupertino, California
- Theme: “Surprise and shine”
- Viewing: Apple.com and the Apple TV app, with Apple also listing YouTube Live for the event
Apple’s Indian event page confirms the 10:30 p.m. IST start time.
Why this September event could be different
The biggest change is Apple’s reported decision to split its iPhone launches across different parts of the year. Instead of introducing every new iPhone model in September, Apple is expected to focus this event on its high-end Pro phones and the new foldable model.
That would give the September event a much stronger focus on premium devices. The foldable iPhone, if announced, would also give Apple a new type of product at a time when foldable phones are already established in the smartphone market.
The event is also taking place shortly after John Ternus became Apple’s CEO. Ternus took over from Tim Cook on September 1, making the September 9 presentation his first major Apple product event as CEO. Apple has described the coming launch internally as a major event, adding even more attention to the presentation.
The big question is still the foldable iPhone
Among all the expected announcements, the foldable iPhone is clearly the product that could change the most about Apple’s smartphone lineup. A successful launch would give Apple its first entry into the foldable-phone market and create a new premium option above the traditional iPhone Pro models.
But much of what is being reported about the device remains unconfirmed. The final name, price, cameras, screen design, battery, availability and release date could all be different from current reports.
For now, the safest expectation is that Apple’s September 9 event will focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a possible first-generation foldable iPhone, with new Apple Watch models and AirPods potentially joining them. If Apple delivers all four major product groups, the “Surprise and shine” event could become one of the company’s most closely watched September launches in years.
