Technology
Apple Sets September 9 Date for iPhone 18 Reveal, First Foldable iPhone Expected
Apple has scheduled its next major product launch for September 9, 2026, under the theme 'Surprise and Shine.' The event marks a notable milestone as the first major public keynote led by John Ternus, the company's new CEO. This year's showcase is also expected to introduce Apple's first foldable smartphone.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, which corresponds to 10:30 p.m. India Standard Time, and will take place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Apple will stream the keynote live on YouTube, the Apple Events page, and the Apple TV app. Viewers can also access the livestream through Apple's official website.
At the center of the announcements will be the iPhone 18 series, comprising the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These models are expected to feature a mechanical variable aperture camera, a TSMC-built 2nm A20 Pro chip, an in-house C2 modem, improved battery performance, and a new dark cherry finish, alongside a slightly larger camera module. Some reports suggest the variable-aperture camera may be exclusive to the Pro Max, while unconfirmed rumors mention under-display Face ID technology.
Pricing is expected to rise this cycle. Given that rivals Samsung and Google have already increased their device prices by roughly $100 due to higher memory costs, analyst Mark Gurman anticipates Apple will follow suit, potentially pricing the iPhone 18 Pro near $1,199, though some estimates suggest an even higher cost.
Apple is also expected to unveil its first foldable device, widely rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. Leaks describe a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and an approximate 5.3-inch external cover screen, powered by the A20 Pro chip paired with 12GB of memory. The device is rumored to include two 48MP rear cameras but no telephoto lens, and may rely on side-mounted Touch ID rather than Face ID for authentication. Pricing for the foldable is expected to be around $2,500.
Beyond smartphones, Apple is expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12, which may include a new health sensor integrated into a fluoroelastomer band, and an Apple Watch Ultra 4 featuring a redesign and a ceramic option. The AirPods 5 are also anticipated, potentially arriving in both ANC and non-ANC versions with heart-rate tracking capability. Camera-equipped AirPods, previously spotted in a macOS Tahoe release candidate, are reportedly still slated for a 2027 release.
On the smart home front, Apple may unveil a refreshed Apple TV 4K, a new HomePod mini, and a home hub device featuring a seven-inch display. According to Gurman, Apple has been reworking accessory sections within its retail stores, which he suggests could indicate more significant updates than usual. An OLED iPad mini remains a possible but unconfirmed addition to the lineup.