Technology
Apple Set to Unveil First Foldable iPhone Alongside iPhone 18 Pro Lineup and New Leadership
By ET Online
Apple's next product event, reportedly called 'Surprise and Shine', is expected to take place on Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 10 am Pacific Time. Alongside new iPhone models, the company is anticipated to unveil updated Apple Watch and AirPods products, software updates, and possibly new smart-home devices.
The centerpiece of the event is expected to be Apple's first foldable iPhone, referred to in rumours as the iPhone Ultra. Unlike clamshell-style foldables from competitors, Apple is reportedly developing a book-style design featuring a roughly 5.5-inch OLED display on the outside and a 7.8-inch OLED screen when unfolded, giving it a tablet-like appearance similar to a compact iPad.
Thinness is expected to be a major focus, with the device reportedly measuring around 4.5mm when open and about 9mm when folded. To achieve this, Apple has reportedly worked on a durable hinge and a display designed to reduce the visibility of the crease, though a completely crease-free screen remains technically difficult.
In a notable shift, the foldable iPhone is rumoured to use Touch ID instead of Face ID, as the slim design leaves little room for the TrueDepth camera system. The fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the side button, similar to certain iPad models. Cameras are still expected on both the outer and inner displays, allowing selfies and video calls in folded or unfolded modes.
On the rear, the foldable may feature two cameras — a Wide and an Ultra Wide lens — rather than the triple-camera setup found on Pro models, allowing usability in both folded and unfolded states. Reports remain mixed on whether MagSafe charging will be included, as some leaked dummy units lacked a visible magnetic ring.
The device is rumoured to run on Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, offering improved performance and efficiency over the A19 Pro, along with 12GB of RAM. Apple is also expected to introduce its new C2 modem, though it remains unclear if it will support mmWave 5G for certain US models.
Despite its slim profile, the foldable iPhone could house a battery between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh, potentially exceeding the capacity of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though actual battery life will depend on display, processor, and software factors.
Apple's standard flagship lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, is expected to largely retain the design of the iPhone 17 Pro series but could introduce a variable-aperture main camera, allowing greater control over light exposure and background blur. The Dynamic Island is expected to remain but in a smaller form, and new color options such as dark cherry, light blue, and silver have been rumoured.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could see a battery upgrade to around 5,567mAh, potentially paired with a more efficient processor and new LTPO+ display technology for improved power efficiency.
On the wearables side, the Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to keep a familiar design, possibly reintroducing a ceramic case option, along with an upgraded processor and enhanced health tracking features, including continuous heart-rate monitoring for broader wellness insights via the Health app. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to retain its current rugged design while receiving internal performance upgrades.
AirPods 5 may also debut, reportedly featuring an updated H3 chip for improved audio performance and reduced latency, with versions offering active noise cancellation and without.
Apple is also rumoured to be developing a smart-home hub with a roughly seven-inch display, camera, and presence-detection sensors, designed to control smart-home devices, support video calls, and work with an updated Siri. An updated Apple TV 4K and a refreshed HomePod mini, featuring faster chips, are also expected, though without major design changes.
On the software side, Apple is expected to announce release timelines for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27. These updates will be crucial for the foldable iPhone, as developers adapt apps for different screen sizes, with multitasking features like side-by-side apps expected when unfolded.
Notably, the standard iPhone 18 may not launch in September at all. Rumours suggest it could be delayed until spring 2027, launching alongside the iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air. This would make the September 2026 lineup primarily Pro-focused, featuring the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone.
Pricing details remain uncertain, but the iPhone 18 Pro models could see price increases of USD 100 to USD 300 due to rising memory and storage costs. The foldable iPhone is expected to start at USD 2,000 or higher, with higher-storage versions potentially reaching or exceeding USD 2,500.
Regarding pre-orders, Apple typically opens them the Friday following its launch event. Since September 11 falls on a Friday this year, and Apple has previously adjusted timing to avoid that date, pre-orders could begin Saturday, September 12, with sales starting Friday, September 18 — though these dates remain unconfirmed.
The event also marks a leadership transition, as John Ternus is expected to host his first iPhone launch as Apple's chief executive, following Tim Cook's 15-year tenure. Cook is expected to take on the role of executive chairman, making this year's event significant both for Apple's product lineup and its new leadership.