Apple has officially confirmed its September 9, 2026 event for its annual autumn launch, though the company hasn't officially confirmed specific product details. Going by past patterns, the next iPhone generation is the safe bet, though this year's launch may look different from usual. The event is expected to headline the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with the company's first-ever foldable iPhone, marking a significant shift in Apple's product strategy. With the event now just eight days away, Apple is expected to reveal final details soon. This will be the first event hosted by new CEO John Ternus, as former head Tim Cook stepped down on August 31. According to Forbes, the event is scheduled to begin at 10am Pacific Time on September 9, with the company expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and new Apple Watch models.
Apple is expected to open pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at midnight Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12, marking a change from Apple's usual practice of opening pre-orders on the Friday after its launch event. As per Forbes, this timing change may be linked to September 11, which marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to go on sale on Friday, September 18. Reviews of the new iPhones are expected to appear before they reach shops, with the first reviews potentially arriving on September 15 or September 16. According to Forbes, iOS 27 could be released on September 14, though the date remains a prediction. The software is expected to support the same iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 26, including devices from the iPhone 11 onwards.
The Pro models are expected to maintain their current screen sizes with the Pro carrying a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max continuing with 6.9 inches. Both models will incorporate 120Hz ProMotion technology, making sure ultra-smooth scrolling, responsive touch interactions and fluid animations. The Pro Max will feature an expansive 6.9-inch LTPO Plus OLED display, while the Pro will come with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch screen. The phones are expected to ship with iOS 27, with Apple Intelligence remaining a central theme and Siri reportedly due for a significant overhaul. At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro series is the A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC's 2nm process, promising noticeably snappier everyday performance with reported gains of 15% for speed and 30% for efficiency. The devices will feature 12GB of RAM and include WMCM packaging for optimized internal cooling.
Camera-wise, Apple seems to be prioritizing refinement over adding more lenses, with reports pointing to a variable-aperture system on the main camera that would let users manually adjust how much light reaches the sensor depending on the shooting environment. A tipster on Weibo claims this feature might be limited to the Pro Max alone, aligning with earlier reports referencing leaked internal documents tied to supplier Tata Electronics, which reportedly point to a new Sony IMX905 sensor capable of variable aperture. The iPhone 18 Pro series will feature a triple-camera system including a 48MP main lens, an ultrawide lens and a telephoto option, offering versatility for capturing a wide range of scenes. The main camera's variable physical aperture allows improved low-light performance and greater control over depth of field, delivering sharper details, more accurate colors and enhanced dynamic range. The event may double as a broader showcase of Apple's AI ambitions alongside the new hardware.
Battery life is a critical focus for the iPhone 18 Pro series, with the Pro Max model featuring a 5,567mAh battery for eSIM variants and 5,391mAh for physical SIM versions, while the iPhone 18 Pro will offer 4,288mAh and 4,056mAh capacities respectively. These larger batteries, combined with the energy efficiency of the A20 Pro chip, are expected to provide all-day usage for various activities. Connectivity sees a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Apple C2 modem, designed to deliver faster wireless speeds and more reliable connections. In select regions, Qualcomm modems may still be utilized, making sure compatibility and performance across different markets. Satellite connectivity is also expected to expand, offering features like emergency messaging and improved navigation in remote areas where traditional networks may be unavailable.
According to reports from Unbox Therapy, a new video appears to reveal final designs for the iPhone Ultra foldable iPhone, just nine days before Apple's event. The video shows the device in a passport-style design, à la the Galaxy Z Fold 8, featuring a two-lens camera array and a mix of rounded and sharp corners. The device includes an Apple logo, buttons, speakers, and usable buttons, though it doesn't actually turn on and shows pronounced creases despite leaks claiming Apple has largely eliminated the crease. The foldable iPhone is expected to be significantly taller than the folded iPhone Ultra, with a stylus reportedly developed and internally tested by Apple. There is uncertainty over the launch of Apple's first foldable iPhone, with some reports suggesting it could go on sale alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, while others indicate that pre-orders for the foldable device could start later in September.
