Apple Event 2026 Foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro Expected

Apple is set to hold its highly anticipated “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, September 9, at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10am local time, or 6pm BST.

Apple is widely expected to announce several new products. The biggest potential reveal is its first foldable iPhone.

Reports also point to new iPhone 18 Pro models, AirPods, Apple Watch devices and an updated HomePod mini.

How to Watch Apple’s Event

The launch will take place at Apple Park.

Viewers can watch the event online through Apple’s official events platform and YouTube channel. Several technology and media outlets are also expected to provide live coverage.

Interest is expected to be particularly high because Apple could finally enter the growing foldable smartphone market.

Foldable iPhone Could Be the Biggest Reveal

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is reportedly being developed as an ultra-premium device.

The phone is widely rumoured to carry the iPhone Ultra name. Reports suggest it could use a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold range.

The device is expected to feature a 5.3-inch outer display and a larger 7.7-inch internal screen.

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Apple would be entering the foldable market several years after competitors introduced similar devices.

The reported starting price could exceed $2,000. A nearly crease-free display is also expected to be among the phone’s key features.

The device could initially be offered in black and white.

However, Bloomberg’s Apple correspondent Mark Gurman has reported that the foldable model may not include a telephoto camera.

iPhone 18 Pro Models Could Bring Major Changes

Apple is also expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

One reported upgrade is a new under-display Face ID system. It could reduce or remove the prominent display cutout seen on recent iPhone models.

Camera improvements are also expected.

Reports suggest Apple could introduce a variable-aperture telephoto camera. The technology would allow greater control over the amount of light entering the lens.

That could improve photography in difficult lighting conditions.

The new Pro models are also expected to receive faster processors. These chips could support more demanding artificial intelligence tasks.

Apple may also provide updates on Apple Intelligence and Siri.

AirPods 5 Could Receive New Features

New AirPods 5 models are also expected.

One version could include active noise cancellation. Apple is also reportedly working on more advanced AirPods technology.

Earlier reports suggested future AirPods could feature cameras. Those cameras could potentially work with Visual Intelligence to analyse a user’s surroundings.

However, camera-equipped AirPods are reportedly not expected until at least 2027.

The AirPods 5 are therefore likely to focus on more conventional upgrades. These could include improved sound, longer battery life and possible health-related features.

New Apple Watch Models Expected

Apple could also introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.

The new models are expected to focus on internal improvements rather than a major redesign.

Faster processors, better battery performance and improved energy efficiency are among the reported upgrades.

The Apple Watch Series 12 could also bring back a premium ceramic case option. New colours and additional band combinations may also be announced.

A Major Moment for Apple’s New Leadership

The event is also expected to mark a significant moment for Apple’s leadership.

According to reports cited in the source material, it will be the first major Apple product launch led by new CEO John Ternus after reportedly succeeding Tim Cook.

With a possible foldable iPhone, new Pro models and several accessories on the agenda, the event could represent one of Apple’s most significant product launches in years.

However, Apple has not officially confirmed all of the reported products and specifications ahead of the event.