Apple is getting ready for what could be one of its biggest iPhone events in years.
The company has confirmed its “Surprise and Shine” launch event for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at Apple Park. This event is especially interesting because it will be the first major Apple keynote under new CEO John Ternus.
And there could be a lot to talk about.
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone, which could be called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold.
But there is also an important change this year: the regular iPhone 18 is reportedly not coming in September.
Here’s everything we currently expect from Apple’s September 2026 event.
Apple’s September 2026 Event: What to Expect
The “Surprise and Shine” event is scheduled for September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at Apple Park.
The biggest announcements are expected to focus on Apple’s premium iPhone models and its long-rumored foldable iPhone.
The expected lineup includes:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone
- Possible announcements or details about future iPhone models
For Apple fans, the foldable iPhone could easily be the star of the show.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be the main iPhone launches of September.
If current reports are accurate, Apple is planning several important upgrades, including a new processor, improved cameras and a smaller Dynamic Island.
Expected iPhone 18 Pro Specs
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could come with a larger 6.9-inch display.
Both models are expected to use Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which is reportedly based on a more advanced 2nm manufacturing process.
The smaller Dynamic Island could also give the phones a cleaner-looking display, while the camera system may receive one of its biggest upgrades yet.
One of the most interesting rumored additions is variable aperture cameras.
This could give users more control over how much light enters the camera, potentially improving photography in different lighting conditions.
iPhone 18 Pro Release Date
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026.
Pre-orders are expected to begin on Friday, September 11.
The phones are then expected to reach customers on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Of course, Apple has not confirmed all of these dates yet, so they should be treated as expected dates rather than guaranteed ones.
How Much Will the iPhone 18 Pro Cost?
Price could be one of the biggest concerns for buyers.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to become more expensive, partly because of rising costs associated with the memory needed for advanced AI features.
Current expectations put the iPhone 18 Pro somewhere around $1,199 to $1,299 in the US.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could reportedly start somewhere between $1,299 and $1,399.
That would make the new Pro models noticeably more expensive than previous generations.
For people already considering an upgrade, the final price may be just as important as the new features.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Finally Arrive
Now for the really exciting part.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at the September 9 event.
The device could be marketed as the iPhone Ultra or simply the iPhone Fold, although Apple has not confirmed its official name.
If the rumors are accurate, Apple is taking a different approach from the traditional iPhone design.
Expected Foldable iPhone Display
The foldable iPhone is rumored to have a 5.5-inch outer display that can be used when the phone is closed.
When opened, users could get access to a much larger 7.8-inch OLED display.
In other words, the device could work like a regular smartphone when closed and become more like a small tablet when opened.
That could make it particularly attractive to people who want a larger screen without carrying a separate tablet.
Touch ID Could Return
Another interesting rumor is the return of Touch ID.
Instead of relying entirely on Face ID, Apple could use Touch ID as part of the foldable phone’s design.
The device is also rumored to feature a liquid-metal hinge, which could be important for making the phone thinner, stronger and more durable.
Apple has traditionally taken its time before entering new product categories, so the company will likely want its foldable iPhone to feel polished rather than experimental.
How Much Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Cost?
There is one major downside for buyers: the price.
The foldable iPhone is expected to cost more than $2,000.
That would make it significantly more expensive than the standard iPhone lineup and put it firmly in the premium smartphone category.
For comparison, buyers could potentially get a high-end iPhone Pro and still have money left over compared with the price of the foldable model.
But if Apple manages to deliver a thin, durable foldable design with strong battery life and a great camera system, some customers may be willing to pay the premium.
When Will the Foldable iPhone Be Released?
This is where things become less certain.
While the foldable iPhone is expected to be announced on September 9, 2026, its actual release date is still unclear.
Supply constraints could delay the device.
It could arrive later in September, but there is also a possibility that Apple pushes the release to late 2026 or even early 2027.
So, even if Apple officially shows the foldable iPhone at the event, don’t be surprised if customers have to wait longer to actually buy one.
What About the Regular iPhone 18?
Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 may not be part of Apple’s September launch lineup.
Reports suggest that Apple could change the way it releases its iPhones.
Instead of launching the entire iPhone 18 family at the same time, Apple is reportedly considering a biannual release schedule.
Under this plan, the standard iPhone 18 could arrive in spring 2027, possibly around March or April.
The iPhone 18e is also not expected to launch in September.
There could also be an iPhone Air 2, but that model is likewise not expected to be part of the September 2026 launch.
Why Apple Could Be Changing Its iPhone Release Strategy
For years, Apple has traditionally launched its main iPhone lineup around September.
A move toward two release periods would be a significant change.
It could allow Apple to give more attention to its premium models during the fall while introducing more affordable or standard models several months later.
For customers, however, this could make the iPhone lineup a little more complicated.
Someone waiting for the regular iPhone 18 may need to wait until spring 2027, while customers interested in the Pro models could potentially buy their new phones in September 2026.
iPhone 18 Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Expected Announcement | Expected Release | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | September 9, 2026 | September 18, 2026 | $1,199–$1,299 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | September 9, 2026 | September 18, 2026 | $1,299–$1,399 |
| Foldable iPhone | September 9, 2026 | Late 2026/early 2027 possible | $2,000+ |
| iPhone 18 | Not expected in September | Spring 2027 | Not yet known |
| iPhone 18e | Not expected in September | Spring 2027 possible | Not yet known |
| iPhone Air 2 | Not expected in September | Possible spring 2027 | Not yet known |
Dates and prices are expected figures and may change when Apple makes its official announcements.
The Biggest Apple Event in Years?
Apple’s September 2026 event could be more than just another iPhone upgrade.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to bring improvements such as the A20 Pro chip, smaller Dynamic Island and variable aperture cameras.
But the biggest headline could be Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
If Apple really introduces a foldable phone with a 7.8-inch inner display, Touch ID and a new hinge design, it could mark the beginning of a completely new chapter for the iPhone.
At the same time, the reported move of the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e to spring 2027 suggests Apple may be changing its traditional iPhone strategy.
For now, all eyes are on September 9, 2026.
Apple’s event should finally give us a clearer picture of what the next generation of iPhones will look like — and whether the company’s first foldable iPhone is ready to become the next big thing.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 18 generation could be one of Apple’s most interesting launches in years.
The Pro models are expected to deliver meaningful hardware upgrades, while the foldable iPhone could introduce an entirely new design to Apple’s smartphone lineup.
The only question is whether the rumored features and prices will live up to expectations.
We’ll know much more once Apple takes the stage at Apple Park on September 9.
If you’re planning to upgrade, the iPhone 18 Pro may be the safer choice. But if you’re looking for something completely different, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be the device everyone is talking about.
3 Comments & Discussion
Steve Page
proper info
Steve Page
[…] For more background on how foldable phones have evolved, you can check out GSMArena’s foldable phone coverage or read more on Xiaomi’s official newsroom. Also check iPhone 18 foldable rumors here. […]
Steve Page
[…] We’ve already covered the full expected specs, pricing, and color lineup in detail in our iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max preview , so we won’t repeat it all […]