Apple’s annual fall event on Wednesday, September 9 is expected to spotlight new iPhone 18 Pro models, the first foldable iPhone, Apple Watch Series 12, a fourth‑generation Apple Watch Ultra and potentially AirPods 5 — but several widely rumored devices are unlikely to appear at this “Surprise and shine” event.
Apple unlikely to announce the regular iPhone 18
The successor to the iPhone 17 is not expected at the September event. Instead, the iPhone 18 is believed to be delayed until spring next year under Apple’s reported split‑launch strategy, which would reserve the September presentation for higher‑end Pro models and the forthcoming foldable iPhone. Reports say the iPhone 18 could adopt an A20 chip built on a 2‑nanometer process. RAM estimates vary: analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo expects 9GB, while analyst Jeff Pu predicts 12GB. If the iPhone 18 is limited to 9GB of RAM, it reportedly would not support all Apple Intelligence features. Other rumors suggest all iPhone 18 models could get a 24‑megapixel front camera (up from 18MP) and an improved display that may include a smaller Dynamic Island.
iPhone Air 2 pushed beyond September
A follow‑up to the iPhone Air released in September 2025 is not expected at the September 2026 event. Latest rumors indicate a new iPhone Air is still in development and is more likely to arrive in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18 and an iPhone 18e. The next iPhone Air is said to gain a second camera and battery life improvements — either a larger battery or better efficiency — and to use an A20 Pro chip on the 2nm process, which could improve efficiency. Observers note the model’s design remains similar to the current one, which could limit space for a larger battery.
Apple Watch SE 4 is not expected yet
The Apple Watch SE 3 was updated in September 2025 and a new SE model is not expected in 2026. There is no clear timeline yet for a Watch SE 4.
New Macs are unlikely to debut on September 9
Apple reportedly plans several Mac updates later in 2026 or in 2027, but these are unlikely to appear at the fall iPhone‑focused event. Reported plans include an updated 14‑inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip in late 2026 and a major high‑end MacBook Pro redesign (nicknamed “MacBook Ultra”) in late 2026 or early 2027. The MacBook Ultra is said to include new 14‑inch and 16‑inch models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, OLED displays, a touch screen, a Dynamic Island and a thinner design. Separately, Apple is reportedly preparing updated iMac models — likely a 24‑inch model with an M6 chip to replace the M4‑equipped 24‑inch iMac introduced in October 2024. Apple typically reserves its fall event for iPhone and Apple Watch announcements and often unveils Macs in October via a press release or a separate event.
Other products may be held for later releases
Beyond the expected iPhone 18 Pro models, new Apple Watch models and possible AirPods, Apple may have additional products planned for release this year. Industry coverage suggests the company is unlikely to dilute attention from its flagship smartphones at the September event and may opt to launch some items at a separate event or via press release in October or November.
The September 9 presentation is therefore likely to emphasize Pro‑level iPhones, a foldable iPhone and new Apple Watch models, while the regular iPhone 18, a second‑generation iPhone Air, an Apple Watch SE 4 and multiple Mac updates are expected later in 2026 or in 2027.
