Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time in Cupertino, and expectations centre on the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Rumors ahead of the event emphasize what would be the largest single design change in the iPhone’s history.
iPhone 18 Pro: expected upgrades and specs
The iPhone 18 Pro line is reported to retain an overall design similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models but with a more uniform finish across the aluminum frame and glass back. Apple is said to shrink the Dynamic Island by moving some Face ID components beneath the display. The phones are expected to use more efficient LTPO+ displays and to run on an A20 Pro chip manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. Reported memory and storage figures include 12GB of RAM and 256GB as the starting capacity. The main camera is rumoured to gain a variable-aperture system for greater control over light and background blur, though reports disagree on whether that feature will be exclusive to the Pro Max. Some reports point to a Samsung image sensor for improved image quality and responsiveness. The Camera Control button is said to be simplified, keeping pressure sensing but dropping the capacitive layer. The Pro Max is expected to have a larger battery that may make the device slightly thicker and heavier. A possible Apple C2 modem has been mentioned, while U.S. models could retain Qualcomm modems for mmWave support. Colour rumours include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Silver, though other reports have suggested no Silver and a possible black finish.
iPhone Ultra (foldable): design and features
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely referred to as iPhone Ultra among rumours, with iPhone Fold and iPhone Duo cited as other name possibilities. The foldable is reported to use a book-style design with an approximately 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display, and a chassis measuring about 4.5mm thick when unfolded. A liquid-metal hinge is said to produce an extremely inconspicuous, though not completely invisible, display crease. Instead of Face ID, Touch ID is reported to be integrated into the Side button. The device is expected to include Wide and Ultra Wide rear cameras and front-facing cameras on both the outer and inner displays. The foldable is also expected to use the A20 Pro chip and to offer 12GB of RAM, support MagSafe charging, and provide iPad-like multitasking such as side-by-side apps. Rumoured colours include Silver/white and a very dark indigo.
Pricing, pre-orders and launch timing
Industry forecasts and reporting suggest higher memory costs could push up prices for the Pro models. Estimated U.S. starting prices reported are: iPhone 18 Pro $1,249–$1,299; iPhone 18 Pro Max $1,349–$1,399; and iPhone Ultra $2,199 (rumoured). These Pro estimates reflect TrendForce’s projected increases, and Bloomberg reporting has noted Apple has discussed a $2,199 starting price for the foldable, with some upgraded storage configurations potentially approaching $3,000. iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders could begin on Saturday, September 12 at midnight Pacific Time / 3 a.m. Eastern Time. The foldable’s schedule is less certain: some reports cite manufacturing challenges that could delay a release into the fourth quarter of 2026, though at least one reporter said he would be “very surprised” if the foldable does not ship at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or very close to them. Friday, September 18 is the most likely release date for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max for deliveries and retail availability, while the foldable may be unveiled earlier but arrive in stores later.
Other expected product updates
The regular iPhone 18 is not expected to appear at the event; it is reported that Apple plans to move that model’s launch to spring 2027, when the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are also expected as part of a split-year release schedule. Apple Watch Series 12 is rumoured to keep a familiar case design while gaining a faster S12 chip and improvements to health and fitness tracking. Tests reportedly include continuous heart-rate monitoring throughout the day and a new ‘Readiness’ app, with more wellness metrics arriving via revamped Health and Fitness experiences; a ceramic case in white and dark gray has reportedly been tested. Apple Watch Ultra 4 is said to maintain a similar design to the Ultra 3, to use the faster S12 chip and related health improvements, and to likely support continuous heart-rate collection if Series 12 adds it. The Ultra may expand satellite capabilities, potentially including Apple Maps and photo sharing in Messages. AirPods 5 are reported as possible in two versions, with and without active noise cancellation, and may use an H3 chip for better sound quality and lower latency.
Further details on features, pricing and availability are expected to follow once the announcements are made.
