Apple will hold its “Surprise and shine” media event on September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at Apple Park in Cupertino, with live streams available on Apple’s website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. The keynote will be the company’s first since John Ternus succeeded Tim Cook as chief executive on September 1, and rumors point to at least six new products arriving at the event.
iPhone 18 Pro: expected upgrades
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to keep the iPhone 17 Pro’s exterior design while gaining an A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process, with RAM integrated on the same wafer. Other reported changes include an LTPO+ display, a Samsung image sensor, a simplified Camera Control that removes a capacitive layer, a narrower Dynamic Island, 12GB of RAM, 256GB as the base storage, and 5G satellite internet. Outside the U.S., the device may use Apple’s C2 modem, while U.S. models will likely retain Qualcomm hardware for mmWave connectivity.
Pro Max, battery and camera differences
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to share the smaller model’s upgrades while offering larger battery options: 5,391mAh in China and 5,567mAh in the U.S. Reports indicate the Max could be thicker, heavier, and weigh around 243 grams, and it may include a variable-aperture main camera that could be exclusive to the larger model.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to get a new chip, improved fitness tracking, better battery life, continuous heart-rate collection, and redesigned Health and Fitness experiences. A ceramic case option may return in white or dark gray, but no major redesign or Touch ID is currently expected. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 should receive the same chip and health-related upgrades without a redesign; Apple may also expand satellite connectivity on the Ultra with satellite Apple Maps and photo sharing in Messages.
AirPods 5 and expected variants
AirPods 5 are reported to arrive in two versions — one with active noise cancellation and one without. Both variants may use an H3 chip to improve sound and reduce latency, but they are not expected to adopt the heart-rate sensor found in the AirPods Pro 3.
Foldable iPhone (likely “iPhone Ultra”) anticipated as major reveal
The foldable iPhone, likely to be called the “iPhone Ultra,” is expected to be the event’s biggest announcement. Rumors describe a passport-style foldable with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display in an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio, and a nearly invisible crease. Other reported features include a titanium-and-aluminum chassis, a liquid-metal hinge, vapor-chamber cooling, the A20 Pro chip, dual batteries totalling roughly 5,400mAh to 5,800mAh, and a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID. Camera details cite rear wide and ultra wide lenses, dual selfie cameras in hole-punch cutouts, the Camera Control button, and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The foldable is also expected to be more repairable than rival devices.
How to follow and related podcast coverage
A podcast connected to this reporting publishes weekly episodes and video clips on its YouTube channel. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast and other podcast apps, and via a direct RSS feed. Listeners who missed the prior episode can catch a discussion about the new Mac mini and Mac Studio, the M6 and M5 Ultra chips, and invites to Apple’s September event.
The event will clarify which of these reported features and products are official. Coverage will continue after the keynote to confirm specifications, availability, and pricing.
