Apple event September 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, foldable iPhone Ultra, and how to watch
Key Points
- Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event runs on 9 September at 6pm UK time, free to stream
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected with A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture camera and $1,399 starting price
- First foldable iPhone, tipped as the iPhone Ultra, expected to cost more than $2,000
- Standard iPhone 18, 18e and iPhone Air expected to wait until spring 2027
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 expected with new chip and sensor updates
Apple holds its “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday (9 September) at 18h00 UK time, with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a first foldable iPhone expected to headline.
The event will be hosted from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park and marks the first major launch under new Chief Executive John Ternus, who took over on 1 September. Apple is expected to run a pre-recorded keynote of between 60 and 90 minutes.
The stream is free to watch and does not require an Apple TV+ subscription. Apple carries the event on its Apple Events page at apple.com/apple-events, in the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and most smart TVs, and on its official YouTube channel.
Apple typically runs a short countdown before the keynote starts, and a replay appears on the same channels once the stream ends.
What to expect
Analysts and leaks point to Apple splitting the iPhone lineup across two launch windows for the first time.
The September event covers the premium models, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and the next iPhone Air are expected to arrive in spring 2027.
All product details above come from analyst forecasts and supply-chain reports rather than Apple announcements, and Apple frequently changes specifications and pricing from what leaks ahead of an event.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The two Pro models are expected to keep a similar design to last year’s phones but move to the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometre process, and Apple’s in-house C2 modem. The main camera is expected to gain a variable aperture, a first for any iPhone.
Other expected changes include a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and larger batteries, with the biggest gain on the Pro Max. Rumoured colours include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, silver and a dark grey or black finish.
Starting prices are expected to sit around $1,399 (£1,200), which would be a substantial increase on last year’s Pro pricing.
Pre-orders are expected to open on Saturday (12 September), with the phones reaching stores the following Friday.
Foldable iPhone Ultra
Widely tipped to launch as the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable uses a book-style design with a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.8-inch inner OLED display. It is expected to share the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem with the Pro models.
The device is expected to use Touch ID rather than Face ID and carry two rear cameras. Reports point to a liquid-metal hinge and a crease far less visible than on earlier foldables from rival manufacturers.
Colour options are expected to be limited, with white and indigo mentioned so far.
Price estimates sit above $2,000, (£1,800), and supply is expected to be tight at launch, with the ship date less certain than for the Pro models.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
Both watches are expected to receive a new S-series chip and refined health and fitness sensors while keeping their current designs.
Apple is also expected to confirm release dates for iOS 27 and its other autumn software updates.
