CUPERTINO, California (TechGenez) – Apple is preparing to unveil its next major product lineup at a special event on Wednesday, September 9.
The company has invited media to the event, which will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is expected to be one of the biggest Apple events in recent years, with the launch of the first foldable iPhone as the headline feature.
The iPhone 18 series, including the new Pro models and the much-anticipated foldable device, will be the main focus. Apple is also expected to reveal new Apple Watches, AirPods, and possibly some long-awaited home products.
The Foldable iPhone
Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup will include its first foldable device. The model is widely expected to be named the iPhone Ultra.
The design is book-style and unfolds from a compact closed state into a larger, iPad-like screen. It will feature a 5.5-inch OLED display on the outside and a much larger 7.8-inch OLED screen when opened.
The device is described as wider than it is tall when unfolded, and it will support multitasking, side-by-side apps, and sidebars, similar to the iPad. Apple has focused on making the foldable durable, with a liquid metal hinge and efforts to minimise the crease over time.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to use a 2nm A20 Pro chip, with improvements in speed and efficiency compared with previous models. It will also have a new modem and support for Apple’s own C2 technology.
When unfolded, the iPhone Ultra could be as thin as 4.5mm, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. That would make it 9mm when folded, which is close to the thickness of the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone Ultra will use a side-mounted Touch ID button instead of Face ID, since there is reportedly no space for the TrueDepth camera system. It will also have front cameras for both the inner and outer displays.
The rear camera system will be simpler than usual, with only a Wide lens and an Ultra Wide lens. Apple has chosen not to include a telephoto lens on the foldable model.
The device is expected to support MagSafe wireless charging, despite some early leak models not showing a magnetic ring.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to look very similar to the current Pro models, with only minor updates. Rumours suggest larger batteries, improved cameras, and new colours, but no major design overhaul.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max may have a slightly thicker and heavier body due to a larger battery, though current cases are still expected to fit. The camera plateau could be slightly thicker to accommodate a new variable aperture lens.
Apple has planned new colours, including a dark cherry shade, light blue, and silver. There may not be a black option.
The iPhone 18 Pro models may have a smaller Dynamic Island and could feature Apple’s C2 modem, though U.S. models may still use Qualcomm modems for mmWave 5G support.
Prices are expected to rise, with increases ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the model and storage options.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to have no major design changes. Both models will receive refreshed processors and related improvements, including better health and fitness tracking features.
AirPods 5
The AirPods 5 models are expected to arrive alongside the iPhones, with improvements in sound quality and battery life. Apple could add an updated H3 chip for better performance.
Possible Product Launches
Apple is also working on several other products that may be announced at this event or shortly after:
- A new home hub with a 7-inch square display, integrated camera, and presence detection sensors
- An updated Apple TV 4K with a faster processor
- A refreshed HomePod mini with a faster processor
Timeline and Preorders
Apple usually holds preorders on the Friday after the event, but this year that Friday falls on September 11, a national holiday. Some reports suggest preorders may start on Saturday, September 12, at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with the new iPhones going on sale on September 18.
What Not to Expect
The standard iPhone 18 will not be launched in September 2026. Apple plans to debut the regular iPhone 18 in spring 2027 alongside a more affordable model and a second foldable version.
Other devices, such as a new iMac or a refreshed Apple TV, are expected to come later in the year at separate events or through press releases.
New CEO at Apple
This will be the first major product event led by Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus. The handoff from longtime CEO Tim Cook to Ternus was described as perfectly smooth. Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman.
Ternus will have to balance maintaining the financial discipline of the Cook era while creating products that excite consumers again. The coming months, beginning with the expected launch of a foldable iPhone, will be a key test of his leadership.
Conclusion
Apple’s September 9 event is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years. The company will launch its first foldable iPhone and update its Pro models, while also showing new Apple Watches and AirPods. Whether the foldable device lives up to the excitement will be a key test for the new leadership team and the future direction of Apple’s hardware business.
The event will also provide the first major update on Apple’s AI strategy under the new CEO, as the company continues to deepen its integration of artificial intelligence across its products.
