Apple Unveils iPhone 18 Pro and First Foldable Ultra at September 9 Event

Apple has officially announced its next product event, slated for September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, with the headline “Surprise and Shine.” The company will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as well as its first foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Ultra. The event will be streamed live on Apple.com, YouTube and the Apple TV app, and members of the press are expected to attend at Apple Park in Cupertino.

Apple’s fall lineup will not include a standard iPhone model. The company is reportedly splitting its annual iPhone launch, with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 scheduled for a spring 2027 unveiling. The new Pro models are expected to keep the same overall form factor and display size as their predecessors, but will feature upgrades in display, camera and connectivity technology.

Rumors point to three key enhancements for the Pro line. A variable‑aperture main camera would allow the lens to adjust its aperture automatically for improved low‑light performance. The Dynamic Island is expected to shrink slightly, providing more screen real estate. Apple’s new C2 cellular modem, which could replace the current A14 modem, is also rumored to be included. The phones may be offered in four colors: dark cherry, black, silver and light blue.

The most talked‑about announcement is the foldable iPhone Ultra. The device is expected to use a book‑style design, with an outer display measuring between 5.3 and 5.5 inches and an inner display between 7.6 and 7.8 inches. Reports suggest the Ultra will feature a titanium frame, an ultra‑thin profile and a virtually crease‑free display. Instead of Face ID, the phone may use Touch ID integrated into the power button, along with two front‑facing cameras and a dual‑camera system on the back. Price estimates place the starting model at around $1,999, with higher‑spec configurations potentially reaching $2,500, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet.

In addition to the new iPhones, Apple is expected to update its smartwatch lineup. Two new Apple Watch models will be announced, focusing on upgraded processors and health‑related features, though a new Apple Watch SE is not anticipated. The company will also reveal the AirPods 5, while the next generation of AirPods Pro with visual intelligence is expected next year.

Apple will also introduce new Mac hardware on September 22, including a refreshed Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop line. The event will mark a leadership transition, with John Ternus taking over as CEO on September 1 and Tim Cook moving to the role of executive chairman.

The event’s invitation features a glowing Apple logo with a sun shining through, echoing the “Surprise and Shine” tagline. A tweet from Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of retail, read: “Surprise and shine! It’s almost time for the #AppleEvent, on Wednesday, September 9!” The event will be recorded and streamed, and 9to5Mac will provide real‑time coverage from the press session.

Chance Miller, 9to5Mac editor‑in‑chief, will attend the event. Apple’s official announcement was shared on August 26, with a tweet from Miller stating: “Apple has officially announced its next event for September 9: ‘Surprise and Shine.’ Rumors say iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Ultra, new Apple Watches, and more are coming!”

Apple’s September 9 event promises to be a significant moment for the company, featuring its first foldable iPhone, upgraded Pro models, new wearables, and a leadership change. The world will watch to see how Apple balances innovation with its long‑standing focus on design and user experience.