Apple to Launch First Foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro

Apple will host a product launch event on September 9, 2026, at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. The event, themed Surprise and Shine, marks the first major keynote led by John Ternus, who succeeds Tim Cook as CEO on September 1. Apple is expected to debut its first foldable smartphone, referred to internally as the iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro series will feature the A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, a custom C2 cellular modem, and a variable aperture main camera. The Pro Max model is rumored to include a 5,567mAh battery and a 6.9-inch display. The iPhone Ultra is described as a book-style device with a 7.8-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch cover display, utilizing Touch ID instead of Face ID to maintain a slim profile. Due to manufacturing complexities, the foldable model may face limited initial availability, with some reports suggesting a staggered rollout starting in the United States and China.

In a strategic shift, Apple is delaying the release of the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the second-generation iPhone Air until spring 2027 to prioritize high-margin premium devices. Tim Cook has stated that price increases are unavoidable due to rising memory chip costs, with the iPhone 18 Pro potentially starting at $1,299 and the iPhone Ultra estimated between $2,000 and $2,500. Other anticipated reveals include the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and a new smart home hub with a display.