Apple to Launch iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Ultra

Apple Inc. is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra, during a keynote event on September 9, 2026, at the Steve Jobs Theater. The event will mark the first major appearance of John Ternus, who succeeds Tim Cook as CEO on September 1. Pre-orders are anticipated to begin on September 12, with a general retail release on September 18. In a departure from tradition, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models may be delayed until spring 2027.

The iPhone 18 Pro series will feature the A20 Pro chip, the first built on TSMC's 2nm process, and a proprietary C2 modem for enhanced connectivity and satellite internet. Hardware upgrades include a variable-aperture main camera and a reduced Dynamic Island enabled by moving Face ID components under the display. The Pro Max model is rumored to include a battery capacity of up to 5,567mAh and a slightly thicker chassis. Pricing is expected to rise by $100 to $200 due to semiconductor and memory costs.

The iPhone Ultra, priced between $2,000 and $2,500, is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. While production is reportedly on track, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo warns of significant initial supply constraints that could delay shipments by several weeks, mirroring the iPhone X launch. The device is projected to capture 25% of the global foldable market in 2026, placing Apple second behind Samsung Electronics.