Apple's Fall Event: Foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro Models Expected

Cupertino tech giant Apple is poised to unveil its latest hardware lineup at the "Surprise and Shine" event scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026. This year's event carries significant weight, marking a transition in leadership as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down after nearly 15 years, handing over the reins to hardware engineering chief John Ternus. Industry observers anticipate a departure from Apple's typical product launch cycle, with a possible delay for the standard iPhone 18 model, focusing instead on premium releases.

The most significant rumored debut is the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foray into the foldable smartphone market. Leaked analyst reports suggest a book-style design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, opening into a mini-tablet format rather than a traditional flip phone. However, with a projected price tag around $2,000, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be a luxury device rather than a mainstream replacement for the standard iPhone. A recent CNET survey indicated that a substantial 75% of U.S. adults are indifferent to foldable phones, underscoring the Ultra's niche positioning.

New iPhone 18 Lineup and Software Updates

While the iPhone Ultra garners much attention, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also slated for reveal. These models are rumored to feature enhanced battery life, advanced variable-aperture cameras, and the new Apple A20 processor. Other potential upgrades include expanded satellite connectivity, a refined Dynamic Island, and revised camera module designs. Color options are expected to include light blue, dark cherry, and dark gray. All new devices will run on the latest operating systems, with iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and tvOS 27 expected to launch this fall. Public betas for these systems have been available since June, offering a glimpse into the anticipated Siri AI revamp.

The iPhone 18 lineup may see an extended rollout strategy. The iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max are expected this September. However, the base iPhone 18, iPhone 18E, and a potential iPhone Air 2 are reportedly slated for release in the spring of 2027. This phased approach could allow the foldable iPhone Ultra to capture attention without direct competition from its less expensive siblings.

Apple's wearable technology is also due for an update. The Apple Watch Series 12 is considered a certainty, according to wearables expert Vanessa Hand Orellana. Less likely are new SE or Ultra models, given their recent refreshes in 2025. Any new Apple Watch, including the Series 12 and potentially an Ultra 4, will likely incorporate a new S12 processor, aimed at improving performance and battery longevity. Rumors also suggest the integration of biometric authentication, akin to Touch ID, for the Apple Watch, though its public release remains uncertain. Advancements in health monitoring, such as blood pressure tracking, are also reportedly in development, but without confirmation. The Apple Health app's AI overhaul has faced reported difficulties, though WatchOS 27, powered by the new Siri AI, is expected to offer significant enhancements for compatible devices.

While the Apple Watch line was spared from recent price increases on computers and home devices—attributed by Apple to memory chip supply chain constraints influenced by the AI race—competitors like Google and Samsung have already raised prices on their smartwatches. This trend suggests that a higher starting price for the next-generation Apple Watch is a distinct possibility.

Further speculation surrounds the next generation of AirPods. Reports suggest these earbuds, possibly dubbed "AirPods Ultra," could include a small infrared camera. This camera would not be for photography but for spatial sensing to enhance AI capabilities. Such a feature has drawn criticism from privacy advocates, especially following concerns over other camera-equipped wearables. Given Apple's strong emphasis on user privacy, the company's approach to this potential feature will be closely watched. Typically refreshing AirPods every two years, Apple may introduce the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 Pro this year. The current AirPods 4 models, praised for their effective active noise cancellation in an open-earbud design, set a high bar for future iterations.