iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Debut Expected at Apple Event

Apple is gearing up for its annual fall hardware showcase, with the "Surprise and shine" event scheduled for September 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The keynote, which begins at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, will be available via livestream on Apple's website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. This marks the first major product unveiling since John Ternus assumed the role of CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook.

Industry observers and leakers anticipate the introduction of at least six new products, with the iPhone line expected to receive significant updates. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to retain the design language of its predecessor while incorporating a new A20 Pro chip manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process. This advanced chip may feature RAM integrated directly onto the same wafer, promising substantial performance gains. Additional expected enhancements for the iPhone 18 Pro include an LTPO+ display, a new image sensor from Samsung, a simplified camera control interface, a narrower Dynamic Island, 12GB of RAM, and a 256GB base storage option. Connectivity is also set for an upgrade, with potential inclusion of 5G satellite internet and Apple's C2 modem for international markets, while U.S. models might continue with Qualcomm hardware for mmWave capabilities.

The larger iPhone 18 Pro Max is projected to mirror the upgrades of the smaller Pro model, potentially featuring a larger battery—5,391mAh for China and 5,567mAh for the U.S. It might also be slightly thicker and heavier, with a potential weight of around 243 grams. A notable exclusive for the larger model could be a variable-aperture main camera.

Foldable iPhone and Wearable Updates

The most significant announcement may be Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone, reportedly dubbed the "iPhone Ultra." This device is expected to adopt a wide, passport-style form factor, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch internal screen. It is anticipated to feature an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio and a virtually invisible screen crease. The construction is rumored to include a titanium-and-aluminum chassis and a liquid-metal hinge, complemented by vapor-chamber cooling. Powering the foldable will likely be the A20 Pro chip, supported by dual batteries totaling between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh. In a departure from current Face ID integration, the iPhone Ultra may opt for a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button. Camera specifications include rear wide and ultra-wide lenses, dual front-facing cameras in hole-punch cutouts, and the new Camera Control button. Storage options are expected to range from 256GB to 1TB. Furthermore, the foldable iPhone is reportedly designed for enhanced repairability compared to competing devices in the market.

Beyond the iPhone, the event is expected to showcase updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. The Apple Watch Series 12 might gain a new chip, improved fitness tracking capabilities, enhanced battery life, and continuous heart-rate monitoring. Redesigned Health and Fitness app experiences are also anticipated. While a ceramic case option could return in white or dark gray, a major redesign is not expected. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is likely to receive similar chip and health upgrades, also without a significant design overhaul. Apple might also expand satellite connectivity features to the Apple Watch, potentially enabling satellite-assisted Maps and photo sharing via Messages.

The AirPods 5 are rumored to launch in two variants: one with and one without active noise cancellation. Both models are expected to feature the new H3 chip for improved audio quality and reduced latency, though they are not anticipated to include the heart-rate sensor found in the AirPods Pro 3. The inclusion of these new products underscores Apple's strategy of iterative innovation across its hardware ecosystem, aiming to enhance user experience and maintain its competitive edge in the consumer electronics market.