- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:30 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple's big launch event is finally here. The company is holding its "Surprise and Shine" event today, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and there is plenty to look forward to this time around. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to get their usual set of upgrades, but the real star of the show could be Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone.
The foldable has been rumoured for years, but Apple could finally make it official today. Apart from the new iPhones, the company is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. There is also a chance that Apple will introduce the AirPods 5.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are not expected to look dramatically different from the iPhone 17 Pro models. Apple could, however, make a few changes to the rear panel to give the aluminium and glass sections a more uniform appearance.
The front of the phone could see a more noticeable change. Apple is reportedly working on a smaller Dynamic Island by moving some of the Face ID hardware underneath the display. The phones could also get more efficient LTPO+ displays.
Performance is expected to come from Apple's A20 Pro chip, which is reportedly being made using TSMC's 2nm process. Both models could come with 12GB of RAM, while 256GB may become the starting storage option.
The cameras could be another major talking point. Apple is reportedly working on a variable-aperture main camera, which would allow the phone to control how much light reaches the sensor. It could also give users more control over background blur. There is still some uncertainty over whether Apple will put this camera on both Pro models or keep it exclusive to the Pro Max.
There have also been reports of Apple using a Samsung-made image sensor. The change could help with image quality and camera response. Meanwhile, the Camera Control button could be simplified, with pressure sensing retained but the capacitive layer removed.
The Pro Max could get a bigger battery this year. The downside is that the larger battery could make the phone slightly thicker and heavier.
Apple may also introduce its C2 modem with the new iPhones. However, U.S. models could continue to use Qualcomm modems because of the need for mmWave support.
When it comes to colours, Dark Cherry and Light Blue have been mentioned alongside Silver. Some reports, however, claim that Silver may not make the final lineup, while a black finish has also been tipped.
iPhone Ultra Could Be Apple's First Foldable
The product most people will be watching today is Apple's first foldable iPhone. The device could be called the iPhone Ultra, although iPhone Fold and iPhone Duo have also been mentioned in reports.
Apple is expected to go with a book-style foldable rather than a flip-style design. The phone could have a 5.5-inch display on the outside and a much larger 7.8-inch screen when opened.
Despite the larger inner display, Apple is reportedly aiming for a body that is only around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. The hinge could use liquid metal, while the display crease is expected to be far less noticeable than on many existing foldables. It probably won't disappear completely, though.
There could also be a major change to Apple's biometric system. Instead of Face ID, the foldable is rumoured to use Touch ID built into the Side button.
The camera setup is expected to include Wide and Ultra Wide cameras on the rear. There could also be selfie cameras on both the outer and inner screens, so users can take selfies regardless of whether the phone is open or closed.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to use the A20 Pro chip and could have 12GB of RAM. MagSafe charging is also reportedly supported.
Apple could take advantage of the larger inner screen with software features borrowed from the iPad. This could include running two apps side by side, making the foldable more useful for multitasking.
The colour choices are expected to be fairly simple, with silver or white and a very dark indigo finish among the options reportedly being considered.
Apple Watch Series 12
The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to stick with the familiar Apple Watch design rather than getting a major makeover.
Apple could focus on what's inside instead. The watch is expected to use a faster S12 chip and could bring several improvements to health and fitness tracking.
There is also a possibility that Apple could bring back ceramic as a case material. White and dark grey ceramic versions have reportedly been tested.
Health tracking could receive some attention as well. Apple is said to be testing continuous heart-rate monitoring throughout the day and a new Readiness app. The company could also add more wellness metrics through changes to its Health and Fitness features.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to follow the same design as the Ultra 3, so don't expect a major visual change.
The main upgrades could include the faster S12 chip and improvements to health and fitness tracking. If continuous heart-rate monitoring comes to the Series 12, the Ultra 4 could get it too.
Apple is also reportedly looking at expanding the satellite features available on the Watch. The additions could include Apple Maps support and the ability to share photos through Messages.
AirPods 5 May Also Be Announced
Apple could have something new for AirPods fans as well, although the AirPods 5 launch is not as certain as the other products.
The new earbuds are expected to come in two versions. One could offer active noise cancellation, while the other may not. Apple could also introduce the H3 chip, which is expected to improve sound quality and reduce latency.
Regular iPhone 18 Is Not Expected Today
There is one iPhone that probably won't be part of today's event: the regular iPhone 18.
Apple is reportedly changing the way it launches its iPhones. Instead of releasing the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models, the company could move it to spring 2027.
The iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are also expected to arrive around the same time, forming part of Apple's new split-year iPhone launch strategy.
iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Foldable Price Expectations
The iPhone 18 Pro models could be more expensive this year, with higher memory costs reportedly putting pressure on Apple's pricing.
Based on the rumoured US prices, the iPhone 18 Pro could start at around $1,249 to $1,299, which works out to approximately ₹1.18 lakh to ₹1.23 lakh. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could reportedly start at $1,349 to $1,399, or roughly ₹1.28 lakh to ₹1.33 lakh.
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The foldable iPhone is expected to sit in a completely different price bracket. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that Apple has discussed a starting price of around $2,199, which converts to approximately ₹2.08 lakh. Higher-storage versions could reportedly come close to $3,000, or around ₹2.84 lakh.
These are simple USD-to-INR conversions and should not be treated as expected Indian launch prices. Apple's India pricing can be considerably higher after taxes, duties and other costs, so the final Indian prices could be different once the company officially announces the devices.
For now, these remain rumoured prices, and Apple is expected to reveal the official figures during today's event.