Apple’s September 9 Event: Everything We Expect to See This Week

Apple’s biggest hardware event of the year is almost here.

The company will hold its “Surprise and Shine” Apple Event on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with a new generation of iPhones expected to lead the announcements.

But this year could be particularly important. Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple is widely expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, plus new Apple Watches and AirPods.

Here’s what to expect.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max should be Apple’s main conventional flagship phones for 2026.

Major visual changes aren’t expected, but several internal upgrades are rumored, including Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island and improvements to the camera system.

One of the most interesting upgrades could be a variable-aperture main camera, potentially allowing the phone to physically control how much light reaches the sensor. That could improve low-light photography while giving photographers more control over depth of field.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max may also receive a larger battery, while new colors reportedly include Dark Cherry, light blue and silver.

Pricing could be another major talking point. Reports suggest higher component and memory costs could push Pro-model prices upward this generation, although Apple has not confirmed pricing.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Steal the Show

The biggest announcement may not be the iPhone 18 Pro at all.

Apple is expected to finally enter the foldable smartphone market with its first folding iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Ultra.

Current reports point to a book-style design with an outer display around 5.5 inches and an internal OLED screen approaching 7.8 inches when unfolded.

Rather than simply making a larger iPhone, Apple is reportedly designing iOS 27 to take advantage of the extra screen space with features such as side-by-side apps and iPad-style multitasking.

There could be some unusual compromises.

The extremely thin design reportedly leaves little room for Apple’s Face ID hardware, meaning the foldable could instead use Touch ID integrated into the side button. Two rear cameras are also expected instead of the triple-camera system found on Pro iPhones.

Apple’s new A20 Pro processor and approximately 12GB of RAM are also rumored.

And then there’s the price.

Reports suggest Apple’s foldable could start at around $2,000 or higher, potentially making it the most expensive mainstream iPhone Apple has ever released.

Apple Watch Series 12

The Apple Watch Series 12 is also expected to make its debut.

Don’t expect a dramatic redesign. Apple is instead rumored to focus on internal improvements, including a newer processor, better battery efficiency and additional health and fitness capabilities.

Apple may also bring back a ceramic case option, while continuous heart-rate data collection is reportedly being explored for new health features.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Apple’s rugged smartwatch should receive an update as well.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to receive a faster processor and many of the same health and fitness improvements coming to the Series 12.

Apple could also expand satellite functionality, potentially adding features such as Apple Maps via satellite and photo sharing through Messages via satellite.

A major exterior redesign, however, currently looks unlikely.

AirPods 5 Could Join the Lineup

Two versions are expected one with Active Noise Cancellation and a cheaper model without ANC.

Apple may also introduce the AirPods 5.

A newer H-series audio chip could bring improvements to sound quality, latency and efficiency. References to the new AirPods have reportedly already appeared in Apple software.

What About iPhone 18?

Here’s where Apple’s 2026 launch strategy gets unusual.

The regular iPhone 18 is not expected at this event.

Instead, reports suggest Apple is splitting its iPhone release schedule. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable model would arrive this fall, while the standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch in spring 2027, potentially alongside the iPhone 18e and next-generation iPhone Air.

If accurate, it would represent a major change to Apple’s traditional September iPhone launch strategy.

Could Apple Have a Surprise?

There are several other products Apple has reportedly been developing, including a refreshed Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini and a new smart-home hub.

They’re possible candidates for the September event, but they aren’t as certain as the new iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods.

New Macs and other products are more likely to arrive through separate announcements later in the year.

iOS 27 Release Date

Hardware won’t be the only story.

Apple is also expected to announce release dates for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27 during the event.

Apple’s next-generation software puts an even greater emphasis on Apple Intelligence, including its new Siri AI experience. Apple says Siri AI will offer more natural conversations and richer answers, although some capabilities are arriving later.

Why This Apple Event Matters

Apple events usually revolve around faster chips, improved cameras and incremental hardware upgrades.

September 9 could be different.

If Apple actually launches its first foldable iPhone, the event will mark the company’s biggest expansion of the iPhone form factor in years and put Apple directly into a foldable market where Samsung and other Android manufacturers already have significant experience.

The biggest questions are therefore simple: Can Apple make a foldable compelling enough to justify a $2,000-plus price, and will consumers actually want one?

We’ll finally get the answers on September 9.

VerdictByte will be covering Apple’s announcements and the biggest product launches from the event.