Apple has confirmed its September special event will be held on September 9. It won't just be the iPhone 18 Pro or folding iPhone launch, but also the first event with John Ternus as CEO. Here's what to expect.
Regular as clockwork, Apple holds an event in early September to launch new iPhone models and other products. Apple has just confirmed that this will be the case for 2026's presentation.
Titled "Surprise and shine," the event will be taking place on September 9, starting at 10 A.M. Pacific, 1 P.M. Eastern Time. As usual, it will be streamed on YouTube, the Apple Event page, and the Apple TV app, among other methods.
The event will be the first for the company following the long-awaited CEO transition. John Ternus will take over from Tim Cook on September 1, and will helm the presentation from the outset.
While there has been some speculation of the return of a live keynote, it's doubtful that Apple will move away from its slick prerecorded video. There will be an on-site event at Apple Park for the media to try out Apple's new launches, if not anything being streamed live.
As always, AppleInsider will be reporting in-depth about the product launches and the event in general.
As with every Apple fall event schedule, there are many products that will launch, but not everything will appear during the prime September showcase. A second and a rare third event can also be held for select products that Apple plans to launch a little later.
The September event is chiefly when Apple launches its update to the iPhone range, and this year it is the iPhone 18 generation. However, it will only be part of the roster due to Apple's decision to split the series into two separate launches.
For September's event, Apple will introduce the premium members of the iPhone 18 family, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
A mock-up of a dark cherry iPhone 18 Pro, one of the rumored colorways.
After the 2025 refresh, the 2026 update is probably going to be a spec-bump update. Chiefly, that will mean a transition to a new 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, which stands to run cooler for longer thanks to some packaging changes.
You can also count Apple's C2 modem as being included in the model, too. As far as physical changes go, the camera bump may get a little bit bigger and colors like dark cherry may appear, but don't expect a complete overhaul.
When it comes to cameras, there may be a few changes, including the possibility of under-display Face ID. On the back, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may be the only model to gain a variable-aperture camera, which can help create a real bokeh effect instead of a computer-generated version.
What definitely will change is the price. In the wake of the June price rises and the continuing memory crisis, the iPhone 18 Pro could cost $300 more than the iPhone 17 Pro counterparts.
The more important iPhone launch for the event will be the iPhone Fold, though it may also be called the iPhone Ultra. The long-awaited smartphone will be Apple's first foray into the foldable marketplace.
It will be equipped with two screens, with an internal 7.8-inch screen that can be unfolded like a book. A second 5.3-inch display will be on the outside for more typical smartphone usage.
That internal display could be quite unusual for Apple. There are rumors that it could have asymmetrical corners.
A render of what the iPhone Fold could look like – Image Credit: AppleInsider
The model is expected to include premium specifications like the A20 Pro, 12GB of memory, and a large number of cameras. Rumors point to it having a pair of 48-megapixel rear cameras, as well as front-facing 18MP cameras in the front and back screens for video calls.
The lack of a telephoto camera could be a problem for early adopters used to premium specifications.
Rumors say the internal screen's camera could use an under-display system, while the external display will be punch-hole style.
The iPhone Fold also stands to be the most expensive iPhone Apple sells, even ignoring the memory crisis. Pre-issue rumors forecast a price between $2,000 and $2,500, but it could end up being much higher.
Though a launch is anticipated to happen in September, you may not see it in stores until much later. The United States will probably still be the first market it launches in, with a slower rollout elsewhere.
While availability is questionable, the probability of it launching is sky high. On August 23, a report claimed that people have tried out the device ahead of its launch.
Usually paired with the iPhone launches, you can expect an Apple Watch update too. We aren't expecting much in 2026.
The Apple Watch Series 12 will not benefit from a major overhaul just yet, but it could gain a new health sensor via a fluoroelastomer band and a new band attachment method. Otherwise, don't expect much more than a spec-bump update here.
The Apple Watch Ultra could see an update too, bringing it to version 4. There have been claims of a redesign and new sensors, though rumors have been light on actual detail.
The 2026 update may be a dull one for your wrist, but a revamp is still on the way.
