Apple is getting ready for one of its biggest iPhone launches in years.
The company will host its “Surprise and Shine” Apple Event today, September 9, 2026, where it is expected to introduce the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with what could be Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone.
The event is also significant because it will be the first major Apple product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who took over the role earlier this month.
While Apple has confirmed the event itself, most of the details surrounding the new iPhones are still based on reports and leaks. Here’s what we expect to see.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Launching Today: Expected Price, Specs, AI Features and What to Expect
iPhone 18 Pro Launching Today
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be the main smartphone announcements at today’s event.
Unlike previous years, Apple is reportedly focusing this September launch on its premium Pro models. The standard iPhone 18 could arrive at a later date, potentially in 2027.
The Pro models are expected to receive upgrades across performance, cameras, battery life and display technology, although Apple has not confirmed the specifications yet.
Expected iPhone 18 Pro Specs
One of the biggest upgrades could be Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip.
Reports suggest the processor could be built using a more advanced manufacturing process, potentially improving performance and power efficiency compared with the previous generation.
The new chip could also play an important role in Apple’s growing AI ambitions, particularly as the company continues improving Apple Intelligence and Siri.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to retain premium OLED displays, with Apple potentially making further changes to the Dynamic Island and display design.
Some reports point to a smaller Dynamic Island, although it remains unclear whether Apple will make a major change to the front-facing camera and Face ID system this year.
Camera Upgrades Could Be a Major Highlight
Apple is also expected to make significant improvements to the iPhone 18 Pro camera system.
One of the most interesting rumors is the addition of a variable-aperture camera system.
If introduced, this could give the camera more control over how much light enters the lens, potentially improving photography in different lighting conditions and providing more flexibility when capturing portraits.
The Pro models are also expected to receive improvements to image processing and computational photography.
However, the exact camera specifications, sensor sizes and megapixel counts have not been officially confirmed.
Bigger Battery on the iPhone 18 Pro Max
Battery life could receive another improvement, particularly on the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Reports suggest Apple may increase battery capacity while also benefiting from the improved efficiency of the next-generation chip.
The combination could result in longer real-world battery life, although the actual improvement will depend on Apple’s hardware and software optimization.
Apple typically focuses on usage-time improvements rather than simply advertising battery capacity, so the company’s official figures will be more important than leaked numbers.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Steal the Show
The biggest announcement of the night may not be the iPhone 18 Pro at all.
Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, which has reportedly been in development for years.
The device is rumored to use a book-style folding design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series rather than a flip-phone design.
When closed, it would function like a conventional smartphone. Opening the device would reveal a much larger internal display suitable for multitasking, reading and other tablet-like tasks.
The rumored internal display is around 7.8 inches, while reports have suggested an outer display in the roughly 5.5-inch range.
The exact dimensions could still change before launch.
What Could Apple Call Its Foldable iPhone?
The name of Apple’s first foldable remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.
Reports have used several names, including iPhone Ultra, iPhone Fold and iPhone Duo.
The iPhone Ultra name has received particular attention because Apple already uses the Ultra branding for some of its other premium products.
However, Apple has not confirmed the final name, so these should be treated as rumors until the company officially announces the device.
Foldable iPhone Price Could Be Extremely High
The foldable iPhone is expected to sit well above Apple’s existing premium models.
Some reports suggest a starting price of more than $2,000, with higher-storage versions potentially reaching or exceeding $2,500.
That would make Apple’s foldable considerably more expensive than a standard iPhone Pro Max.
In India, some reports have placed the expected price around ₹2.5 lakh, although this is not an official figure and could change significantly depending on Apple’s final pricing and taxes.
Apple’s first foldable will therefore be aimed at customers willing to pay a substantial premium for a new form factor.
A Nearly Invisible Crease Could Be Apple’s Big Advantage
One area where Apple may try to differentiate its foldable is the display crease.
Foldable phones have improved considerably over the past few years, but the visible crease remains one of the most noticeable compromises of the technology.
Reports suggest Apple has been working on a hinge and display system designed to make the crease much less noticeable.
If Apple manages to deliver a foldable screen with a cleaner hinge design and minimal crease, it could become one of the phone’s biggest selling points.
Durability will be equally important, particularly because this is Apple’s first entry into the category.
Touch ID Could Return
Another interesting rumor surrounding the foldable iPhone is the possible return of Touch ID.
Some reports suggest Apple could use a Touch ID sensor integrated into the device’s side button rather than relying entirely on Face ID.
This would make sense for a foldable design where Apple may have to approach the front-facing camera and biometric hardware differently.
Still, Touch ID remains unconfirmed, so it should not be considered a guaranteed feature.
What About iPhone 18 Pricing?
Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro models is also uncertain.
Reports have suggested that Apple could increase prices compared with the previous generation, potentially because of rising component and memory costs.
Some estimates have suggested an increase of around $100 to $300 depending on the model and storage configuration.
For India, leaked estimates have placed the iPhone 18 Pro at around ₹1.45 lakh, while the Pro Max could start near ₹1.60 lakh.
These numbers are only expectations at this stage. Apple’s official India pricing will be announced during or after the launch.
Apple Intelligence and Siri Could Get More Attention
The hardware won’t be the only interesting part of today’s event.
Apple is also under pressure to improve its AI strategy.
The company has been working on a more capable version of Siri with deeper Apple Intelligence integration. The goal is to make Siri more useful for everyday tasks rather than simply responding to basic voice commands.
The new iPhones could provide the hardware platform for these improvements.
Apple’s approach remains different from companies that focus heavily on generative AI features, with the company continuing to emphasize privacy and on-device processing where possible.
When and Where to Watch the Apple Event in India
Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event is scheduled for September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, which means it will begin at around 10:30 PM IST in India.
The event will be available through Apple’s official online channels, including its website and YouTube livestream.
For Indian buyers, the most important information to watch for will be the official India prices, pre-order date and availability.
Other Products Could Also Be Announced
The iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone are expected to dominate the event, but Apple could have more products to show.
Reports suggest the company may also introduce new Apple Watch models, potentially including the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
New AirPods have also been discussed ahead of the event, although the exact products Apple plans to announce remain uncertain.
The company could also reveal additional software or ecosystem updates during the presentation.
Should You Wait for the New iPhones?
If you’re planning to buy a high-end iPhone, waiting a little longer makes sense.
The iPhone 18 Pro models could bring meaningful improvements to cameras, performance and battery life, while the foldable iPhone would give Apple fans an entirely new form factor to consider.
However, the foldable is expected to be extremely expensive, making the Pro models a more practical choice for most buyers.
Anyone currently using an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 may also want to wait for the official specifications before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Also read: WhatsApp Could Soon Warn Users About Unofficial Web Clients: What It Means for Your Privacy
Final Thoughts
Today’s Apple event could mark an important moment for the iPhone.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to continue Apple’s traditional premium smartphone strategy with faster performance, improved cameras, better battery efficiency and new display technology.
But the first foldable iPhone is the product that could generate the most attention.
After years of watching Samsung, Google and other manufacturers experiment with foldable phones, Apple may finally be ready to enter the market with its own approach.
The big questions will be the price, durability, display crease, camera system and whether Apple’s software can make the foldable feel genuinely different from existing devices.
For now, most of these details remain unconfirmed. The answers should arrive tonight when Apple takes the stage and officially reveals what it has been working on.