Apple Schedules September 9 Event for iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Debut
Apple has set the stage for its next major product launch on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. Internally themed “Surprise and shine,” the event promises the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, alongside the company’s first foldable smartphone, according to reports from Hipertextual and La Nación.
A New Era at the Steve Jobs Theater
John Ternus Takes the Helm
This presentation serves as a milestone: the first major launch under the leadership of John Ternus. As reported by Hipertextual, Ternus is scheduled to assume the role of CEO on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook. The timing is precise, falling shortly after the U.S. Labor Day holiday on September 7.
https://x.com/tim_cook/status/2092657606758400427
The Foldable Ultra Debuts
Apple is shifting its strategy, separating the launch of its premium devices from its standard models. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max headline the September 9 event, the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e will not be introduced until the spring of 2027. The company’s entry into the foldable market—referred to as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold—is expected to feature a 7.6-inch interior screen and a 5.5-inch exterior display. According to Hipertextual, the device is projected to carry a price point exceeding $2,000 and may be limited to the U.S. market upon release. Technical specifications suggest a 4:3 aspect ratio, intended to provide a user experience comparable to an iPad mini.
A20 Power and Hardware Upgrades
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to introduce the A20 chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. This hardware update is designed to improve power efficiency and support on-device processing for Apple Intelligence, reducing the reliance on external servers. Further hardware enhancements include a variable aperture for the main camera system to improve low-light performance and depth control, as well as the potential for satellite-enabled 5G connectivity.
https://x.com/_evanblass_/status/2092673524456415626
Expanding the Ecosystem
The September event will likely extend beyond smartphones. Industry speculation points to the introduction of the AirPods 5, the Apple Watch Series 12, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4.