Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at an event in Cupertino on September 9, the first major product launch under new chief executive John Ternus.
The company is expected to hold back the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027, when it is likely to launch alongside the iPhone 18e and an updated iPhone Air.
That leaves the Pro models and the company’s first foldable device to headline September’s event.
Foldable iPhone UltraThe device, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, is expected to use a book-style design that opens flat into a tablet-sized screen, a similar concept to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.
iPhone 18 Pro and MaxThe Pro models are expected to keep a similar design to last year’s iPhone 17 Pro range, with a larger battery reportedly giving the Pro Max a capacity of 5,567mAh.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at an event in Cupertino on September 9, the first major product launch under new chief executive John Ternus. Here are some of the rumours going around about the event.
The company is expected to hold back the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027, when it is likely to launch alongside the iPhone 18e and an updated iPhone Air. That leaves the Pro models and the company’s first foldable device to headline September’s event.
Foldable iPhone Ultra
The device, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, is expected to use a book-style design that opens flat into a tablet-sized screen, a similar concept to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Leaks point to a 5.5-inch OLED outer display and a 7.8-inch OLED inner display when unfolded.
The phone could be as thin as 4.5mm unfolded and about 9mm folded, according to rumours, with a liquid metal hinge designed for durability and a minimal, though not eliminated, crease. There is reportedly no room for Apple’s TrueDepth camera system, so the device would use Touch ID via a side button rather than Face ID, while still including front-facing cameras for both displays. The rear camera is expected to have ultra-wide and wide lenses but no telephoto lens.
Rumours point to a 2nm A20 Pro chip, said to be around 18 per cent faster and up to 30 per cent more power-efficient than the A19 Pro, with 12GB of RAM. Apple’s in-house C2 modem is also expected, though if it lacks mmWave support, US models sold with 5G mmWave capability could instead use Qualcomm modems. Battery capacity across the two halves of the device is expected to total between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh. Colour options are said to be limited to silver/white and a deep indigo shade close to black.
Bloomberg has reported that the foldable will include MagSafe charging. According to rumours, the device will cost at least $2,000, with higher-storage models priced as high as $2,500.
iPhone 18 Pro and Max
The Pro models are expected to keep a similar design to last year’s iPhone 17 Pro range, with a larger battery reportedly giving the Pro Max a capacity of 5,567mAh. Rumours point to a smaller Dynamic Island, a new LTPO+ display said to be more power-efficient, and the 2nm A20 Pro chip.
Apple is expected to add a variable aperture to the main rear camera, allowing more control over exposure and background blur, though it is unclear whether this will be limited to the Pro Max. A three-layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung and a wider-aperture telephoto lens are also rumoured, along with a simplified Camera Control button. Colour options are expected to include dark cherry, light blue and silver, with rumours suggesting there will be no black option this year.
Some or all of the Pro models could use Apple’s C2 modem, with mmWave-capable US versions potentially retaining Qualcomm modems instead, and satellite connectivity has also been mentioned as a possibility.
Reports have pointed to a price increase of $100 to $300 over the iPhone 17 Pro range, which has been linked to higher costs for memory and storage. Apple attributed earlier price rises on its computers and home devices this year to supply pressures on memory chips linked to the broader AI-driven chip race, and has also raised prices for Apple Music and Apple TV subscriptions.
Software chops
Apple’s next generation of operating systems, including iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate and tvOS 27, were announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June and are expected to launch this autumn. iOS 27 is expected to include a revamped version of Siri built around artificial intelligence.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the Apple Watch Series 12 could bring back a ceramic case option alongside new band colours, without a major redesign.
Rumours point to a new processor, along with more efficient display technology intended to extend battery life. Apple is also said to be testing continuous, all-day heart rate monitoring to power a new Health app feature, and reports have referenced possible Touch ID integration and blood pressure monitoring, though neither has been confirmed. Apple’s planned AI overhaul of the Health app has reportedly run into problems. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to share the new processor without major design changes.
AirPods and other updates
AirPods are typically refreshed on a two-year cycle, and the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 Pro could be announced at the event, potentially with a new chip and additional health sensors. Rumours of camera-equipped ‘AirPods Ultra’, featuring a small infrared camera intended to scan surroundings for AI-based visual intelligence features, have drawn criticism from some technology commentators over privacy concerns, though Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said such a product is not expected until next year.
The ‘Surprise and Shine’ event starts at 10am Pacific Time (10.30 PM IST) at Apple Park and will be livestreamed on Apple’s website, Apple TV and YouTube.
