iPhone 18 Launch Live Updates: iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Ultra, Apple Watch launch; Check expected prices, specs, features and availability as new CEO John Ternus in focus
Synopsis
Apple Event 2026 Live Updates: The Apple iPhone 18 series launch event is expected to feature some of the company’s biggest launches in years, with the first foldable iPhone potentially taking centre stage. The device, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo, could feature a 5.5-inch cover screen and a nearly 8-inch display when unfolded. Apple is also expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models and AirPods 5.
Apple Surprise and Shine Event 2026: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch 12 Among Expected Launches
Apple is set to hold its September 9 event at Apple Park, and this year’s launch could be different from the company’s usual iPhone announcements. The biggest reason is the expected arrival of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, while the event will also mark new CEO John Ternus’ first major product launch since taking over from Tim Cook.
The event is scheduled to begin at 10 am PT, or around 10:30 pm IST, and is expected to feature several new products. While Apple has not confirmed most of the details, months of leaks and reports have already given a fairly clear picture of what could be announced.
The foldable iPhone is expected to attract most of the attention at the event. Reports have suggested that Apple could call the device the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo.
The phone is expected to use a book-style, or passport-style, folding design. Rumours point to a 5.5-inch cover display and a much larger screen of around 7.8 inches when the device is opened. That would allow it to work more like a phone when folded and offer a tablet-like display when unfolded.
The price, however, could make it a very expensive addition to the iPhone family. Reports have pointed to a price of more than $2,000.
Reuters has also reported that Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with the device, making this one of the more significant changes to the iPhone line in years.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to be among the main launches. Apple has not officially confirmed the names or specifications, so the details remain based on reports and leaks.
The Pro models are rumoured to feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip, potentially based on a 2nm manufacturing process. Camera improvements could also be a major part of the update, with reports suggesting that Apple may introduce a variable-aperture camera system.
There have also been reports of a smaller Dynamic Island and other display changes.
Interestingly, the regular iPhone 18 may not be announced at this event. Reports suggest Apple could move the base model to a later launch in the spring, alongside a possible follow-up to the iPhone Air.
Apple’s wearable lineup could also receive updates during the event. The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to bring a new chip and possible health-related improvements, including all-day heart-rate tracking.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also rumoured to be coming, although it could be a relatively small upgrade focused mainly on performance and a chip designed to support Siri AI features.
New AirPods are another possibility. Reports have pointed to AirPods 5, including possible health features such as heart-rate tracking.
Apple could also have a few less expected announcements. A new Apple TV 4K has reportedly been in development, and recent information suggests it could use a processor from the A19 family.
That could make the new Apple TV significantly more powerful than the current model, potentially opening the door to stronger gaming, AI and smart home capabilities.
A smart home hub or HomePod has also been rumoured, although it is considered less certain for this event.
The event is scheduled to begin at 10 am PT, or around 10:30 pm IST, and is expected to feature several new products. While Apple has not confirmed most of the details, months of leaks and reports have already given a fairly clear picture of what could be announced.
Foldable iPhone could be the biggest announcement
The foldable iPhone is expected to attract most of the attention at the event. Reports have suggested that Apple could call the device the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo.
The phone is expected to use a book-style, or passport-style, folding design. Rumours point to a 5.5-inch cover display and a much larger screen of around 7.8 inches when the device is opened. That would allow it to work more like a phone when folded and offer a tablet-like display when unfolded.
The price, however, could make it a very expensive addition to the iPhone family. Reports have pointed to a price of more than $2,000.
Reuters has also reported that Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with the device, making this one of the more significant changes to the iPhone line in years.
iPhone 18 Pro models expected
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to be among the main launches. Apple has not officially confirmed the names or specifications, so the details remain based on reports and leaks.
The Pro models are rumoured to feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip, potentially based on a 2nm manufacturing process. Camera improvements could also be a major part of the update, with reports suggesting that Apple may introduce a variable-aperture camera system.
There have also been reports of a smaller Dynamic Island and other display changes.
Interestingly, the regular iPhone 18 may not be announced at this event. Reports suggest Apple could move the base model to a later launch in the spring, alongside a possible follow-up to the iPhone Air.
Apple Watch and AirPods updates
Apple’s wearable lineup could also receive updates during the event. The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to bring a new chip and possible health-related improvements, including all-day heart-rate tracking.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also rumoured to be coming, although it could be a relatively small upgrade focused mainly on performance and a chip designed to support Siri AI features.
New AirPods are another possibility. Reports have pointed to AirPods 5, including possible health features such as heart-rate tracking.
Apple TV and smart home products
Apple could also have a few less expected announcements. A new Apple TV 4K has reportedly been in development, and recent information suggests it could use a processor from the A19 family.
That could make the new Apple TV significantly more powerful than the current model, potentially opening the door to stronger gaming, AI and smart home capabilities.
A smart home hub or HomePod has also been rumoured, although it is considered less certain for this event.
1 New Update
04:56:21 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple may launch Readiness app
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple could launch a new Readiness app with its upcoming Apple Watch models, according to Mark Gurman. The app may use health data such as heart rate and sleep to offer users a clearer view of their daily health. It is reportedly designed to compete with services from Whoop and Oura, while the new watches may also improve heart-rate tracking.
04:27:26 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple Watch and AirPods Set for Upgrades
Apple is expected to introduce a series of refinements to its wearable and audio lineup, with updates planned for both the Apple Watch and AirPods. While the upcoming devices are not anticipated to feature major redesigns, they will include several notable improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience. The new Apple Watch Series 12 is likely to arrive with updated color choices, redesigned bands and tweaks to the watch casing. Apple is also expected to bring back the ceramic case option, a premium finish that has been absent from recent generations.
04:13:08 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple CEO John Ternus to be in focus
Apple’s annual product showcase will put CEO John Ternus, who took the helm on September 1 from Tim Cook. While Ternus has long been a familiar face at Apple launch events in his role as hardware chief, this marks his debut as the company’s chief executive. Investors, analysts and consumers will be watching closely to see how he positions himself as Apple’s new leader and how he presents the company’s latest lineup of products. The event has added significance because Ternus is stepping into a role shaped by Cook’s highly successful tenure. During Cook’s leadership, Apple’s annual revenue climbed to nearly $500 billion and the company’s stock delivered gains of about 2,300%.
03:47:24 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: John Ternus to lead Apple event as CEO
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple’s upcoming event will see new CEO John Ternus take over the main presentation from Tim Cook. Although Ternus is relatively unknown to the wider public, Apple fans have seen him speak at several product launches as the company’s hardware chief.
His presentations are known for an upbeat tone, strong praise for Apple’s products and detailed technical explanations. However, leading an entire keynote as CEO will be a new challenge. The event will offer a first look at how Ternus handles the spotlight and presents Apple’s next generation of products to a global audience.
His presentations are known for an upbeat tone, strong praise for Apple’s products and detailed technical explanations. However, leading an entire keynote as CEO will be a new challenge. The event will offer a first look at how Ternus handles the spotlight and presents Apple’s next generation of products to a global audience.
03:44:44 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: iPhone 18 Pro Max may get longer battery life
Apple September event 2026 live updates: The iPhone 18 Pro Max could offer a notable battery-life improvement with a larger battery and more efficient hardware. Its capacity may increase to 5,391mAh-5,567mAh, up from 5,088mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The A20 Pro chip is also rumoured to deliver 30% better energy efficiency than the A19 Pro, while the C2 modem could further reduce power consumption. These upgrades may help the new model surpass its predecessor’s 17-hour-54-minute battery life and potentially reach the 20-hour mark.
03:44:20 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: iPhone 18 Pro may get new colour options
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple could refresh the iPhone 18 Pro’s colour lineup with two new finishes, while dropping the popular Cosmic Orange option from last year. Rumours point to a dark burgundy shade called Dark Cherry and a light blue variant.
The new colours are expected to give the latest iPhones a more distinct look, even if the overall design remains familiar. Meanwhile, cases claiming to be designed for the rumoured iPhone Ultra have already appeared online. While case makers typically rely on leaks and supply-chain information rather than direct details from Apple, the accuracy of these designs should become clear when the company officially unveils its new devices.
The new colours are expected to give the latest iPhones a more distinct look, even if the overall design remains familiar. Meanwhile, cases claiming to be designed for the rumoured iPhone Ultra have already appeared online. While case makers typically rely on leaks and supply-chain information rather than direct details from Apple, the accuracy of these designs should become clear when the company officially unveils its new devices.
03:19:52 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: iPhone 18 Pro may bring battery and camera upgrades
Apple September event 2026 live updates: The iPhone 18 Pro could receive several hardware upgrades over its predecessor. Reports claim its US model may pack a 4,288mAh battery, slightly higher than the 4,252mAh unit expected on the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple is also reportedly considering a three-layer stacked image sensor for the phone, which could improve its camera capabilities. Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be powered by Apple’s A20 chip, with the processor said to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm technology.
03:18:37 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: AirPods 5 may debut at Apple event
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple is expected to launch the AirPods 5 instead of the rumoured AirPods Ultra. The new earbuds could feature the H3 chip, bringing better voice isolation, active noise cancellation and spatial audio. A temperature sensor may also be added for basic health tracking. Siri AI is expected to be part of Apple’s pitch, though its features will likely also reach existing compatible AirPods models.
03:16:56 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: iPhone Ultra could be Apple’s biggest launch surprise
Apple September event 2026 live updates: The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to take centre stage at Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event as the company’s first foldable smartphone. Reports suggest it could cost around $2,500, making it a premium device for a limited group of buyers.
The phone is rumoured to measure just 4.5mm when unfolded and feature a 7.8-inch 4:3 display, close to the size of an iPad mini. Apple is also said to be working to eliminate the visible crease. However, the slim design may mean compromises, including two rear cameras instead of a telephoto lens and no Face ID. A Touch ID power button could replace it, while Apple Pencil support is reportedly off the table.
The phone is rumoured to measure just 4.5mm when unfolded and feature a 7.8-inch 4:3 display, close to the size of an iPad mini. Apple is also said to be working to eliminate the visible crease. However, the slim design may mean compromises, including two rear cameras instead of a telephoto lens and no Face ID. A Touch ID power button could replace it, while Apple Pencil support is reportedly off the table.
03:15:36 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: iPhone 18 launch plans and pre-order timing
Apple September event 2026 live updates: Apple is reportedly taking a different approach to its iPhone lineup this year, with the standard iPhone 18 not expected to debut this week. Instead, the iPhone 17 could remain alongside the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus for several more months, marking a major shift from Apple’s usual annual launch cycle.
The company typically opens pre-orders for new iPhones and Apple Watches on the Friday after its September event. However, with September 11 falling on Friday this year, Apple is expected to move pre-orders to Saturday at midnight PT. The change could also leave some customers considering an upgrade with a longer wait for the standard iPhone 18.
The company typically opens pre-orders for new iPhones and Apple Watches on the Friday after its September event. However, with September 11 falling on Friday this year, Apple is expected to move pre-orders to Saturday at midnight PT. The change could also leave some customers considering an upgrade with a longer wait for the standard iPhone 18.
03:13:54 PM IST, 09 Sep 2026
Apple September event 2026 live updates: What Apple could unveil at its September event
Apple September event 2026 live updates: John Ternus is expected to make his first appearance as Apple CEO at the company’s iPhone 18 launch event on Wednesday, September 9. Apple may also return to a live presentation format after relying on pre-recorded events in recent years. The event is scheduled for 10 am PT (10:30 pm IST) and can be streamed via Apple’s website, Apple TV, Apple Developer app and YouTube channel.
The September showcase could bring several major launches, including the foldable iPhone Duo, possibly branded iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple is also expected to introduce the Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.
The September showcase could bring several major launches, including the foldable iPhone Duo, possibly branded iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple is also expected to introduce the Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.