Apple’s September 9 event is shaping up to be one of its biggest product launches in years, with the company expected to enter the foldable smartphone market while introducing its next-generation Pro iPhones.
The headline device is expected to be Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly positioned as an ultra-premium model and possibly called the iPhone Ultra. Apple has not confirmed the product name or specifications, but multiple reports point to a book-style design that opens into a larger, tablet-like display.
The foldable iPhone is expected to use an outer display of around 5.5 inches and an inner screen of about 7.8 inches. Thinness is likely to be a major focus, with Apple reportedly working on a hinge and display design aimed at reducing the visible crease. The device is also expected to sit at the very top of Apple’s smartphone pricing range, with reports putting its potential starting price above $2,000.
Apple could also make an unexpected change to biometric authentication. Reports suggest the foldable iPhone may use Touch ID integrated into its side button instead of Face ID. The change could help Apple maintain a slimmer profile by removing some of the hardware associated with the TrueDepth camera system.
The camera setup may also distinguish the foldable iPhone from Apple’s Pro models. Instead of a three-camera system, the device is expected to feature two rear cameras. The foldable design could allow users to use the main cameras for selfies and video calls when the phone is opened or folded.
Powering the device could be Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, while the company is also expected to introduce its C2 modem. These details remain based on reports and leaks ahead of the event rather than Apple‘s official announcements.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to form the other major part of Apple’s September lineup. While the overall design is expected to remain familiar, Apple could introduce several hardware upgrades, particularly around cameras, battery life and performance.
One of the most talked-about changes is a variable-aperture main camera, which could give users greater control over how much light reaches the camera sensor. That could improve photography in different lighting conditions and offer more flexibility for portraits and other shots.
The iPhone 18 Pro models could also receive larger batteries and a smaller Dynamic Island. New colour options are reportedly being considered as Apple looks to give the latest Pro models a visible distinction without completely redesigning the phone.
However, consumers waiting for the standard iPhone 18 may have to wait longer. Apple is widely expected to split its iPhone launch schedule, with the premium iPhone 18 Pro models and foldable device arriving this September, while the standard iPhone 18 and other lower-priced models could follow in 2027.
The September event is not expected to be limited to iPhones. Apple could unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, with upgrades expected in areas such as health, fitness and processing performance. AirPods 5 are also among the products reportedly under consideration for the event.
Apple could additionally showcase updates to products such as the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini. A new smart-home hub has also been rumoured, potentially giving Apple users another way to control connected-home devices and interact with Siri.
The event will also have significance beyond the products themselves. It is expected to be the first major iPhone launch led by John Ternus as Apple CEO, adding another layer of interest to an already closely watched event.
Samsung, Google and Chinese smartphone makers have already spent years developing foldable devices. Apple’s entry could bring fresh attention to a category that has remained a relatively small part of the overall smartphone market.
The company is therefore entering the foldable market with high expectations. Rather than being an experimental product, the iPhone Ultra is expected to combine Apple’s premium design approach with a larger flexible display, powerful hardware and the wider iOS ecosystem.
All eyes will now be on September 9 to see how much of the speculation becomes reality. If the foldable iPhone makes its debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple could be setting the direction for its premium smartphone business for the next several years.
