Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' event: what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone
Apple has confirmed its big September 9 event, and the rumor mill is in overdrive. From the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's first foldable phone to new watches and home devices, here is everything expected on stage.
It is the most anticipated week of the year for millions of technology fans, and the countdown has officially begun. Apple has confirmed the date for its annual autumn showcase, and with it, the internet has erupted into a frenzy of speculation about what the company will finally reveal on stage in California.
This year's event promises to be one of the most significant in recent memory, with rumors pointing to a genuinely new kind of iPhone alongside the usual updates. Here is a clear breakdown of what Apple has actually confirmed, and what the many leaks and reports suggest we should expect from the lineup.
When and where
Let us start with the facts that come straight from Apple itself. The company has confirmed that its event will take place on Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, at its Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. This year it carries the intriguing tagline Surprise and Shine.
As always, those who cannot attend in person will still be able to follow every moment as it happens. Apple has confirmed that the keynote will be streamed live on its official website, on YouTube, and through the Apple TV app, making it easy for a global audience to watch the announcements unfold in real time.
The star: the iPhone 18 Pro
Naturally, the iPhone remains the headline act, and reports strongly suggest that Apple will unveil both the iPhone 18 Pro and the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to the rumors, both models will be powered by Apple's latest A20 Pro chip, said to be built on an advanced 2-nanometer process for greater speed and efficiency.
On the camera front, leaks point to an upgraded main lens with a variable aperture that behaves more like a traditional DSLR, giving users more creative control. Other rumored refinements include a smaller Dynamic Island and improved display, along with fresh color options reportedly including a striking dark cherry and a softer light blue.
Apple's first foldable
The real showstopper, however, could be Apple's long-rumored first foldable phone, which some reports suggest may be branded the iPhone Ultra. If the leaks are accurate, the device would measure around 5.5 inches when closed and open up to roughly 7.6 inches, resembling a compact tablet in a book-style design.
Rumors also claim the foldable would be remarkably thin, at around 4.5 millimeters when open, using advanced engineering to nearly eliminate the visible crease that has troubled rival devices. It is expected to rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and some reports suggest a premium price that could reach as high as 2,500 dollars.
No standard iPhone 18 this year
One detail that has surprised many observers is the apparent absence of a standard, more affordable iPhone 18 at this event. According to reports, Apple has decided to hold back its cheaper models until the spring of 2027, splitting its release calendar and focusing the autumn spotlight firmly on its premium and most innovative devices.
Beyond the iPhone
Of course, an Apple event is rarely just about phones, and this one looks set to be no exception. On the wearables side, reports point to the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4, both expected to feature faster processors, with a possible return of a ceramic finish on the standard model.
The home could get some attention too, according to the rumor mill. Leaks mention a refreshed HomePod mini with new colors, an updated Apple TV 4K, and a brand new home hub with a seven-inch all-display design, offered in versions that can either sit on a base or be mounted directly on the wall.
A pricier lineup
For anyone planning to upgrade, it is worth preparing for a bigger bill this year. Several reports warn that the new Pro models could carry a noticeable premium over their predecessors, with the increases widely attributed to ongoing shortages of memory chips that have pushed component costs higher across the whole industry.
What to watch for
Until Tim Cook steps onto the stage, all of these details remain firmly in the realm of speculation, however credible the sources may be. What is certain is that a foldable iPhone would mark one of Apple's boldest moves in years, and on September 9 the world will finally learn how much of the rumor mill turned out to be true.
