Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event: iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Ultra and Apple Watch Expected Tonight
Apple is set to host its biggest hardware event of the year on September 9, with the Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event expected to introduce a new generation of premium iPhones along with major updates to the Apple Watch lineup and potentially the company’s first-ever foldable smartphone.
The event, titled “Surprise and shine,” is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, or 10:30 p.m. IST in India. Apple has confirmed that the event will be streamed through its website, Apple TV and YouTube.
The event is also significant because it is the first major Apple product launch led by new CEO John Ternus, who took over the top job from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Expected to Lead the Event
The biggest announcements are expected to be the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Unlike previous September launches, reports indicate that Apple may not introduce the standard iPhone 18 during this event. The base model is expected to arrive separately in spring 2027, leaving the premium Pro models to headline the September launch.
This would represent a significant change in Apple’s iPhone launch strategy, with the company potentially separating its premium and standard models across different release windows.
A20 Pro Chip Could Power the New iPhones
The A20 Pro chip is expected to be one of the major upgrades in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Reports indicate that the new chip could be manufactured using a 2-nanometre process, potentially improving performance and power efficiency compared with previous generations.
The processor upgrade could become particularly important as Apple continues to integrate more artificial-intelligence capabilities into its devices.
However, Apple had not officially confirmed the chip specifications ahead of the event, meaning the final technical details will only be clear once the company makes its announcements.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Finally Arrive
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event could be the company’s long-rumoured foldable smartphone.
Reports suggest that Apple may introduce the device under the iPhone Ultra name. The phone is expected to use a book-style folding design, opening into a much larger display while remaining relatively compact when closed.
If launched, it would mark Apple’s first major new iPhone form factor since the iPhone X introduced the modern Face ID-era design in 2017.
What Could Make the Foldable iPhone Different?
Apple is entering the foldable market several years after competitors such as Samsung, Google and Motorola.
However, analysts expect Apple’s entry to have an outsized impact because of the company’s enormous customer base and influence over smartphone design trends.
Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could feature a passport-style design, with a display around 5.5 inches when closed and approximately 7.6 inches when opened. Some reports also suggest that Apple may use Touch ID instead of Face ID because of the device’s extremely thin design.
The device could reportedly be priced above $2,500, putting it firmly into the ultra-premium smartphone category.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Also Expected
The iPhone is not expected to be the only major hardware announcement.
Apple is also widely expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 during the event. Reports have pointed to possible design updates, new health-related capabilities and additional case and band options.
The Apple Watch lineup remains an important part of Apple’s broader wearable ecosystem, particularly as the company continues expanding health and fitness features.
AirPods Updates Could Also Be Announced
Apple may also use the event to introduce updated AirPods.
Reports have suggested that new AirPods models could receive internal upgrades and additional health-related features, although expectations around the next generation of Apple’s more advanced audio products remain less certain than those surrounding the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple could also announce software release dates alongside the hardware announcements.
Siri and Apple Intelligence Remain Important
Hardware is only part of Apple’s current strategy.
The company has been under increasing pressure to demonstrate meaningful progress in artificial intelligence, particularly around Siri and Apple Intelligence.
Reuters reported that Apple is expected to showcase a major Siri revamp during the event, with the company using Google’s AI technology as part of its broader effort to improve the assistant. Regulatory restrictions in some markets could affect the timing of certain AI features.
That makes the September event important not only for Apple’s hardware business but also for its wider AI strategy.
John Ternus Faces His First Major Apple Launch
The event carries additional significance because it is the first major Apple product keynote under CEO John Ternus.
Ternus became Apple’s chief executive on September 1 after Tim Cook moved into the role of executive chairman.
His first major product event comes at a time when Apple faces intense competition in AI, smartphones and emerging hardware categories.
The launch therefore offers Ternus an opportunity to establish his leadership style while presenting Apple’s next major product cycle.
When and Where to Watch the Apple Event in India
The Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event begins at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9, which corresponds to approximately 10:30 p.m. IST in India.
Apple has confirmed that viewers can watch the event through its official website and Apple TV. The company is also making the event available through YouTube.
Indian consumers will therefore be able to follow the announcements live late Wednesday evening.
What to Expect From Apple’s Biggest Hardware Event
The September 9 event could become one of Apple’s most important product launches in years.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to deliver the annual performance and camera upgrades, while the possible iPhone Ultra could represent Apple’s entry into an entirely new smartphone category.
At the same time, Apple Watch updates, AirPods improvements and advances in Apple Intelligence could make the event broader than a conventional iPhone launch.
Why the Foldable iPhone Matters for Apple
Apple has historically entered new hardware categories after competitors have already established them.
The company’s strategy has often been to wait until a technology matures and then attempt to refine the user experience around it.
A foldable iPhone would therefore represent a major test of that approach.
Foldables remain a relatively small portion of the overall smartphone market, but Apple’s entry could significantly increase consumer interest and push other manufacturers to accelerate innovation.
Key Takeaway
The Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event on September 9 could mark a major turning point for the company.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to headline the event, potentially powered by the new A20 Pro chip. Apple could also finally unveil its first foldable smartphone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, alongside new Apple Watch models and other hardware.
The event is particularly significant because it marks John Ternus’ first major product launch as Apple CEO and comes as the company faces growing competition in artificial intelligence and foldable devices.
For Indian audiences, the event begins at approximately 10:30 p.m. IST, making tonight’s keynote one of the most closely watched Apple events of 2026.
FAQs
1. When is the Apple iPhone 18 Launch Event?
Apple’s September 2026 event is scheduled for September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, which is approximately 10:30 p.m. IST in India.
2. Which iPhones are expected to launch?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced. Reports also point to Apple’s first foldable iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Ultra.
3. Will the standard iPhone 18 launch tonight?
Reports indicate that the standard iPhone 18 may not launch during the September event and could instead arrive in spring 2027.
4. What is the A20 Pro chip?
The A20 Pro is the expected next-generation processor for Apple’s premium iPhone models. Reports suggest it could use a 2nm manufacturing process designed to improve performance and efficiency.
5. Will Apple launch a foldable iPhone?
Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone during the event, although the company had not officially confirmed the product before the keynote.
6. What could the foldable iPhone be called?
Reports suggest Apple could call its first foldable smartphone the iPhone Ultra, although the final name will only be confirmed by Apple.
7. Which Apple Watch models are expected?
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are among the models expected to be announced.
8. Will Apple announce new AirPods?
New AirPods are also possible, although the exact models and features remain less certain than the expected iPhone announcements.
9. Who will lead Apple’s September 2026 event?
Apple CEO John Ternus is expected to lead the keynote. It will be his first major Apple product launch since becoming CEO on September 1, 2026.
10. Where can viewers watch the Apple event?
Apple has confirmed that the event will be available through Apple.com, the Apple TV app and YouTube.
