Apple Schedules September 9 Event to Unveil iPhone 18 Pro Models and Foldable iPhone

Apple has officially announced its next major product event for September 9 at 8 PM Israel time, titled "Surprise and Shine." The event is expected to showcase the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the company’s flagship smartphones for 2026. However, unlike previous years, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air 2 models are reportedly delayed until around March 2027, marking a significant departure from Apple’s traditional single annual iPhone launch cycle. This split release schedule would separate the Pro models’ debut in September from the other models several months later.

A major highlight anticipated at the event is Apple’s first foldable smartphone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. This would mark Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market years after competitors have launched multiple generations. It remains unclear if the foldable iPhone will be available simultaneously with the Pro models or introduced gradually, potentially starting with a U.S.-only release.

In addition to iPhones, Apple may reveal new AirPods Pro featuring built-in cameras and the AirPods 5 in two versions, one with active noise cancellation and one without. References to the fifth-generation AirPods have appeared in macOS 26.7 code, though details on upgrades compared to the AirPods 4 are still unknown.

The event also signifies a leadership transition at Apple. Tim Cook, who has been CEO since August 2011, will step down on September 1 to become executive chairman. John Ternus, previously head of hardware engineering, will take over as CEO and lead the September 9 event for the first time. This launch will be a milestone for Ternus, coinciding with Apple’s potential shift in product launch strategy and entry into the foldable smartphone market.