iPhone 18 Pro Launch Event Details: Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' event is almost here and will take place in Apple Park on September 9, 2026. This is not just a launch event; a lot more will be there to look forward to. This time, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also going through a major leadership change as John Ternus takes the seat as Apple's new CEO from Tim Cook.
Apart from that, Apple might be bringing out something completely new this time: its highly anticipated book-style foldable iPhone, being dubbed iPhone Ultra as of now, which will also be the company's first device making an entry into this segment.
The latest iPhone series is also on the anvil, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to mark their debut. Other accessories like Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with a new ceramic edition and latest health features are also on the line. AirPods 5 may also make its way to the public this time, with heart-rate tracking, and other services like Apple Home Hub might also get showcased, which will help expand Apple's ecosystem.
When, Where And How To Watch the 'Surprise and Shine' Event
According to Indian time, the event is going to take place at 10:30 PM IST and will be hosted at Apple Park in Cupertino. People can use YouTube to get the Live feed as well as Apple's event page and Apple TV app, to watch the keynote showcase and announcements. All you need to do is tune into these channels, among other methods, to get the Live feed going.
What To Expect From the Launch Event?
First up is the iPhone Ultra, which is Apple's rumoured foldable, although no details have been revealed yet, as the tech giant likes to keep things wrapped until the last moment. Leaks suggest a 7.8-inch inner display with a 5.3-inch cover screen, which is what it looks like when folded. Inside the device is expected to be an A20 Pro chipset, with rumours also suggesting 12GB of RAM inside.
The device might sport a dual camera module with a 48MP main camera, but would supposedly lack a telephoto lens.
Next up are the iPhone 18 Series devices, with 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max headlining it. Both are expected to run on TSMC's 2nm Built A20 Pro chipsets and will also employ Apple's own C2 modem. Apart from that, much larger batteries or longer battery life are expected from the devices. These models might feature a slightly bigger camera bump and a new Dark Cherry colourway.
Lastly are the accessories: the Apple Watch 12, with some minimal updates and a health sensor finding its way inside the fluoroelastomer band; the Apple Watch Ultra 4, on the other hand, might get a much more sizeable upgrade in terms of design and otherwise. AirPods 5 are also expected with ANC and non-ANC versions.
What Apple launches for the home ecosystem is yet to be known, and not much is out about these things as of now. Although a refreshed Apple TV 4K and new HomePod, and a mini home hub with a seven-inch display might be on the horizon.
Pricing: The Bigger Question
Pricing remains the common pain point here, as it is major smartphone brands have increased the prices of their products, as Samsung did with its latest devices, looking at a bump of $100.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that the Apple 18 Pro series could find itself in the $1,199 bracket this time. As far as the iPhone Ultra is considered it might cost more than the iPhone 18 series, placing it only in the premium series, with leaks suggesting the prices are touching somewhere between $ 2,000 and $ 2,500.
FAQs
1. Will iPhone Ultra Get Face ID?
Rumours and reports suggest that Apple might skip this on its first foldable due to size constraints and might go back to its classic Touch ID rather than Face ID.
2. Will Tim Cook Present The Keynote At The Event?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, it is unlikely to happen as the new CEO, John Ternus, will take centre stage at the showcase. Tim Cook has now been given the post of Executive Chair, and it is likely that he will attend from the VIP section and not be a part of the keynote video.