Summary of Apple sets September 9 event: iPhone 18 Pro and first foldable iPhone expected
- Apple has scheduled a launch event for Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific time.
- The company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable phone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra.
- New Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are also likely to be announced.
- A refreshed HomePod Mini and Apple TV 4K could be part of the event as well.
- The standard iPhone 18 is not expected until sometime next year.
A big date for Apple fans
Apple has sent out invitations for a special event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific time. The gathering is expected to be one of the company's most important in years, with not only the next iPhone 18 Pro series but also Apple's very first foldable phone on the agenda.
If you have been waiting to see what a folding iPhone looks like, this September event should finally deliver the answer. Alongside the foldable, Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, new Apple Watch models, and possibly an updated Apple TV 4K.
First foldable iPhone: The iPhone Ultra
What this means for Apple sets September 9 event
The star of the show is widely expected to be Apple's inaugural foldable phone, which may be called the iPhone Ultra. This device is rumored to use a book-style folding design, similar to what Samsung offers with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The big difference, according to reports, is that Apple's foldable will be wider than typical foldables. That wider shape has proven popular with Galaxy users, and it could become a new trend if Apple adopts it.
For anyone curious about foldable phones but hesitant to leave the Apple ecosystem, this could be the device that makes the switch unnecessary. The foldable iPhone is expected to run iOS and integrate with all the usual Apple services, so existing users will not have to learn a new operating system.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: What to expect
In addition to the foldable, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These models will likely arrive with several upgrades over the current generation. Rumored improvements include a variable aperture camera, which would give photographers more control over depth of field and low-light performance. New color options and a notable battery boost are also expected.
The standard iPhone 18 is not expected to appear at this event. Instead, it may launch sometime next year. That means the September event will focus on the premium Pro models and the foldable, leaving the base model for a later date.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro series is a key question. With the foldable iPhone Ultra likely to carry a premium price, Apple may adjust the Pro pricing to keep the lineup competitive. Official pricing details should be announced at the event.
Apple Watch and smart home updates
Apple's September event is not just about phones. The company is also expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. While other wearable makers are moving toward screenless fitness trackers, Apple appears to be sticking with its traditional watch design for now.
On the smart home side, a new HomePod Mini and a refreshed Apple TV 4K could also be on the agenda. These products would round out Apple's ecosystem, giving users more reasons to stay within the company's hardware and software universe.
What this means for your next phone: Apple September 9
If you are thinking about buying a new phone soon, the September 9 event gives you a clear reason to wait a little longer. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will likely offer meaningful camera and battery upgrades, and the foldable iPhone Ultra represents a whole new category for Apple. Even if you are not interested in a folding phone, the Pro models alone could be worth the wait.
For those who are curious about how Apple's new devices compare with the competition, you can use our phone finder tool to filter by features, or check out our comparison tool to see specs side by side. If you are more interested in the best devices available right now, our best phones guide is regularly updated.
Once the event wraps up, we will have full coverage of every announcement, including hands-on impressions and detailed specifications. In the meantime, you can browse our phone reviews to see how the current iPhone models stack up, or read our review methodology to understand how we evaluate devices.
For anyone considering their first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra could be the most accessible entry point yet. Apple's ecosystem, app support, and customer service are well established, and a foldable iPhone would bring those advantages to a new form factor. Whether you upgrade to the Pro, go all-in on the foldable, or simply watch from the sidelines, September 9 is shaping up to be a day worth marking on your calendar.