Apple has officially announced the date for its next major hardware event, where it is expected to unveil the new iPhone 18 lineup: September 9 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, live from Apple Park in Cupertino. The invite, themed 'Surprise and Shine', has already set the internet abuzz—and for good reason, as rumors point to the most ambitious iPhone generation in years.
iPhone 18 Pro Launches Without a Base Model
According to leaks circulating for weeks, a major shift this year is that there won't be a standard 'base' iPhone 18 released alongside the Pro models. Apple is expected to debut only the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, pushing more affordable versions of the lineup to Spring 2027—following a strategy the company previously tested with the iPhone Air.
The new devices are set to introduce the A20 Pro chip, built on a cutting-edge 2-nanometer process, promising massive performance and energy-efficiency gains. Rumors also point to major rear camera upgrades, including a more advanced variable aperture on the Pro models.
The Main Event: The First Foldable iPhone
The true star of the show, however, is expected to be something entirely new: Apple's very first foldable iPhone, heavily rumored as the 'iPhone Ultra' or 'iPhone Fold'. Featuring a book-style folding design, it reportedly sports a 5.5-inch outer display and a sprawling 7.6-inch inner screen when unfolded—dimensions very close to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, its chief competitor in the foldable market.
An intriguing detail sparking debate among fans is the biometrics choice: unlike the rest of the flagship lineup, the foldable iPhone is rumored to use Touch ID instead of Face ID, likely due to spatial limitations for TrueDepth sensors within the folding chassis.
What Else to Expect on Stage
Beyond the iPhones, Apple is widely expected to refresh its wearable lineup with the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4, alongside an updated Apple TV 4K, a revised HomePod mini, and potentially a brand-new smart home hub. The event should also announce the official release dates for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate.
A quick warning for your wallet: tech analysts have cautioned that prices may rise this cycle, partly driven by global memory shortages (RAM and storage) that are currently driving up component costs across the entire smartphone industry.
With a groundbreaking foldable device and a revamped flagship lineup, the 'Surprise and Shine' event is shaping up to be Apple's most talked-about showcase in years. The livestream will be broadcast via Apple's official website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app.
