Apple's September 2026 Event: iPhone 18, Foldable, and New Watches Expected

Apple is poised to reveal a suite of new hardware at its annual September event, with expectations high for the next generation of iPhones and smartwatches. Sources suggest at least five new devices will be announced, potentially including models that have been awaiting advancements in AI capabilities, such as enhanced Siri features.

The upcoming lineup is expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 18 Pro Max. While the designs may closely resemble the iPhone 17 Pro, these new models are anticipated to boast a refined Dynamic Island, a new Wide camera with improved aperture control for superior lighting and bokeh effects, and the faster A20 Pro chip. Battery performance is also slated for an upgrade, thanks to the new chip, an advanced LTPO+ OLED display, and potentially new C2 modem and N2 networking chips. The special color for this year's Pro models is rumored to be 'Dark Cherry'.

A significant addition to the iPhone family could be Apple's first foldable device, speculated to be branded as the "iPhone Ultra." This innovative smartphone is said to feature a 5.5-inch display when closed and expand to a 7.8-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, akin to an iPad mini when unfolded. Reports indicate a design that minimizes the visible crease and incorporates a powerful 2nm A20 chip. However, the device's slim profile might limit it to a dual-lens rear camera system and preclude the TrueDepth camera, possibly necessitating the return of Touch ID. This premium foldable is projected to carry a price tag between $2,000 and $2,500. While manufacturing hurdles have been noted, Apple might follow a strategy similar to the iPhone X launch in 2017, introducing the foldable in September but delaying customer availability until later.

Wearables and Other Possibilities

The Apple Watch ecosystem is also set for updates. The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to receive a modest refresh, likely including a faster S-series chip and enhancements to its health and fitness tracking capabilities, alongside a potential battery life improvement. Similarly, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will reportedly share the same chip upgrade. While some reports suggest the Ultra 4 could be thinner with advanced sensing functions, the reliability of these claims varies.

Beyond the main September announcements, Apple is also reportedly developing other hardware for a potential later release in 2026. This includes a new home hub device featuring a 7-inch square display, designed for smart home control, photo viewing, video calls, and information display, with deep Siri integration. This device, potentially running proprietary Apple applications, could debut in late 2026 or early 2027. Additionally, the Apple TV 4K is expected to be refreshed with a new chip, increased RAM, and an updated networking chip. The HomePod mini may also see an update with a faster processor and new color options, and a full-size HomePod could receive a chip upgrade. A smart home camera is also rumored to be in development, possibly launching alongside the home hub.

It's important to note that a standard iPhone 18 model is not anticipated for the September 2026 event; instead, the lineup will focus on the higher-end Pro and foldable variants. The more accessible iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 models are reportedly slated for a spring 2027 release. Furthermore, the Apple Watch SE is not scheduled for an update this year. While an OLED iPad mini, updated MacBook Pros and iMacs, and new Mac Studio and Mac mini models are also possibilities for later in 2026, they are unlikely to be part of the September iPhone-centric event.

Historically, Apple tends to hold its iPhone events on a Tuesday or Wednesday in early to mid-September. Given that September 7, 2026, falls on Labor Day, the event is most likely scheduled for either Tuesday, September 9, or Wednesday, September 10. If the event occurs on September 9, pre-orders could begin around September 11-12, with a public release following on September 18.