Apple's September Event: iPhone 18, Foldable Ultra, and New Smart Home Devices Expected

Apple is poised to host its annual September product launch event, with sources suggesting a significant lineup of new devices is on the horizon. The event, expected to be hosted by new CEO John Ternus, could be one of Apple's largest in recent years, featuring everything from updated iPhones and Apple Watches to entirely new product categories in smart home technology. The much-rumored foldable iPhone Ultra is also anticipated to make its debut.

This year's iPhone unveiling is slated for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, a slight shift from the typical second week of September to accommodate the Labor Day holiday on September 7. Pre-orders are expected to commence on Saturday, September 12. The event promises to be a landmark for Ternus's tenure, potentially kicking off with a bang.

Key Product Announcements

This year, the focus for iPhones appears to be on the premium segment, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected to be the primary releases. The entry-level iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Plus, along with an iPhone 18e model, are reportedly delayed until spring 2027. Early predictions suggest the Pro models could see a price increase, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially reaching between $1,849 and $1,949, up from the iPhone 17 Pro Max's $1,599. Key upgrades are anticipated for the batteries, camera lenses with variable aperture, and the new A20 Pro chipset. While the Dynamic Island may become more compact, under-display Face ID is reportedly still not ready for production.

The star of the show is expected to be the foldable iPhone Ultra. Leaks indicate a wider form factor, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, featuring a 7.8-inch main foldable display and a 5.4-inch cover screen. It's rumored to be exceptionally thin, measuring between 4.5 and 4.8mm when unfolded. Powering the device will likely be the A20 chipset and Apple's C2 modem, complemented by a Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. The rear camera setup is expected to feature two 48MP lenses, with two 24MP selfie cameras. Despite Apple's efforts to eliminate display creasing, its success remains to be seen. The iPhone Ultra is projected to be a high-end device, with a starting price potentially as high as $2,500, and initial availability could be extremely limited.

In a surprising development, new reports suggest the AirPods Ultra could also launch at this event, contrary to earlier predictions of a 2027 release. These new AirPods are rumored to feature an integrated camera capable of feeding data to Siri, enhancing its visual understanding for tasks like object identification and augmented reality-based navigation. This integration aligns with the upcoming release of a more powerful, AI-driven Siri.

The Apple Watch lineup is set to receive updates with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. While specific details are scarce, significant hardware upgrades are not expected. Potential changes include a new band attachment mechanism, which may render older bands incompatible, and possibly a return of the ceramic case option. WatchOS 27, set to debut with these devices, will introduce new AI-powered health and fitness features and improved integration with the upgraded Siri.

Expansion into Smart Home

Apple's ambitions in the smart home sector appear to be gaining momentum, with potential new hardware releases building upon the advancements in its AI capabilities and the anticipated iOS 27 update. For over two years, rumors have circulated about a revamped HomePod lineup and an AI-enhanced Apple TV 4K. The upcoming event might finally see these plans materialize, especially with the promise of a more capable Siri.

Reports suggest the launch of a new HomePod mini and a more substantial HomePod Home hub. The Home hub concept has varied, with some iterations including a robotic arm and others a wall-mounted touchscreen display. The more commonly rumored version includes a display similar to an iPad mini, a FaceTime camera for video calls, and sensors to automate smart home routines. The HomePod mini 2 is also a possibility, though likely with more modest updates focused on chip improvements and enhanced audio quality. The Apple TV 4K 2026 is also due for an update, potentially receiving the new A20 or A19 chip, alongside the N2 chip for improved connectivity. The integration of Siri AI could transform the Apple TV into a central hub for smart devices, with some rumors even pointing to a version with a camera for FaceTime calls and gesture controls.

The inclusion of advanced AI features across multiple product lines, particularly with the new Siri, signals a significant strategic push by Apple to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its ecosystem. This event could mark a pivotal moment in Apple's strategy, showcasing its vision for the future of personal computing and connected living.