iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Ultra: Everything We Know

Apple has officially scheduled its next major product showcase for September 9 at 10 am PT, where the company is set to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup alongside its highly anticipated first foldable device, according to 9to5Mac. The presentation, themed “Surprise and shine,” will feature a prerecorded video broadcast from Apple Park in Cupertino, California, while drawing invited press to the campus.

Instead of the usual uniform rollout, industry reports indicate that Apple is splitting its annual release schedule, leaving standard consumer models for a later date while prioritizing top-tier engineering for the autumn window.

The upcoming showcase also arrives during a period of executive transition. John Ternus is scheduled to take over as Apple CEO on September 1, while longtime leader Tim Cook moves into the role of executive chairman, establishing a new leadership era just ahead of the product announcements.

What to Expect from the iPhone 18 Pro Lineup

According to reports detailing the upcoming hardware, Apple will focus its fall announcements on three primary devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s inaugural foldable device, widely rumored to be designated as the iPhone Ultra. A standard iPhone model will reportedly not be part of the fall lineup, with standard variants like the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 anticipated to follow in spring 2027.

While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to maintain the general physical designs and display sizes of their predecessors, internal upgrades will target display panels, optics, and connectivity. Speculation highlights three major technical additions: a variable-aperture main camera, a reduced Dynamic Island footprint, and the integration of Apple’s proprietary C2 cellular modem. Potential color configurations for the Pro models include dark cherry, black, silver, and light blue.

The Foldable iPhone Ultra and Companion Ecosystem Upgrades

The centerpiece of the September 9 presentation is expected to be Apple’s first foldable display product. The device, heavily linked to the iPhone Ultra moniker, is projected to utilize a book-style form factor featuring an outer display measuring between 5.3 and 5.5 inches and an inner screen spanning 7.6 to 7.8 inches. Industry sources indicate the foldable hardware will sport a titanium chassis, an ultra-thin profile, and a virtually crease-free display surface.

Additional hardware choices for the foldable device may include Touch ID integrated directly into the power button rather than Face ID, supported by a dual-camera system on the rear alongside two front-facing sensors. Reflecting its high-end positioning, estimates suggest a starting price around $1,999, with certain configurations potentially reaching up to $2,500.

Beyond the smartphone releases, Apple is preparing updates across its wearable and audio ecosystems. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are both expected to debut without a radical physical redesign, focusing instead on upgraded processors and expanded health-monitoring features. While a refreshed Apple Watch SE is not anticipated at this time, the company is expected to introduce AirPods 5, though next-generation AirPods Pro featuring Visual Intelligence are reportedly slated for release no earlier than next year.

Streaming and Availability

The upcoming announcements follow Apple’s recent unveiling of refreshed Mac mini and Mac Studio desktop systems scheduled for release on September 22. Viewers wishing to follow the live presentations can access the stream via apple.com, YouTube, and the Apple TV app when the broadcast commences.

Photo: 9to5mac.com

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