Apple is gearing up for its biggest product event of the year, officially announcing its “Surprise and shine” Apple Event for September 9 at 10 a.m. PT. While Apple has yet to reveal what it plans to show, the rumored lineup could make this one of the company’s most significant hardware launches in years.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to headline Apple’s traditional flagship lineup. Rumored upgrades include Apple’s new A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, a smaller Dynamic Island, improved battery efficiency and potential camera upgrades including variable aperture technology.
Apple is also reportedly preparing a new Dark Cherry color option, while the Pro Max could receive an even larger battery than its predecessor.
Interestingly, a standard iPhone 18 is not expected this month. Apple is reportedly shifting to a split release schedule, with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air expected to arrive in spring 2027 instead.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
The biggest announcement could be an entirely new iPhone.
Apple is widely expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, potentially carrying the iPhone Ultra name. Reports point to a book-style design with roughly a 5.5-inch exterior display and a 7.6 to 7.8-inch interior display, creating an iPad-like experience when opened.
The device could also use Touch ID rather than Face ID as Apple attempts to keep the hardware as thin as possible.
If the rumors hold, it would represent Apple's biggest change to the physical iPhone form factor since the iPhone X arrived in 2017.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
Apple is also expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Neither model is expected to receive a dramatic redesign, but faster processors and improvements to health and fitness tracking are reportedly coming. Apple has also tested the return of premium ceramic finishes for the Series 12.
AirPods 5
A new generation of Apple's standard AirPods could join the lineup as well.
Reports suggest AirPods 5 could once again be offered in two versions, including models with and without Active Noise Cancellation. References to the upcoming AirPods have also reportedly appeared in Apple's software ahead of the event.
Apple’s Smart Home Push Could Start Here
Apple may have even more planned beyond its biggest product categories.
Updated versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini have been rumored for this fall, while Apple could also preview its long-awaited smart home hub as it pushes deeper into AI-powered home devices. Whether those products appear September 9 or arrive later in the fall remains less certain.
Apple should also use the event to confirm release dates for its next major software updates, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate.
With a new generation of Pro iPhones, upgraded Apple Watches and the possibility of Apple's first-ever foldable phone, September could mark the beginning of a much different era for Apple's hardware lineup.
