Apple will host its iPhone 18 launch event, titled “Surprise and Shine”, on September 9, 2026 and this year’s keynote carries extra weight as it is the first major public moment for the company’s new CEO John Ternus. Also, this year’s event is also said to witness the launch of the first foldable iPhone. The company will be launching the all new iPhone 18 series which is said to comprise iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Along with this, Apple is also expected to debut its first-ever foldable smartphone likely to be called iPhone Ultra Alongside the iPhones, Apple is likely to announce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, a ceramic edition, and new health features. The AirPods 5 may debut with heart-rate tracking, while a new Apple Home Hub could expand Apple’s smart-home ecosystem.
When and where to watch Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ event
The event kicks off at 10am PT (10.30 pm IST) and will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Viewers can stream the keynote live through YouTube, the Apple Events page, and the Apple TV app, among other methods.
How to watch Apple iPhone 18 launch event
Those interested can tune in and watch the iPhone 17 launch live from multiple platforms:* Apple’s official website (Apple.com)* The Apple TV app* Apple’s official YouTube channel
What to expect from iPhone 18 series launch event
The spotlight will be on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, expected to feature a mechanical variable aperture camera, the TSMC 2nm A20 Pro chip, improved battery life, and a new Sky Blue titanium finish. Apple is also set to unveil its first foldable iPhone Ultra, with a 7.8-inch book-style display, side Touch ID, and premium pricing around $2,500.Apple’s first foldable smartphone: The device drawing the most attention is Apple’s first foldable, which most reports expect to be called iPhone Ultra. Leaks point to a 7.8-inch inner display that opens like a book and a roughly 5.3-inch cover screen, with the A20 Pro chip and 12GB of memory. Rumours suggest two 48MP rear cameras and no telephoto lens, which would be an odd omission at this price. There are also claims that authentication falls back to Touch ID rather than Face ID.Apple iPhone 18 series: The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are widely tipped as a spec-bump year. Reports point to a 2nm A20 Pro with packaging changes meant to help thermals, Apple’s own C2 modem, a slightly larger camera bump and a dark cherry finish. A variable-aperture rear camera is rumoured to be a Pro Max exclusive, and under-display Face ID has been floated without much backing. Pricing is the bigger question. With memory costs climbing, Samsung and Google have each raised phone prices by about $100, and Gurman expects Apple to follow, which would put the iPhone 18 Pro near $1,199. Other estimates run steeper.Apple Watches and AirPods: Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be a light update, with talk of a health sensor tied to a fluoroelastomer band, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 may get a redesign. AirPods 5 look likely, in ANC and non-ANC versions. The camera-equipped AirPods that leaked in a macOS Tahoe release candidate are still reported as a 2027 product.The home devices are the bigger unknown. Reports mention a refreshed Apple TV 4K, a new HomePod mini and a home hub with a seven-inch screen. Gurman reports Apple is reworking the accessory sections in its retail stores, which he takes as a sign of more than routine updates. An OLED iPad mini remains a wildcard.
