Apple has sent invitations for its next hardware event, titled 'Surprise and shine', which is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. The keynote will also mark John Ternus' first Apple product event as CEO, following Tim Cook's planned departure from the role.
Ternus is due to take over on Sept. 1 and brings a background in hardware engineering to the position. This year's hardware lineup is expected to be narrower than usual, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max set to headline alongside Apple's first foldable phone, widely rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra.
The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and next-generation iPhone Air are reportedly being moved to a spring 2027 event. New Apple Watch models are also expected.
IPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Apple is expected to focus this launch on its Pro iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max reportedly keeping much of last year's design. Leaks point to a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and a single-tone back glass replacing the previous two-tone finish.
The reported colour options include silver, dark grey, light blue and a new 'dark cherry' shade.
Inside, the Pro models are expected to use Apple's A20 and A20 Pro chips, alongside a C2 modem that could bring 5G satellite support. An N2 chip is also expected to improve Wi-Fi and AirDrop reliability.
The Pro lineup is reportedly moving to 12GB of RAM for both models, removing the memory difference seen between recent base and Pro versions. Battery capacity is expected to reach around 5,000mAh.
The cameras are set for the biggest hardware changes, with reports pointing to a larger telephoto aperture and the introduction of variable aperture. Ice Universe has suggested the variable-aperture system could be exclusive to the Pro Max.
The Pro Max is also rumoured to be slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate its larger battery.
IPhone Ultra and Apple Watch Updates
Apple's biggest new device could be its first foldable phone, widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra. Apple has not confirmed the device, although code references in the iOS 27 beta include strings linked to fold angles and screen states. macOS 27 features for resizing iPhone-mirroring windows have also been cited in reports about the device.
Reported specifications include a book-style design with a roughly 7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The phone is expected to use Touch ID instead of Face ID and have four cameras: two rear cameras, one inner camera and one front-facing camera. Reports indicate it will not include a telephoto lens.
Other reported features include a liquid-metal hinge and a battery of at least 5,088mAh. Pricing is expected to exceed $2,000 (£1,472), with some estimates putting it at around £1,800 after conversion.
There has been disagreement over whether the Ultra will be available immediately after its announcement or follow a delayed release. Some reports have suggested an announcement followed by a later launch, while Mark Gurman has pushed back on that possibility.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are also expected at the event. Reports point to new health and fitness features, along with fresh colours and band options. A larger redesign could include the return of ceramic cases.
Apple is also exploring a screen-free wearable aimed at the minimalist market, with a potential release targeted for late 2026 or 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple's event begins on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at 10am PT, or 1:00 p.m. ET, at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. The keynote will be livestreamed on Apple's website and YouTube channel for viewers who are not attending in person.
