Apple’s September 2026 event: Everything we know about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra launch event

Apple's September 2026 event, set to feature the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra launches, is shaping up to be a significant moment for the company. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to build on Apple's established pattern of delivering a significant upgrade under the hood while maintaining the familiar exterior. Rumors suggest a slightly smaller Dynamic Island, potential under-display Face ID components, and a 6.3-inch display size similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.

At its core, the iPhone 18 Pro could feature Apple's first chip to adopt the efficient 2nm fabrication technology, alongside a new Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging. This configuration would bring the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memory closer together for enhanced performance and AI efficiency. The handset may also sport a new C2 modem that could run alongside Qualcomm hardware, depending on the region, and potentially offer expanded satellite connectivity, which could provide 5G via satellite.

The iPhone Pro is likely to come with stable iOS 27 builds and advancements in Apple Intelligence, including the new Siri AI experience, enhanced editing features in Photos, and other new features. The most anticipated feature, however, is the variable-aperture hardware paired with the primary sensor, which will give photographers more control over depth and low-light performance.

A 24MP selfie camera is also expected, up from 18MP, and may have a square-shaped camera sensor to enable the Center Stage camera experience on the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 18 Pro's battery capacity is estimated to be around 4,288 mAh for the eSIM-only model and 4,065 mAh for those with a physical SIM. Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to increase by $200 to $300 over the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of $1,099, potentially putting the base model at $1,299 and $1,399.

Moving on to the iPhone Ultra, rumors suggest that Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone, codenamed "Ultra." This device could break the mold with its passport-style book-fold design, featuring a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner display at a 4:3 ratio. The Ultra is expected to be relatively thick when unfolded, around 4.5 mm, and even thicker when folded, around 9-9.5 mm. Apple is reportedly working on strengthening the hinge and crease using liquid metal and ultra-thin glass, respectively.

The Ultra could be built with a mix of titanium and aluminum, and it may feature a Touch ID biometric authentication system. However, the Ultra's unique form factor and price point could make it a more limited launch compared to the iPhone 18 Pro, depending on how well it bridges the gap between the iPhone 18 Pro and the standard iPhone 18.