What to expect at Apple’s iPhone 18 launch event on Wednesday

Apple's annual iPhone launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, marking a significant year for the company. Anticipation is high as Apple prepares to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone, the much-anticipated iPhone Ultra or Fold. This foldable design, anticipated to feature a passport-style 4:3 aspect ratio, marks a radical shift from the company's traditional iPhone form factor.

In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is expected to release new Pro models of the iPhone 18, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. These updates are likely to be iterative improvements over the current iPhone 17 Pro series, with enhancements such as a faster A20 chipset, improved cameras, a smaller Dynamic Island, and new color options.

Notably, Apple will skip releasing a base iPhone 18 model or an updated iPhone Air, opting instead for a staggered release schedule with Pro models in the fall and base models in the spring.

Beyond the iPhone, the event is also expected to focus on Apple's home products, with rumors suggesting updates to the Apple TV set-top box, HomePod mini, and potentially a new "home hub" product. These updates are expected to incorporate advanced AI capabilities and support for gaming.

The event will also see Apple introducing updates to its wearables lineup, including the AirPods and Apple Watch (Series 12 and Ultra 4). These updates are expected to feature faster chips for enhanced fitness tracking. Furthermore, Apple is anticipated to unveil the final versions of its iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 operating systems. While major new features are unlikely, the development of a dual-screen version of iOS 27 specifically for the foldable iPhone will be of interest.

John Ternus, Apple's new CEO, will also take the stage for the first time since his appointment on September 1. Industry watchers will closely observe Ternus's presentation style and his ability to convey Apple's ethos to consumers. Given the recent price hikes across Apple's hardware, it is highly likely that the iPhone 18 Pro series will come with a price increase, though the exact extent remains to be seen.