Apple has sent out invitations for its big September event called ‘Surprise and shine’, scheduled for September 9. Expectations are high, and in the center of attention is the possible announcement of the first foldable iPhone. The event will also mark the first major public appearance of new CEO John Ternus, who is taking over from Tim Cook, further fueling anticipation for the direction the company will take.
iPhone Ultra as the star of the evening
The biggest news of the evening will probably be the presentation of the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable smartphone that has been rumored for years. After a long wait, all signs point to the fact that it is finally ready for the market. According to available information, the iPhone Ultra should have an internal folding screen of approximately 7.8 inches and an external screen of approximately 5.5 inches. The design could resemble a “passport”, more similar to some competing models, but with a key advantage – a screen that supposedly won’t have a visible crease. It is expected that the device will have top performance and a camera with two lenses, offering users an experience that combines iPhone and iPad mini in one device. However, innovation comes with a price, and the starting price is expected to be at least US$2,000. Some rumors suggest that instead of Face ID, it could have Touch ID integrated into the button. Apple’s entry into this market could significantly boost the growth and adoption of foldable phones worldwide.
Novi iPhone 18 Pro i Pro Max
For those who don’t want a foldable phone or can’t afford one, Apple will almost certainly introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. It seems that Apple is changing its strategy this year and is focusing exclusively on premium models, while the standard iPhone 18 could be delayed until the spring of 2027. The Pro models should retain the 6.3- and 6.9-inch screen sizes, but with a less pronounced two-tone look on the back. The biggest improvements are expected under the hood, with the new A20 Pro chip built with 2-nanometer technology for better performance and efficiency. Improvements to the camera are also mentioned, such as a variable aperture on the main lens, as well as a larger capacity battery. He also speculated on the smaller Dynamic Island and a potential price increase in the range of $100 to $300 over the previous series.
Updates for Apple Watch and AirPods
In addition to phones, the presentation of new wearable devices is also expected. The most likely candidates are the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The main upgrade for the Series 12 could be the introduction of the Touch ID sensor on the side button and the new S12 chip for noticeably better performance. The design, apart from that, should remain largely unchanged. As for the Ultra 4 model, it could also get a new chip and Touch ID, but also a slightly larger screen and a thinner case compared to its predecessor. Some reports also suggest new sensors for more accurate tracking of health and fitness metrics. It is also possible to present new wireless headphones, specifically the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 models with active noise cancellation, which should offer a more affordable alternative to the Pro line.
Home news and software enhancements
Apple could also expand its smart home ecosystem. Although less likely, there is a possibility that the company will finally introduce its first smart display, a device with a seven-inch screen that could be called the Home Hub. Interaction would primarily take place via Siri, and the device would reportedly use facial recognition to display personalized content. In addition, we could see a new HomePod mini with support for Wi-Fi 7 and improved sound quality, as well as a new Apple TV 4K with a stronger chip and an improved Siri remote control. September is traditionally also the month of release of new software versions. iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27 and others are arriving this year, and the biggest news will be a significant upgrade to Siri with the help of artificial intelligence, which should bring it closer to the capabilities of competitors such as Gemini and ChatGPT. This means that existing Apple devices will soon become better, even without buying new hardware.