What to Expect From Apple's September Event 2026

Apple is back this fall with a lineup of new iPhone devices, possibly the company's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, and several other pieces of hardware.

This could be one of Apple's most significant September events in years. Not just because the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra is expected to be unveiled, but because it will also mark the beginning of a new era for Apple under CEO John Ternus.

Apple has confirmed that its next major event will take place on September 9, with the company using the tagline "Surprise and shine." The event will be Apple's first major iPhone launch under Ternus, who officially took over as CEO from Tim Cook earlier this month.

And this year's event could be considerably more interesting than the iterative iPhone and Apple Watch upgrades we've become accustomed to seeing every September.

The biggest reason is simple: Apple is finally expected to introduce a completely new iPhone form factor.

Here is everything we expect to see.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone will, unsurprisingly, remain the centrepiece of Apple's September event.

But unlike previous years, Apple is reportedly changing the way it handles its flagship lineup. The regular iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a possible second-generation iPhone Air are not expected to arrive in September. Instead, Apple is reportedly moving those models to spring 2027.

That leaves the more expensive iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to headline this year's event.

The two phones are expected to receive Apple's new A20 Pro chip, built using a 2nm process. Beyond the performance improvements, the chip could also help Apple improve power efficiency and support the company's growing AI ambitions.

But the camera could be where the biggest upgrade happens.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumoured to feature a variable-aperture camera system. Unlike the fixed apertures found on most smartphone cameras, a variable aperture would allow the physical opening of the lens to change depending on lighting conditions.

In theory, that could give the iPhone greater control over exposure and depth of field.

Apple could also make changes to the Dynamic Island, introduce new colours and increase battery capacity, particularly on the Pro Max.

None of these changes individually sounds revolutionary. Together, however, they could make the iPhone 18 Pro lineup feel considerably different from the previous generation.

The iPhone Ultra could steal the show

If there is one product capable of overshadowing the iPhone 18 Pro, it is the iPhone Ultra.