Apple’s September event Is official: Here’s what we can expect.

It is almost THAT time of year again. Apple has officially announced its next special event, and this one could be particularly exciting.

The event takes place on Wednesday, September 9, at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. It starts at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is 7:00 p.m. here in the Netherlands and much of Central Europe.

Apple is calling the event “Surprise and shine.” As usual, the invitation doesn’t reveal exactly what the company plans to announce. Still, the rumors give us a good idea of what may be coming—and Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be the star of the show.

The iPhone 18 Pro takes center stage

Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during the event.

Both phones are rumored to use Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. It is manufactured using a more advanced 2-nanometer process, bringing improvements to performance, energy efficiency and Apple Intelligence.

The camera system may also receive an interesting upgrade. Reports suggest that the main rear camera could use a variable aperture, allowing it to control how much light reaches the sensor. This could improve low-light photography and give users more control over the depth of field.

Beyond those internal improvements, the two Pro models may look fairly similar to the current iPhone 17 Pro generation.

Unfortunately, prices could increase. The continuing shortage of memory components has pushed up costs across the technology industry, and Apple may not be able to absorb all of those additional expenses.

Where is the regular iPhone 18?

This year’s iPhone launch could look very different.

Apple is not expected to announce the standard iPhone 18 in September. Instead, reports suggest the company will save its more affordable models for spring 2027.

That could mean the September event will focus entirely on premium devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

It would be a major change to Apple’s familiar release schedule. However, separating the launches could give each group of iPhones more attention instead of introducing the entire lineup at once.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone

The biggest announcement may be a completely new kind of iPhone.

Apple is widely expected to introduce its first foldable model, possibly called the iPhone Ultra. If it arrives, this would be Apple’s most significant change to the iPhone’s shape since the iPhone X appeared in 2017.

The device is expected to use a book-style design. When closed, it may have an outer display measuring around 5.5 inches. Opening it could reveal a larger 7.6-inch screen with an experience closer to a small iPad. Will this iPhone Ultra looks like the Samsung Z Fold8?

The unfolded display is rumored to be wider than it is tall, which could make it useful for reading, watching videos, working with two apps or viewing websites on a larger canvas.

I am especially curious to see how Apple handles the software. A folding display is impressive, but the real difference will come from how smoothly apps move between the smaller outer screen and the larger display inside.

A thin design brings compromises

Making a foldable iPhone thin enough to carry comfortably may require Apple to make a few compromises.

The device is rumored to use Touch ID instead of Face ID, possibly through a sensor built into one of its buttons. It may also leave out the telephoto camera found on Apple’s Pro phones.

Those omissions could be disappointing on what will probably be a very expensive iPhone. At the same time, the additional space required by the hinge, folding display and battery leaves Apple with less room for other components.

This is Apple’s first attempt at a foldable phone, so I expect the company to focus on getting the basic design and folding experience right before adding every Pro feature.

New Apple Watches are also expected

The iPhone won’t be alone on stage. There is more...

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. We don’t yet know how large their upgrades will be, but improvements to health tracking, battery life and performance are always possible.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will likely remain the more rugged option for sports, outdoor activities and longer adventures, while the Series 12 should continue as the best choice for most Apple Watch users.

Could Apple surprise us with new home products?

Apple may also have some updates planned for the home.

Possible announcements include a new Apple TV 4K, an updated HomePod mini and Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub.

The home hub is the most intriguing of the three. It is expected to act as a central screen for controlling smart home accessories, making video calls and accessing useful information around the house.

However, these products are less certain than the new iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple could introduce them during the September event, save them for another announcement later in the year or launch them through a press release.

Release dates for Apple’s new software

Alongside the hardware, Apple should announce when its major software updates will become available to everyone. Usually the new software is available right after the event.

That includes:

• iOS 27

• iPadOS 27

• macOS 27 Golden Gate

• watchOS 27

• tvOS 27

• visionOS 27

These updates have been in beta testing since WWDC in June. Apple normally releases the final versions shortly before its latest iPhones arrive in stores.

If you have been waiting to try the new Siri AI experience and the other features Apple previewed this summer, we should finally learn when they are coming to supported devices. Want to learn more about Siri AI and how to set it up? Read my step-by-step guide for iPhone here, or follow my separate Mac guide here.

How to watch the event

Apple will stream the event live through its website, official YouTube channel and the Apple TV app. The livestream in the Apple TV app will start a few minutes before the event takes place.

The presentation begins on Wednesday, September 9, at:

• 10:00 a.m. in California

• 1:00 p.m. in New York

• 6:00 p.m. in the United Kingdom

• 7:00 p.m. in the Netherlands and Central Europe

You don’t need an Apple device to watch. The YouTube stream should work on almost any phone, tablet, computer or smart television.

This will also be Apple’s first major event without Tim Cook as CEO. John Ternus will take the stage instead, marking the beginning of a new era, AND, sadly, no more iconic “Good morning!” from Tim.

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