India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Every year, Apple’s September event draws plenty of attention, and 2026 is unlikely to be any different. This time, the spotlight is expected to fall on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with Apple rumoured to be planning several changes to its flagship lineup.
Apple has not announced a date for its next iPhone event yet. However, Wednesday, September 9, is currently being tipped as the likely date. If that happens, the new Pro models could bring upgrades to the cameras, processor, display, battery and connectivity, along with a few design changes.
Apple’s September 2026 event is expected to headline the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, possibly launching September 9 with upgrades like the A20 Pro chip and camera enhancements, potentially alongside a first-generation foldable iPhone and new Apple Watch models.
What to expect at Apple’s September 2026 event
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is likely to be the main attraction at Apple’s September event. Most of the attention is expected to centre on the new chip, camera system and improvements aimed at extending battery life.
There is also plenty of talk about changes to the display and connectivity. However, none of these details have been confirmed by Apple. For now, they remain based on leaks, supply chain reports and other rumours surrounding the upcoming iPhones.
Here is everything we know so far about the iPhone 18 Pro and the other Apple products that could feature in the company’s 2026 launch plans.
iPhone 18 Pro Max all 4 rumored colors 👀
• Silver 🥈
• Space Gray 🖤
• Cherry Red 🍒
• Blue 💙Cherry Red looks dangerously close to a red-wine finish 🍷
Which one are you picking 🎨 pic.twitter.com/OOoCtQGaYf— Saurav (@Saurav_DJ47) August 23, 2026
iPhone 18 Pro launch date and price: What to expect?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are tipped to make their debut on September 9, 2026. Apple has not confirmed the date, so it is best treated as a possibility rather than a final launch schedule.
The pricing is also still unknown. Some reports suggest that the price of the new Pro models in India could rise by as much as ₹20,000.
The standard iPhone 18 is also expected to be missing from the lineup. Apple could change its release strategy this year, with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 reportedly pushed to 2027.
For anyone considering buying an iPhone 17 Pro, waiting a little longer could make sense if there is no immediate need to upgrade. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to bring several hardware improvements, although whether those changes justify the wait will ultimately come down to Apple’s final pricing and specifications.
iPhone 18 Pro
The overall look of the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to change dramatically from the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple could, however, make a few smaller design changes, with a reduced Dynamic Island among the most talked-about possibilities.
The bigger changes are likely to be inside the phone. The main Wide camera could get a variable aperture, which would give the camera greater control over the amount of light reaching the sensor.
Performance is also set for an upgrade. Apple is expected to introduce the A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro, with the processor reportedly being made using a new 2nm manufacturing process.
Battery life could benefit from both the new chip and display improvements. The iPhone 18 Pro is said to feature an upgraded LTPO+ OLED panel, which could help the phone use power more efficiently. Apple is also reportedly developing a more efficient C2 modem and an N2 networking chip.
There could be a new colour option too. Dark Cherry is reportedly being considered as one of the standout finishes for the new Pro models, while a light blue variant could also join the lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro Max should share most of its core hardware with the smaller Pro model. The obvious differences will be the larger screen and battery.
There may be a physical difference this time as well. Reports suggest the Pro Max could be slightly thicker than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro. A larger battery is believed to be one of the reasons behind the added thickness.
Price could be another major talking point. Rumours currently put the iPhone 18 Pro at around ₹1.64 lakh in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost about ₹1.79 lakh.
Those figures are linked to reports of a possible price increase of up to ₹28,700 compared with the iPhone 17 models. Apple has already raised prices on some Mac and iPad models, although the company is reportedly waiting for the September iPhone refresh before making similar changes to its smartphone lineup.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Apple’s foldable iPhone has been rumoured for years, but the device now appears closer to becoming a reality. Some reports have referred to it as the ‘iPhone Ultra’.
The foldable is said to have a display measuring around 5.5 inches when closed and roughly 7.8 inches when opened. The inner screen could use a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving the unfolded phone a layout closer to an iPad.
That could make the device feel more like a small tablet when fully opened, with an experience somewhat similar to using an iPad mini.
Apple is also reportedly working on a hinge that would make the crease less visible. Inside, the foldable could use the same 2nm A20 chip expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Battery design could be quite different from Apple’s existing iPhones. Reports suggest the foldable may use two separate battery cells, with one positioned on each side of the device.
The camera setup, however, may be less ambitious than that of the Pro models. The foldable is expected to have two rear cameras.
Its slim design could also force Apple to make a compromise on biometric authentication. With limited space for the TrueDepth camera system, Apple may opt for Touch ID instead of Face ID.
The price is likely to be one of the biggest hurdles. Current reports suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost anywhere between ₹1.91 lakh and ₹2.39 lakh.
There is still some uncertainty over when customers will actually be able to buy it. While Apple could unveil the foldable alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, the device may go on sale later.
Apple has done something similar before. The iPhone X was unveiled alongside other iPhone models in 2017 but arrived in stores at a later date.
Apple Watch Series 12
The Apple Watch is also due for its annual refresh. The Apple Watch Series 12 is not expected to receive a major design makeover, with Apple likely to concentrate more on what is inside the watch.
A faster S-series chip is among the expected upgrades. The new processor could also support improvements to some of the watch’s health and fitness features.
Apple may also increase the battery capacity, potentially giving users a little more time between charges.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also believed to be part of Apple’s 2026 plans.
As with the Series 12, a faster chip is expected to be one of the main upgrades. DigiTimes has also reported that the next Ultra could have a thinner design and improved sensing capabilities.
## Apple’s new smart-home products
Apple appears to have bigger ambitions for the smart-home market as well. One of the products in development is a 7-inch square home hub that could act as a central control point for smart-home devices.
The device is expected to display photos and information, support video calls and offer deeper Siri AI integration. Apple apps are also expected to be part of the experience.
The home hub could arrive sometime in 2026, although an early 2027 launch is also possible.
Apple is reportedly working on an updated Apple TV 4K as well. The new model could get a faster processor, more RAM and a new networking chip.
An updated HomePod mini is also in the works, with a faster chip and new colour options. Apple is additionally said to be developing a new chip for the larger HomePod and its own smart-home security camera.
Other Apple products that could arrive in 2026
The iPhone launch is unlikely to be Apple’s only major hardware push for the rest of the year. Several other products are reportedly in development, although they may not make an appearance at the September event.
Among them are an OLED iPad mini, a refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, an iMac powered by the M6, a high-end OLED MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, a new Mac mini and an updated Mac Studio.
Some of these products could still arrive before the end of 2026. Apple may simply choose to spread the launches out rather than introduce everything at one event.
For now, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup remains the biggest focus. Apple is yet to confirm the launch date, specifications or pricing, so the final picture will only become clear once the company officially announces its plans.
