A folding iPhone may finally arrive as Apple prepares to unveil its autumn hardware lineup on Wednesday, 9 September, at its Surprise and Shine event. After months of leaks and speculation, the gathering is shaping up to differ from most in recent memory.
The event carries a note of sentiment for the Cupertino company. Tim Cook announced that he is stepping down as chief executive, a role he has held for nearly 15 years since Apple co-founder Steve Jobs departed in 2011. John Ternus, the firm’s hardware engineering chief, will assume the top position just days before the presentation.
Apple is also widely rumoured to break with routine by holding back the base iPhone 18 until next year, meaning only the pricier Pro models would appear in September. That would leave the spotlight to another eagerly awaited release: the foldable device expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.
Pricing will be closely watched. Apple raised prices across its computer and home devices this summer, citing memory chip supply chain issues driven largely by the AI race. Further increases to Apple Music and Apple TV subscriptions add to the strain on consumers.
New iPhone 18 Models Join the Foldable Debut
The iPhone 18 lineup is likely to look different this year. One of the biggest rumours points to an extended rollout. September could bring the foldable iPhone Ultra, the 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max, while the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18E and a possible iPhone Air 2 may not arrive until spring 2027.
The iPhone Ultra, the tentative name for Apple’s first foldable handset, is said to feature a book-style design according to analyst leaks. It is expected to open into a mini tablet in the manner of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, rather than a traditional clamshell flip phone.
A possible price of around £1,550 suggests the Ultra will not replace the base iPhone 18 and will instead serve as a luxury option. A recent survey found that 75% of US adults have little interest in foldable phones.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are rumoured to carry larger batteries, variable-aperture cameras and the new Apple A20 processor. Expanded satellite connectivity, a smaller Dynamic Island and revised rear camera arrangements are also possibilities. The new phones could arrive in shades such as light blue, dark cherry and dark grey.
Software and the Apple Watch Series 12
Running across these devices is the already announced family of operating systems. iOS 27, featuring the anticipated Siri AI overhaul, is expected this autumn alongside MacOS Golden Gate, Apple TVOS 27 and more. The software was first shown at WWDC in June, with public betas available since.
An Apple Watch Series 12 is considered all but guaranteed. A new Apple Watch SE and a fresh Ultra model are seen as less likely for this event. The presentation takes place on 9 September.
