Apple’s biggest event of the year is almost here and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone set to headline Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, the rumor mill is running at full speed, fueled by the biggest design change in the iPhone’s life.
To keep you up to date, here’s a quick reference guide to the rumored upgrades, expected pricing, and possible pre-order/release dates for everything we expect to see tomorrow.
Rumors by model
iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max
- Similar overall design to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a more uniform finish on the aluminum and glass back.
- A smaller dynamic island, which would have been achieved by Apple moving some Face ID components under the screen.
- More efficient LTPO+ displays.
- A20 Pro chip manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process.
- 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of starting storage.
- Variable aperture main camera for better control of light and background blur – although reports disagree on whether this will be exclusive to the Pro Max.
- Samsung image sensor possible for improved image quality and camera responsiveness.
- Simplified camera control button that retains pressure sensing but removes the capacitive layer.
- Bigger battery in the Pro Max, which could well result in a slightly thicker and heavier body.
- Apple C2 modem possible, although US models may retain Qualcomm modems for mmWave support.
- The strongest color rumors include Dark Cherry, Light Blue and Silver. Other rumors suggest there is no silver and a black finish has also been suggested.
iPhone Ultra (foldable)
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone, with “iPhone Ultra” among the rumored names, “iPhone Fold” and “iPhone Duo” remaining marginal possibilities.
- Book-style design with an outer screen of approximately 5.5 inches and an inner screen of 7.8 inches.
- Chassis measuring just 4.5mm thick when unfolded.
- Liquid metal hinge and extremely discreet display fold – but not completely invisible.
- Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of Face ID.
- Wide and ultra-wide rear cameras, as well as selfie cameras on the exterior and interior displays.
- A20 Pro chip and 12 GB of RAM expected.
- Support for MagSafe charging.
- iPad-style multitasking, including side-by-side apps.
- Silver/white and a very dark indigo finish among the common colors.
Apple Watch Series 12
- Familiar design, with no major changes expected in the case.
- Faster S12 chip and improvements in health and fitness tracking.
- Possible return of a ceramic case, with white and dark gray versions reportedly tested.
- Continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day among the features tested by Apple, as well as a new “Readiness” application.
- More wellness metrics through reimagined health and fitness experiences.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
- Similar design to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
- Faster S12 chip and associated health and fitness improvements.
- Continued heart rate collection is likely if Series 12 gets it.
- Possible expansion of satellite capabilities, including Apple Maps and photo sharing in Messages.
AirPods 5 (possible)
- Two versions expected, with and without active noise cancellation.
- H3 chip possible for better sound quality and lower latency.
iPhone 18 (standard)
The standard iPhone 18 should not be presented tomorrow. Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of this model until spring 2027, when the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are also expected to debut under a new two-year release schedule.
Price expectations for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra
Higher memory costs could drive up prices for both Pro models this year. Based on TrendForce forecasts for Pro and BloombergAccording to Google’s latest foldable report, possible starting prices in the US are:
| Model | Estimated starting price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,249 to $1,299 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,349 to $1,399 |
| iPhone Ultra | $2,199 (rumored) |
Keep in mind that these are estimates, with the Pro numbers representing possible prices from TrendForce’s projected increases. That said, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman also reported today that Apple has discussed a starting price of $2,199 for the foldable, with some upgraded storage configurations potentially approaching $3,000. Reliable figures for each storage level are not available.
When can I pre-order iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra?
Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro could begin on Saturday, September 12 at midnight Pacific / 3 a.m. Eastern. The potential Saturday opening would avoid September 11, similar to the approach Apple took in 2015.
The timeline for the foldable is less certain, with some reports of manufacturing issues that could delay a release until the fourth quarter of 2026. However, Gurman said he would be “very surprised” if the foldable iPhone didn’t release at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or “very close” to them.
When are iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra launching?
Friday, September 18 is the most likely release date for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This is our best-informed guess, but we believe that’s when deliveries and retail availability will begin.
As already mentioned, reports remain divided on the foldable’s launch timeline. It’s still possible that its unveiling tomorrow will precede its arrival in stores by several weeks or more.
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Follow Woozad.com and our MacRumorsLive account on Twitter (X) to keep up with the announcements. We’ll have individual stories on new products, followed by a more detailed look at their features, pricing and availability throughout the week. Stay tuned!
