Apple’s event in September 2026: What we know so far about the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.
If you're considering upgrading to an iPhone this September, the situation is a bit more intricate than in previous years. Reports suggest that Apple will divide its major September announcement into two relatively smaller but significant launches: the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Ultra (the speculated foldable) this fall, while the regular iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e will debut in spring 2027.
This means those looking for a new iPhone in September will likely have three choices, all positioned at the higher end of Apple's offerings, including a foldable device that may rival the price of a laptop. Although Apple has not yet sent out invitations for this event (they could be sent on August 26), numerous credible rumors provide insight into what we can expect from Apple's September 2026 event.
**When is Apple’s September event?**
Typically, Apple holds its iPhone reveal on the second Tuesday of September. This pattern was followed with the iPhone 17 and iPhone 15, with the iPhone 16 being an exception. This year, predictions suggest that the significant autumn event could take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as Monday, September 7, coincides with Labor Day.
Pre-orders for the newly announced iPhones might commence on September 11 or 12, likely the latter, as Apple may decide to avoid the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on September 11, with in-store availability expected starting September 18. This encompasses all we currently know about Apple’s timeline for the upcoming iPhones. Below are details for the three anticipated iPhones.
**Apple's September 2026 event overview:**
| Model | Display | Chip | Modem | Main Camera | Selfie Camera | Battery (rumored) | Biometrics | Starting Price (rumored) | Availability |
|--------------------|----------------------|-------------|-----------|----------------------|----------------|--------------------|------------|------------------------|-----------------|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.3-inch (unchanged) | A20 Pro (2nm) | C2 (Apple) | Variable aperture | 24MP | ~4,300–4,900mAh | Face ID | $1,299–$1,399 | September 18 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.9-inch (unchanged) | A20 Pro (2nm) | C2 (Apple) | Variable aperture | 24MP | ~5,100–5,300mAh | Face ID | $1,449–$1,499 | September 18 |
| iPhone Ultra | 5.5-inch cover, 7.8-inch inner | A20 Pro (2nm) | C2 (Apple) | Dual 48MP, no telephoto | Dual 18MP (one per display) | ~4,883mAh (two-cell) | Touch ID | $1,999–$2,200 | September 18 (limited supply expected) |
**iPhone 18 Pro: Minor upgrades with a focus on silicon improvements**
The iPhone 18 Pro might exemplify Apple's strategy of making significant advancements internally while keeping much of the external design familiar. Early reports suggest a slightly smaller Dynamic Island and potentially under-display Face ID components, though this might not be seen this year.
The 6.3-inch display is expected to remain the same as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. Inside the aluminum and glass exterior, the iPhone 18 Pro should feature the new A20 Pro chip, marking Apple's first use of the efficient 2nm fabrication technology (following Samsung and Google).
Additionally, rumors have surfaced about a new Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging that positions the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memory closer for improved performance and AI efficiency. The device will also likely debut a new in-house C2 modem, potentially running alongside Qualcomm's technology in some regions, with enhanced satellite connectivity to enable 5G via satellite.
The new iPhones will ship with stable iOS 27 builds and increased integration of Apple Intelligence, featuring a revamped Siri AI experience, new editing tools in Photos, and additional features. In terms of camera upgrades, the most notable speculation involves a new variable-aperture system paired with the main sensor, providing photographers with increased control over depth and performance in low-light conditions.
A 24MP selfie camera is anticipated (up from 18MP), likely using the square-shaped sensor utilized for the Center Stage experience on the iPhone 17. While battery estimates vary, they are expected to be close to those of the iPhone 17 Pro: roughly 4,288 mAh for the eSIM-only model
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Apple’s event in September 2026: What we know so far about the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.
This year, Apple has chosen to forgo the standard iPhone 18, opting instead for three high-end models: the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable Ultra, which may launch at around $2,000.