iPhone 18 Pro Launch Date: Apple Sets September 9 Event

At the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, Apple has officially confirmed its next iPhone 18 Pro launch event. It will start on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10 am Pacific Time. The Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, will be the event location. This will be the first iPhone launch under CEO John Ternus. He replaced Tim Cook on September 1, 2026, and he recently told employees to expect a phenomenal and huge launch.

Which iPhone Models Are Coming in 2026?

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro launch event is widely expected to headline three flagship models. These include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's rumored first foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are possibly released in new colors. Also, leaked dummy units show the foldable iPhone Ultra will have a passport-style design. Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 to complete the new lineup. The baseline models iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are not announced at this event. They may launch in the first half of 2027.

iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Order Schedule

Apple may change its regular pre-order calendar this year. iPhone pre-orders normally start on Friday after the September event, but this September 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. So Apple may move the pre-order day to honor the day. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pre-orders shift on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Apple did the same for the iPhone 6s launch in 2015. 

iPhone 18 Pro Color Leak Hints at Major Changes

The iPhone 18 Pro may get a major color change. Leaked mockups from Chinese supply chains reportedly show a new color lineup. Apple may drop the iPhone 17 Pro colors Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver. New colors could replace them on the iPhone 18 Pro.

New iPhone 18 Pro colors include

• Dark Cherry / Burgundy: This deep reddish-pink, maroon shade is tipped to be the standout "hero" color for the iPhone 18 Pro series.

• Sky Blue: A lighter, metallic blue option in the 18 Pro lineup. The physical dummy unit leaks show a clean, light blue shade with a matching metallic frame. We expect this Sky Blue variant to replace the Deep Blue from the iPhone 17 series with a softer look.

• Space Black: Apple is putting a dark, uniform black option in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. This variant offers a classic choice for buyers who want a black iPhone.

• White and Silver: A clean, highly polished option closely mirroring the traditional Apple iPhone.

Expected Specifications on iPhone 18 Pro Lineup

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have received major internal upgrades. Both models will use the new A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2nm process. It is rumored to be up to 18% faster and up to 30% more power-efficient than the A19 Pro. Both phones will feature 12GB of RAM. They will also have a smaller Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro Max may have a large 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. And with a large 5500 mAh battery, it will be a little thicker. The iPhone 18 Pro Max camera may feature a 48MP primary sensor with a variable aperture that improves low-light shots and portraits.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Reveal a Passport-Style Design

This Apple event is expected to introduce its first folding phone with the iPhone Ultra model. Mockups from China show a passport-style form factor. This design is a little thicker than early prototypes. 

iPhone Ultra Rumored Features

• Dual Displays: A 5.3-inch or 5.5-inch external cover display paired with a 7.7-inch or 7.8-inch flexible internal display.

• Camera Layout: The iPhone Ultra could feature a dual rear camera setup comprising primary and ultra-wide-angle lenses. It could have a punch-hole camera on the outer display, and the inner screen has an under-display camera.

• Touch ID on Power Button: To maximize screen space, Apple is expected to replace Face ID with a Touch ID sensor built directly into the power button.

• Multitasking and OS Support: iOS 27 is expected to be customized for the foldable display, enabling iPad-like multitasking features such as side-by-side application windows.

What Could Be the iPhone 18 Pro Price?

The iPhone Ultra will have a high starting price of around 2,000 dollars (250,000 BDT). Initial stock will be very limited. It may launch only in the U.S. market at first. Some reports suggest pre-orders for the foldable iPhone might start in late September. 

Apple Watch Series 12 May Introduce a New Health Sensor

The Apple Watch Series 12 will receive a relatively limited update. Key changes include a new health sensor and modifications to the band attachment system. The smart watch will feature a faster S11 processor, longer battery life, and fitness tracking improvements. Additionally, Apple is bringing back a premium ceramic case option for this Apple Watch model.

Satellite Messaging Could Become a Major Apple Watch Ultra 4 Upgrade

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will feature design adjustments and additional sensors, though details on these physical changes remain limited. This Watch Ultra will include a faster S11 processor alongside fitness tracking improvements. Upgrades focus heavily on expanded satellite capabilities, including Apple Maps via satellite and photo transmission through Messages via satellite. While initial rumors suggested the inclusion of a Touch ID sensor, reports indicate the feature has been ruled out.

AirPods 5 Lineup Splits in Two Different Models

Apple is expected to introduce the Apple AirPods 5 in a dual-model configuration at its September 9 event. Rather than a single standard option, Apple planned two different model releases, offering an ANC earbuds model alongside a more affordable AirPods version without ANC. Apple is also developing next-generation AirPods Pro with built-in cameras to support visual intelligence and environmental sensing. These Apple earbuds are not expected at this keynote.

Apple’s Strategic Shift Under New Leadership

The iPhone 18 Pro launch event represents a significant transition for Apple under the leadership of new CEO John Ternus. This Apple autumn event will focus exclusively on the flagship iPhone. The launch of the baseline iPhone 18 lineup has been delayed until the first half of 2027. If you’re thinking of buying a new iPhone or smartphone now, a good decision would be to wait until Apple's new unveiling on September 9. Until Apple makes those details official, leaked information should be treated as unconfirmed.