With Apple’s next major launch event potentially less than a month away, the company is set to take a completely different approach to the release of the next batch of iPhones. Per reports, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2’s release is likely to be delayed to next year; the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, could remain the upcoming event’s main highlight, while the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could gain upgrades in key areas. From next-generation 2nm processors and variable-aperture cameras to a passport-style folding display, here is everything expected at Apple’s September launch event.
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iPhone lineup for 2026: iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra
In an interesting twist, rumours have it that Apple will skip launching the base iPhone in this year’s September event. Along with that, the successor to last year’s iPhone Air may also not be revealed during the event. Multiple reports suggest that due to the industry-wide memory crisis, Apple plans to focus on just a few new models this year, which happen to be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the debutant iPhone Ultra, to dedicate the limited storage supply to just the high-profit-margin devices.
Speaking of which, the iPhone Ultra being a one-of-a-kind product in Apple’s portfolio, they’d want it to be the prime focus of the event, as releasing the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 alongside it and the Pro models could dilute people’s attention. While the iPhone 18 and Air 2 aren’t cancelled, per credible sources, these models are being delayed to a Q2 2026 release, which is the typical timeline for Apple’s new MacBooks and iPads.
To make up for the iPhone 18’s delay, Apple is reportedly ramping up production of the iPhone 17, as it will remain one of the most affordable entry points into Apple’s ecosystem after the iPhone 17e.
iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra expected launch date
In a typical fashion, Apple could unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Ultra within the first two weeks of September. Furthermore, for the first time since 2019, the iPhone launch event could be held in person at Apple Park, per MacRumors.
Both the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 17 series were launched on September 9th in their respective years, so there’s a high chance the latest iPhones could be unveiled on or before September 9th, Wednesday. If history is anything to go by, Apple could start sending out event invitations two weeks before the launch, meaning we could get concrete details on the iPhones’ launch date around August 26th.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro models could go live three to four days after the launch event, while in-store availability may take up to a week. On the other hand, per reports, the iPhone Ultra will be made available globally at a later date due to supply challenges.
iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra expected pricing
iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max
While Apple may not have hiked prices on the iPhone 17 lineup, at least yet due to memory supply shortages, as other smartphone players have, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series could certainly fetch a considerably higher starting price.
If reports are to be believed, the iPhone 18 Pro series could be priced USD 100 to USD 300 higher than the iPhone 17 Pro series. Since the iPhone 17 Pro in India is up for Rs 1,34,900, one can expect the iPhone 18 Pro to start at Rs 1,50,000 or even higher, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could easily touch Rs 1,70,000 for the base storage model.
Just a few months ago, Apple raised prices on several devices across its portfolio worldwide, including iPads, MacBooks, Apple TV, and HomePod. Therefore, it’s evident that the new iPhones will carry a higher price tag at launch to offset the high costs of procuring memory.
iPhone Ultra
According to the Australian outlet, ChannelNews, while Apple will announce the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, its pricing or exact availability date won’t be detailed during the September event. This is because the foldable may see limited launch-day supply or staggered shipments due to early constraints in display and hinge production. Whatever the case may be, it’s widely rumoured to be priced at USD 1,999 (Rs 1,90,000 approx.) or higher, making it the most expensive iPhone to launch.
iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max design and rumoured specifications
With the iPhone 17 Pro models getting a major rear panel revamp since the iPhone 11 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may look largely similar to last year’s models. Meaning, the large rectangular camera plateau is likely to remain, while the entire back portion below it could house a glass enclosure within the aluminium chassis to enable wireless charging and MagSafe capabilities. Like previous models, these phones are likely to be IP68 rated.
The display could undergo a major change, though, as the Dynamic Island could become smaller by moving some Face ID components beneath the display, resulting in more screen real estate. Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro series could have entirely new colourways, including Dark Cherry (a deep red or burgundy shade), Light Blue, Silver, and Dark Grey. Subsequently, Apple could ditch the two-tone rear design and instead go for a more unified look by matching the back glass and body colours.
The iPhone 18 Pro could sport a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of around 2622 × 1206, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may feature a larger 6.9-inch panel with a similar resolution. The displays may continue to feature ProMotion with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology, while the peak brightness is rumoured to remain at 3,000 nits.
Both smartphones could run on TSMC’s first 2nm based processor, the A20 Pro, resulting in noticeable efficiency improvements and performance gains. The vapour chamber found on the iPhone 17 Pro series is likely to be present again this time around. With iOS 27 already in beta, the iPhone 18 Pro series will run on the latest firmware out of the box.
Since the telephoto lens got an upgrade last year, the 48MP main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro Max could get some love by being equipped with a variable aperture (rumoured to be f/1.4–f/4.0) for better control over light and depth of field, a first for iPhone. Players like Samsung and Xiaomi previously implemented variable apertures, but have since ditched them on newer models in favour of large sensor sizes. The iPhone 18 Pro, though, may not feature variable aperture. The same 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto (with 4x optical zoom), along with the 18MP front camera from the iPhone 17 Pro, are likely to carry over to the iPhone 18 Pro models.
iPhone Ultra rumoured specifications
On to the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, it could sport a wide form factor like the recently released Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. When unfolded, the device will be shorter for easier access to top UI elements, while the width may be wider to accommodate more content at once. Upon opening, the inner display could support a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for watching content in most aspect ratios without black bars.
Per leaks, the iPhone Ultra could measure just 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded and 9mm to 9.5mm folded. Its body could be constructed entirely from titanium and aluminium, while the hinge could deploy liquid metal to enhance durability and achieve a near-invisible crease. Despite such slimmness, a vapour chamber cooler is expected to be present. The foldable could arrive in white and black colourways.
As for the actual displays, the cover display could measure 5.3 to 5.5-inches, while the inner display could carry a 7.6 to 7.8-inch panel, with both displays equipped with OLED and 120Hz ProMotion. Just like the iPhone 18 Pros, the Ultra could be powered by the 2nm-based A20 Pro SoC and run on iOS 27 at launch.
While Apple isn’t likely to build an entirely new interface for the iPhone Ultra, there are several hints in iOS 27 suggesting the OS could let users open two or more apps side by side or run them in floating windows. This is evidenced by the fact that several first-party apps in iOS 27 now support horizontal view, including Weather, Apple Music, and others.
For the optics, the iPhone Ultra is speculated to miss out on a telephoto lens on the rear. Just like base iPhones, it could carry a 48MP primary camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens, while dual 18MP selfie cameras could be present, one for the outer display and another for the inner display.
The battery capacity on the iPhone Ultra could range from 4,700mAh to 5,800mAh, while there are reports that it won’t feature MagSafe or Face ID due to its thinness.
While all the details, features, and specifications regarding the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Ultra in this story are based on reports and rumours, these devices could be worth considering if you’re looking to purchase full-fledged flagships. Users switching from an older iPhone to the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max could see improvements in battery life and performance, while camera enthusiasts may find the variable aperture useful for manually adjusting bokeh and exposure.
The iPhone Ultra, on the other hand, is set to offer a completely new experience to iOS users. Much like other foldable smartphones released in the past, the Ultra will deliver a flexible experience that seamlessly transitions between a compact phone and a tablet-sized display for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.
FAQs
What devices will be announced during Apple’s September 2026 launch event?
Apple is expected to unveil three devices in the upcoming September event, including iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra. The launch of the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the next iPhone Air could be delayed to next year.
Will the base iPhone 18 not launch this year?
Apple could go for a split-launch strategy, prioritising higher-margin iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra models this September, partly due to component shortages and the expanded lineup that now includes a foldable, while the base iPhone 18’s release could be delayed to next year.
What will be the key upgrades on the iPhone 18 Pro series?
Starting with the new A20 Pro chipset, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to be more powerful and efficient than last year’s models, while the variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s primary camera will provide manual control over light intake and, accordingly, adjust the bokeh. Up front, the Dynamic Island could get smaller, resulting in more viewable screen for daily use.
Will stable iOS 27 be rolled out after the September launch event?
While the new iPhone models will run on iOS 27 out of the box, the update is highly likely to be rolled out to all eligible iPhone users post the September launch event, as has been the case with every iOS release.
