Tomorrow, 9 September, Apple holds its annual September event at Apple Park — this year with a few notable differences.
For the first time, it is John Ternus who takes the stage as CEO, following the departure of Tim Cook. Alongside that, a new product lineup is expected that matches the significance of this historic moment.
The iPhone 18 Pro line, bringing meaningful technical advances, and the iPhone Ultra — Apple’s first foldable smartphone in more than seventeen years of iPhone history.
Apple’s chosen slogan for the event is “Surprise and shine”, and the rumours accumulated over recent months suggest the surprise may well be real — especially on the foldable front.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra: everything we know ahead of the event
The chip that changes everything
The A20 Pro, manufactured by TSMC on a 2-nanometre process, is the heart of both Pro models and the iPhone Ultra.
Figures circulating point to a performance gain of around 18% and an energy efficiency improvement of up to 30% over the A19 Pro.
Both models arrive with 12 GB of RAM — an increase aimed at improving on-device AI capabilities.
The modem is the Apple C2, the second generation of Apple’s in-house connectivity chip.
iPhone 18 Pro: the evolution you see in the details
The design stays close to the iPhone 17 Pro, with 6.3 and 6.9-inch screens and the rear camera platform with three lenses.
The most notable visual change is a smaller Dynamic Island, with Face ID components moving beneath the display and freeing up space on the front panel — though the full system will not yet be entirely hidden.
In photography, the most consistent rumour is a variable aperture on the 48 MP main camera.
Rather than the usual fixed aperture, users will have control over how much light enters the lens — changing depth of field in a real, optical way rather than through software simulation.
It is a feature that Huawei and Samsung already offer on their flagship devices, and one Apple is said to have taken its time adopting for reasons of manufacturing precision and optical consistency.
The LTPO+ displays promise greater energy efficiency, and the Pro Max battery is expected to reach 5,567 mAh — a considerable jump from the 5,088 mAh of the previous model.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected in four colours: Dark Cherry — a deep, wine-toned red that is the standout colour of this generation — light blue, dark grey, and silver.
iPhone Ultra — the foldable Apple saved for the right moment
The iPhone Ultra is, without question, the most anticipated product of the event.
This is Apple’s first foldable smartphone, in a passport-style format similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display.
The titanium and liquid metal hinge promises a near-invisible crease — something the most recent rumours describe as one of Apple’s top engineering priorities for this product.
In terms of hardware, it shares the A20 Pro and 12 GB of RAM with the Pro models. The rear camera system features two 48 MP lenses — fewer than the three sensors on the Pro models, a concession to the device’s thickness.
On the front, there is a 24 MP under-display sensor. The expected price is above €2,000 in Europe, firmly positioning it as a premium product for a specific type of user.
What is being saved for 2027
This is one of the most unexpected developments of this cycle.
The iPhone 18 base model, the 18e, and a possible iPhone Air 2 will not be announced tomorrow. Apple has chosen to split the launch, leaving the more accessible models for spring 2027.
It is a strategic shift designed to give the foldable the spotlight it deserves, and one that alters the brand’s traditional calendar in a way that may well continue in the years ahead.
The event starts tomorrow at 6:00 pm (Portugal time) and can be followed on Apple’s YouTube channel or on the official website.
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