Apple iPhone 18 Pro Event: September 9 Date, Pre-Order Shift, Foldable Ultra, and Everything Expected

25th Anniversary of 9/11 (Friday, September 11) – Apple normally opens pre-orders on the Friday following its September keynote. This year, that Friday is September 11, 2026 — the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. To avoid this sensitive date, multiple outlets report that Apple will push pre-orders to Saturday, September 12 .

Event Announcement – Apple is expected to send invitations on Wednesday, August 26, maintaining its recent pattern of 14 days' advance notice .

Products Expected at the September 9 Event

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max – The headliners. The Pro models are expected to feature Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC's 2nm or enhanced 3nm process, alongside camera and design refinements including a variable aperture main camera and a smaller Dynamic Island .

Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' – Apple's first foldable iPhone is the event's biggest wildcard. It is expected to feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner display with a book-style design that minimizes the visibility of the crease. It will reportedly use a 2nm A20 chip, dual batteries, and a two-lens rear camera system . Leaks suggest it will come in black and white finishes .

Apple Watch Series 12 – The standard Apple Watch refresh is expected to include a new T8320 chip, faster performance, and expanded health tracking capabilities, including hypertension trend alerts . No major design changes are expected .

Apple Watch Ultra 4 – The Ultra 4 is rumored to be a more significant update. It is expected to feature a new S11 chip for improved on-device AI processing, and a redesigned sensor module with up to eight sensors — double the count of the current model . The sensors are said to support a new high blood pressure trend notification feature currently under FDA review . Other rumored additions include 5G connectivity and satellite communication . Some reports also mention a thinner titanium case .

Possible Additional Products – Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that Apple could unveil up to eight new products at the event, potentially including a new Apple TV 4K, a HomePod mini 2, and a first look at Apple's smart home hub .

Pre-Order and Public Sale Timeline

Pricing Outlook

• iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max – Expected to start at approximately $999 and $1,199, respectively, though some analysts project price increases of up to $300 due to rising component costs .
• Foldable iPhone Ultra – Widely expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500 . Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has estimated a starting price of $2,299 to $2,499 in the U.S. .
• Apple Watch Series 12 – Likely to start around $399–$429.
• Apple Watch Ultra 4 – Expected to remain at roughly $799, barring significant hardware cost increases.

The Big Unknown: When Does the Foldable iPhone Actually Ship?

While the foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to be announced on September 9, there is significant uncertainty about when customers can actually buy one.

• Announcement is widely expected – Multiple sources agree Apple will unveil the device at the September 9 event alongside the Pro models .
• Ship date is disputed – Some rumors suggest a simultaneous launch with the iPhone 18 Pro models, but others indicate the foldable could be delayed into October, November, or even later due to production complexity, hinge reliability, and display yield challenges .
• Kuo's prediction – Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that pre-orders for the foldable may not start until the fourth quarter of 2026, and that the device could 'sell out immediately after pre-orders open, with delivery lead times quickly stretching to 4-6 weeks or longer' .
• Leasing plan – Apple is reportedly preparing a device-leasing or subscription option specifically for the foldable iPhone, which could affect its release logistics .

Important Caveats

Apple has not officially confirmed the event date, any product names, or any of the above timelines. All dates and product details in this article are projections based on historical patterns, supply chain reports, and reporting from outlets such as Bloomberg, Forbes, 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and Tom's Guide .

For the most accurate information, follow Apple's official announcements and the reporting of established Apple journalists.