Apple’s September 9 Event: What the Foldable iPhone Leak Reveals

Apple’s next hardware keynote is set for Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, Cupertino. The company has confirmed the event’s “Surprise and Shine” branding, location and livestream, but it has not publicly named the products it will introduce. Reports nonetheless point to a Pro-focused iPhone launch led by the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s long-rumored first foldable iPhone. 14

The key distinction for buyers: the event is official; nearly every device name, specification, price and release detail below remains rumor or analyst expectation.

The foldable iPhone: a premium price is the clearest signal

The device is often called the “iPhone Ultra” in reports, though Apple has not confirmed that name. A purported Vodafone Australia listing, circulated through a single social-media account, claimed three storage configurations:

• 256GB: A$3,699
• 512GB: A$4,199
• 1TB: A$4,699

Neither Apple nor Vodafone has confirmed the listing, so it should not be treated as a final price sheet. Still, the reported tiers line up with earlier expectations of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options, and they reinforce the expectation that the foldable will sit above Apple’s existing flagship range. 2021

Australian retail prices cannot be converted directly into U.S. pricing because they reflect local taxes, currency and market conditions. Separately, TrendForce estimated a $2,099–$2,299 U.S. starting price, with high-end configurations potentially exceeding $3,000. Those figures are also estimates, rather than Apple pricing. 22

Rumored design and hardware

Current reports describe a book-style foldable with a roughly 7.8-inch inner OLED display and 5.5-inch outer OLED display. The same reporting points to a 120Hz ProMotion inner screen, Touch ID, 12GB of RAM, and storage options reaching at least 1TB. 22

Other widely repeated but unconfirmed claims include a thinner, low-crease folding panel, a titanium build, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras and an A20-series chip. Until Apple presents the product, these details should be viewed as a prospective specification list—not a buying guide.

Why Apple’s foldable matters beyond Apple

IDC expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone to ship more than 10 million units in its first year of availability, despite its expected high price. IDC also forecasts that Apple could account for roughly 40% of global foldable shipments in 2027, with more than 17 million Apple foldables shipped that year. These are market-research forecasts, not production targets or sales guidance from Apple. 5253

The forecast is significant because IDC expects Apple’s entry to help revive foldable-phone growth. But a strong category forecast does not establish the device’s final price, availability or consumer reception. 56

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: the expected upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to headline the conventional smartphone lineup. Reported changes include an A20 Pro chip, a smaller or relocated Face ID system, a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, camera improvements and a new orange- or copper-like color option. The larger iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to have a variable-aperture main camera that would not come to the smaller Pro. 3

Apple has not confirmed any of those features. The practical takeaway is that the Pro Max may be positioned as the camera-first choice, while the foldable would be the high-cost option for people who prioritize a larger, tablet-like display.

Pre-orders may move because September 11 falls on Friday

The reported launch calendar breaks from Apple’s usual Friday pre-order pattern. Multiple reports say pre-orders could open on Saturday, September 12, rather than Friday, September 11, which is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. A Friday, September 18 retail release has also been predicted. 3836

The Vodafone Australia rumor likewise points to September 12 pre-orders for the foldable. That overlap is notable, but it does not authenticate the carrier leak or confirm Apple’s final schedule. 1720

Other products that could appear

Beyond iPhones, analysts and event previews expect Apple Watch updates and possible new AirPods Pro hardware. Apple Watch Series 12, a new Ultra model and a refreshed SE are among the rumored candidates, but Apple has not announced them. 67

The regular iPhone 18, lower-cost iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air may not be part of this September presentation. Reports suggest Apple could split its launch cycle and move those models to spring 2027. 3940

How to watch

Apple says the event will be livestreamed on its website. Reports also expect viewing through the Apple TV app and Apple’s YouTube channel. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET on September 9. 111

For prospective buyers, the most useful thing to watch for is not another leak: it is Apple’s official confirmation of the foldable’s name, storage lineup, regional pricing and delivery date. Those details will determine whether the reported A$3,699 entry price is a credible preview or simply an inaccurate placeholder.