Apple Event Live: iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods Updates
John Ternus hosts his inaugural Apple keynote revealing the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and a new foldable iPhone.
Apple holds its flagship autumn showcase on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with proceedings set to begin at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. IST). Ahead of the broadcast, Apple’s online store went offline in traditional fashion, signaling impending hardware additions and updated pricing structures. Observers worldwide can follow the announcements via live blogs, Apple's official website, the Apple TV app, and the company's official YouTube channel, as reported by CNET, LiveMint, and MobileSyrup.
Wednesday's presentation marks a major institutional transition. John Ternus takes the stage for his inaugural keynote as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tim Cook on September 1, 2026. A veteran hardware engineer of two decades, Ternus steps into the leadership role during one of the most substantial structural shakeups to Apple's product schedule in recent history.
A Fractured Launch Strategy and the Foldable Debates
Apple departs from its unified September release cadence. While prior autumns saw the simultaneous debut of standard and professional handsets, reporting indicates that the base iPhone 18 and a rumored iPhone Air sequel are delayed to a spring showcase. The September 9 event instead concentrates firepower on the upper tier: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a highly anticipated folding device.
The iPhone Duo vs. IPhone Ultra Controversy
Industry analysts and reporters differ on the branding of Apple's first foldable entry. While early leaks and supply chain rumors pointed toward the moniker "iPhone Ultra" or "iPhone Fold," an eleventh-hour report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on X suggested the device may launch as the "iPhone Duo." MobileSyrup and CNET note that the foldable is expected to utilize a book-style folding mechanism with inner and outer displays, echoing competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
According to reports cited by LiveMint, the folding handset is projected to feature a short-and-wide layout reminiscent of the ultra-thin design philosophy seen in the iPhone Air, potentially supporting the Apple Pencil. Analysts at IDC project strong demand despite elevated pricing, estimating that Apple could capture a significant portion of the foldable category within months of commercial availability.
Expected Lineup and Hardware Specifications
Beyond the folding phone, the event is slated to showcase iterative upgrades across Apple's ecosystem. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to introduce new aesthetic options, including dark cherry and classic black or space grey finishes, alongside potential hardware enhancements such as variable aperture camera lenses and larger battery configurations.
Wearables and home accessories are also slated for updates. Industry reports point to the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Meanwhile, the AirPods 5 are anticipated to launch with enhanced active noise cancellation driven by a new H3 chip, though camera-equipped variants leaked previously are reportedly deferred to the following year. Additional hardware refreshes discussed in pre-event coverage include a potential Apple TV 4K upgrade powered by an A19-family chip and expanded RAM capacity, alongside possible smart home hub announcements.
| Product Category | Expected Models | Key Rumored Features | Anticipated Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foldable iPhone | iPhone Duo / iPhone Ultra | Book-style fold, inner/outer screens, Apple Pencil support, dark blue and white colors | Announcement Sept 9, 2026; Sales in October |
| Pro Smartphones | iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max | Dark cherry / space grey finishes, variable aperture lenses, larger batteries | September 9, 2026 |
| Wearables & Audio | Apple Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5 | H3 chip for enhanced active noise cancellation | September 9, 2026 |
| Home Hardware | Apple TV 4K refresh, Smart Home Hub | 6-core A19 chip family, increased RAM | September 9, 2026 |
Financial Pressures and Global Pricing Context
Speculation surrounds potential price increases. Reports indicate that rising memory manufacturing expenses, fueled by robust demand from artificial intelligence data centers, could push device prices upward by roughly $100 across the broader lineup, with older models like the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air potentially affected. Regional estimates highlighted by LiveMint place the starting cost of the iPhone 18 Pro around ₹1,39,900 in India, while the high-end foldable variant is estimated to range between ₹1,89,900 and ₹2,09,900 domestically, with top-tier global storage configurations reaching higher.
Financial context surrounding Apple's broader market position also draws attention. Berkshire Hathaway executive Warren Buffett previously acknowledged missing early investment opportunities in Apple before building a substantial stake between 2016 and 2018, recognizing the firm's enduring consumer brand strength and pricing power. Apple stock has rallied notably since June announcements regarding pricing adjustments, despite minor fluctuations leading into the autumn showcase.
Next Steps and Availability
Following the conclusion of the live stream from Apple Park, Apple’s online store is expected to resume operations with updated catalog pages, official specifications, and regional pricing. While products like the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 typically move swiftly to pre-order phases, reports suggest the foldable iPhone Duo may see a delayed retail release arriving in October. Further ecosystem products, including standard-tier iPhones and upcoming Mac hardware, remain scheduled for separate disclosures in subsequent seasons.
