Apple iPhone 18 Pro and foldable Ultra predicted for September 18 launch

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and foldable Ultra predicted for September 18 launch

Apple is expected to unveil its next generation of premium smartphones on Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific. The event, predicted to be led by newly inaugurated CEO John Ternus, is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company's first foldable device, potentially named the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold.

While the premium models and the foldable are slated for a September debut, Apple is reportedly altering its traditional release strategy. The more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models are not expected to launch until spring 2027, a move that allows the company to focus attention on high-end hardware during the holiday season.

Based on current projections, pre-orders for the new devices are likely to open Friday, September 11, possibly as early as 5 a.m. Pacific. The general release of iOS 27 is anticipated for Monday, September 14, with the iPhone 18 Pro and accompanying models projected to hit store shelves on Friday, September 18.

Hardware and Design Shifts

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will maintain display sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. However, they may feature a smaller Dynamic Island, with some components of Face ID potentially moving under the display. Leaker Ice Universe suggests the Dynamic Island could be 35 percent narrower than the previous generation, featuring a widget of approximately 13.5mm compared to 20.7mm.

Physical dimensions may see slight increases. Some reports indicate the iPhone 18 Pro could be roughly 9mm thick and weigh approximately 240 grams, making it 0.25mm thicker and seven grams heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro. Other data suggests a smaller increase to an 8.8mm chassis. These changes may be attributed to larger batteries and a new vapor chamber cooling system.

The visual aesthetic is expected to move away from the two-tone look of the iPhone 17 Pro in favor of a unified appearance where the back glass color more closely matches the aluminum frame. New color options are rumored to include silver, dark gray, light blue, and a special "dark cherry" shade, which Macworld describes as a deep red with a tinge of purple.

Processing Power and Connectivity

The lineup will be powered by the A20 chip, marking a transition to TSMC's 2-nanometer process. This shift is projected to deliver up to 30 percent better power efficiency and 15 percent faster performance than A19 chips. The A20 Pro variant will likely be reserved for the Pro models.

Apple is expected to implement Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging for the A20 Pro, integrating RAM directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. However, the transition to 2nm technology may increase costs; TSMC has reportedly told Apple that 2nm pricing will be at least 50 percent higher than 3-nanometer processors.

Connectivity is set for a significant overhaul with the introduction of the C2 modem. According to documents leaked from supplier Tata, Apple may use a region-based approach:

• United States: Models may continue to use Qualcomm hardware, such as the SDX80M, to maintain mmWave 5G compatibility.
• International: Models are expected to use the proprietary Apple C2 modem.

The C2 modem may enable full satellite internet access, moving beyond emergency services to allow third-party apps, Apple Maps, and Photos to work over satellite.

Camera and Battery Upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro may feature some of the most significant camera upgrades in the lineup's history. A key addition is the potential for a variable aperture on the main camera, allowing users to mechanically control light intake and depth of field. This would enable a more natural bokeh effect without relying solely on software. Additional upgrades include a larger aperture for the telephoto lens and the possible use of a Samsung three-layer stacked image sensor to reduce noise and increase dynamic range.

Battery capacities are expected to increase, particularly for the Pro Max. Reported capacities for the U.S. Models include 4,288mAh for the iPhone 18 Pro and 5,567mAh for the Pro Max. Models sold in China may have slightly smaller batteries (4,056mAh and 5,391mAh respectively) to accommodate physical SIM slots.

Pricing and Market Outlook

IDC suggests starting prices could rise by $200, potentially placing the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,299 and the Pro Max at $1,399.

The software powering these devices, iOS 27, is currently in developer beta, with the third beta released on Monday, July 6. The first public beta is anticipated around July 13-14.