Apple Schedules September 9 Event to Launch iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable Ultra

Apple's September hardware event has long been a fixture in the tech calendar, but 2026 stands out for two reasons. First, the company is preparing its first-ever foldable iPhone, called the iPhone Ultra. Second, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to showcase significant upgrades in performance, camera, and design.

For years, Apple has faced questions about when it would join the foldable phone market, a segment dominated by Samsung. Enthusiasts and industry watchers have speculated about the company's approach and whether it could bring something new to the table. Leaks and rumors have only fueled the anticipation, with expectations for a shift in Apple's usual product strategy.

On August 29, outlets including Actualidad Iphone and TechRadar confirmed Apple's keynote for September 9, with the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable Ultra at the center. TechRadar noted that Apple's late entry into foldables puts pressure on the iPhone Ultra to match or surpass Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8.

As more details emerged, CNET reported on August 29 that Apple might stagger the iPhone 18 release, with some models arriving in spring and the Pro versions later in the year. This would be a break from Apple's usual simultaneous launches. By August 30, leaks pointed to a tested but ultimately scrapped Apple Pencil for the foldable phone, as covered by MacRumors and Digital Trends. These reports suggested Apple explored stylus support but decided against including it for now.

Excitement continued to build as Forbes, 9to5Mac, and others highlighted the September 9 event as a showcase for both the iPhone 18 Pro and the new foldable model. Color options for the iPhone 18 Pro also became a point of interest, with MacRumors on September 1 noting new shades like Dark Cherry and Sky Blue, but no silver option this year.

By early September, leakers and analysts were sharing images and specifications, with the foldable iPhone Ultra drawing comparisons to an iPad mini when unfolded. The design, multitasking features, and launch timing became focal points as the event approached.

Apple's September 9 event is now officially confirmed. The keynote, set at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, will introduce both the iPhone 18 Pro and the company's first foldable, the iPhone Ultra. The event will also mark the debut of Apple's new CEO, following Tim Cook's announced departure.

Most coverage agrees on the core details: the iPhone 18 Pro will see notable hardware and camera upgrades, possibly with a higher price tag, and a major shakeup in available colors. The foldable Ultra, meanwhile, will not support the Apple Pencil at launch, despite internal testing. Apple is expected to reveal specifics about launch timing, pricing, and availability during the event.

Key questions remain about how Apple will price the foldable iPhone Ultra and how its features will compare to established competitors like Samsung. The market will be watching for details on multitasking, display technology, and whether Apple can deliver a foldable experience that feels distinctly its own.

Buyers and analysts are also waiting to see how Apple will handle the staggered release schedule and what that could mean for early adopters. The September 9 event is set to answer many of these questions.