Apple launches employee lottery for September iPhone 18 event under new CEO John Ternus

Apple has opened an internal lottery for eligible U.S. retail employees to assist with its September product launch. Applications close on August 8, with selected staff to be notified by August 17. Chosen employees will help manage guest lines, check‑ins, directions and security during the event.

The launch, slated for the first half of September, is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 lineup—including the first foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max—and new Apple Watch models. It will be the first major keynote led by new CEO John Ternus, who succeeds Tim Cook on September 1.