Apple sets September 2026 iPhone 18 Pro launch, unveils foldable Ultra
Apple is expected to hold its annual iPhone keynote on 9 September 2026, where it will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The devices are slated for market release on 18 September, with pre‑orders possibly opening a few days earlier. The Pro models will feature larger batteries – about 4,288 mAh for the U.S. version and 4,056 mAh for the Chinese version – and will be powered by a new A20 Pro chip manufactured on a 2‑nm gate‑all‑around process. Apple is also rumored to introduce a foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, at the same event, marking the company’s first entry into foldable smartphones. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to be delayed until early 2027, and the lower‑priced iPhone 18e, slated for a March 2027 launch, will see its RAM increased from 8 GB to 9 GB to support Apple Intelligence features amid a global DRAM shortage. Additionally, Apple will see a leadership change on 1 September 2026, with John Ternus succeeding Tim Cook as CEO. These developments signal a major product refresh and strategic shift for Apple’s flagship line.
Entities: A20 Pro chip · Apple Inc. · John Ternus · iPhone 18 Pro · iPhone Ultra (foldable)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max sales are expected to start on 18 September 2026. (Launch timeline speculation)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] iPhone 18 Pro will be powered by a new A20 Pro chip built on a 2‑nm GAA process. (Supplier documents)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone, referred to as iPhone Ultra, at the September 2026 event. (Rumor aggregators)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Apple will hold an iPhone keynote on 9 September 2026. (Apple iPhone 18 launch schedule reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] John Ternus will become Apple CEO on 1 September 2026, succeeding Tim Cook. (Leadership transition report)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] iPhone 18 Pro will have a 4,288 mAh battery in the U.S. version and 4,056 mAh in the Chinese version. (Supply‑chain and regulator reports)
- [● 2 SOURCES] iPhone 18e will increase RAM from 8 GB to 9 GB for its March 2027 launch. (Analyst leaks)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The standard iPhone 18 base model will be delayed until early 2027. (Launch schedule analysis)