Apple’s September event is usually the fruit company’s biggest consumer hardware moment of the year, and the 2026 version looks set to follow that tradition with a new range of iPhones.
Yet there may be some key differences this time around…
For one, it’s not just phones. Whispers suggest Apple could unveil its first proper HomeKit security camera, a beefed-up Apple Watch Ultra 4 with a built-in fingerprint scanner, and even AirPods packing infrared cameras that let Siri see what you’re looking at.
It’s shaping up to be one of Apple’s most interesting Septembers in years – here’s everything we know so far.
Apple event date
The event should take place in the second week of the month if previous form is anything to go by and usually – though not always – Apple events are on a Tuesday.
That means we are almost certainly looking at the event taking place on Tuesday 8 September.
So what’s set to be different this year?
Multiple reports suggest that Apple will look to break its regular yearly cycle of iPhone launches as smartphone development slows. Rumors suggest that the standard iPhone 18 would launch in Spring 2027 instead, possibly alongside an iPhone 18e.
What that does mean is that we will get a premium-only lineup this year, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September alongside a foldable iPhone called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. There is now too much noise for this not to happen.
What doesn’t seem to be known is when – or if – an iPhone Air 2 would appear, and while reviews weren’t great and sales apparently poor, there’s little doubt that the iPhone Air shows us what a future iPhone would probably look like.
What to expect from the iPhone Fold
The foldable iPhone has been long-rumored but would be a big departure for Apple, who is relatively late to this particular party. However, it now seems nailed-on to appear.
I think iPhone Fold is the most likely name for this devices as it will make it crystal-clear what it is. iPhone Ultra is another rumored name, however. While rival foldables have largely allayed durability concerns, expect Apple to major on this as it is likely to be a key concern from consumers upgrading to it. And they’ll also surely talk about the lack of a crease in the display.
I’ve also heard that iOS 27 will have app features that change between folded and unfolded states and we should get some software chat about this that we won’t get at WWDC26.
What to expect from iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will look a little different thanks to a smaller Dynamic Island front cutout. Not all rumors suggest this, but it would be a natural step. Macworld has reported on the new colors that may ship, including a very dark red, almost purple.
These phones are set to have a new A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process. Performance will better yet it won’t be a major leap. But there will be greater efficiency from the change and that will in turn lead to longer battery life.
Rumours also point to a variable-aperture main camera giving more control over depth and low-light performance. There may also be more RAM on board.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
As usual, we’ll also get an Apple Watch refresh at the event. So that means an Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at the very least. I’d expect the Ultra 4 announcement to major on battery life and as usual fitness will be at the heart of what Apple talks about for both watches. We might also get a refreshed Watch SE, of course. The Watch Series 12 appears to be an incremental update.
Apple AirPods… with cameras?
The AirPods lineup is quite settled at the moment and so I’d expect that we won’t get any new AirPods this year. It is possible, of course, and there are continued rumors of AirPods featuring cameras.
Apple HomeHub and Video Doorbell
Rumors suggest Apple’s finally moving on the smart home front, too, with a HomePod Mini refresh and an all-new “Home Hub” smart display both reportedly in the works.
The HomePod Mini 2 is expected to keep its spherical design (maybe with a new red finish to match the rumoured iPhone 18 Pro colourway) but get a serious internal upgrade – jumping from the ageing S5 chip to something like the S9 or later, plus newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband hardware.
The real point of the upgrade is horsepower for Apple’s overhauled, Apple Intelligence-powered Siri, which is said to be the actual holdup.
The Home Hub is the bigger swing: a roughly seven-inch touchscreen smart display with a FaceTime camera, HomeKit control, Matter compatibility and an A18 chip for on-device Apple Intelligence – essentially Apple’s answer to the Echo Show and Nest Hub.
Apple is also reportedly developing a first-party smart home security camera (and possibly a Face ID-enabled video doorbell) to rival Ring and Nest, though details on design, pricing and release are still speculative.
New software
Finally, we’ll also get the release date announcement of Apple’s operating systems such as iOS 27 and watchOS 27. Because these are set to include the revamped Siri, we might also get a lot of chat about what Siri is now capable of for everyday users.
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