Apple’s biggest product night of 2026 arrives today, September 9, with the company’s “Surprise and shine” event starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, or 10:30 p.m. IST. Apple has officially confirmed the livestream, but it has not named the new devices in advance. That leaves the headline question hanging over Cupertino: will this finally be the night Apple enters the foldable-phone market?
Reports published hours before the event point strongly towards a first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The device has long been described as an “iPhone Ultra”, although fresh reporting now says “iPhone Duo” may be the retail name. One surprise could be what does not appear: the regular iPhone 18 is widely expected to move to a later launch window.
What Time Is Apple’s September 9 Event And How Can You Watch?
Apple says its special event begins at 10 a.m. PT on September 9. For viewers in India, that is 10:30 p.m. IST. The company will stream it through Apple’s event page, Apple TV, and YouTube Live. Apple’s India event page already labels the special event “today”.
Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak also promoted the event on X, using the “Surprise and shine” line and the #AppleEvent hashtag. His official X post gives viewers the clearest social-media confirmation directly from Apple leadership.
Key things to watch tonight:
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to lead Apple’s conventional phone upgrades.
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become the event’s biggest announcement.
- The foldable’s final name remains uncertain, with “iPhone Ultra” and “iPhone Duo” both circulating.
- Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 are also tipped to appear.
- The standard iPhone 18 may be held for spring 2027 under Apple’s reported split launch cycle.
Could Apple’s First Foldable Be Called iPhone Ultra Or iPhone Duo?
The foldable is the story drawing the most attention before the keynote. Reuters reports that Apple is expected to unveil its first folding phone, entering a category where Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers have already spent years refining book-style designs.
Earlier leaks repeatedly used the iPhone Ultra name, fitting Apple’s habit of reserving “Ultra” for premium hardware. A fresh report from The Verge, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, says the product may instead arrive as the “iPhone Duo”. Until Apple puts a name on stage, neither label should be treated as confirmed.
The same reporting suggests a starting price around $2,000, with higher-capacity versions climbing much further. Rumours also point to an outer phone-sized display and a larger inner screen designed for side-by-side apps, multitasking and possibly Apple Pencil support. Those details could push the device closer to a pocketable iPad experience than a simple folding iPhone.
Why Apple’s Foldable Could Change The Premium Phone Race
Timing is important. Huawei and Xiaomi have introduced new foldables just ahead of Apple’s event, while Samsung remains a major global player in the category. Reuters notes that foldables are still a relatively small slice of smartphone sales, which gives Apple both a challenge and an opening.
If Apple has reduced the visible crease, strengthened the hinge and built software that uses the larger screen well, its late entry could still reshape premium-phone competition. Price, durability and availability will be watched as closely as the design itself.
What Upgrades Are Expected For iPhone 18 Pro And Pro Max?
The iPhone 18 Pro line is expected to look familiar at first glance, but reports point to changes beneath the surface. Rumoured upgrades include Apple’s A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island and camera improvements, including a possible variable-aperture system on at least one Pro model.
Battery life may also receive attention. Pre-event reports have suggested a larger battery for the Pro Max, potentially making the phone slightly thicker. Apple has not confirmed those specifications, so final numbers will need to come from tonight’s presentation.
One of the stranger changes to Apple’s annual pattern could be the missing base iPhone 18. MacRumors and other outlets expect Apple to save the cheaper non-Pro models for spring 2027. If confirmed, Apple would be separating its premium autumn launch from more affordable iPhones instead of refreshing the entire family at once.
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What Else Could Apple Reveal Tonight?
Phones may dominate the event, but wearables could fill out the launch slate. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are among the strongest expectations, with performance, battery and health-focused changes rumoured. AirPods 5 may also appear in versions with and without active noise cancellation.
The event also carries extra attention because it is Apple’s first major launch under CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1, according to Reuters. That makes tonight more than another yearly iPhone refresh. A successful foldable debut would give Apple a new premium category at the same time its leadership enters a new chapter.
For now, the foldable, its name, price and shipping date remain unconfirmed until Apple announces them on stage. That distinction is worth keeping clear, especially with last-minute leaks moving quickly before the keynote begins.
FAQs On Apple’s iPhone 18 Launch Event
When Does The Apple Event Start In India?
Apple’s September event starts at 10:30 p.m. IST tonight and streams online through official platforms.
Will Apple Launch The Regular iPhone 18 Today?
Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 may arrive in spring 2027 instead of launching tonight.
Is iPhone Ultra The Confirmed Name Of Apple’s Foldable?
No. iPhone Ultra remains rumoured, while reports suggest Apple could use the iPhone Duo name.
How Much Could Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Cost?
Recent reports suggest pricing may start around $2,000, placing Apple’s foldable firmly in premium territory.
What Other Products Could Apple Announce Today?
Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 are among expected announcements.
