Apple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone.
To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference guide to the rumoured upgrades, expected prices, and possible pre-order/release dates of everything we're expecting to see tomorrow.
Rumors by Model
iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max
- Similar overall design to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a more uniform finish across the aluminum and glass back.
- Smaller Dynamic Island, said to be achieved by Apple moving some Face ID components beneath the screen.
- More efficient LTPO+ displays.
- A20 Pro chip manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process.
- 12GB of RAM and 256GB starting storage.
- Variable-aperture main camera for greater control over light and background blur – although reports disagree on whether this will be exclusive to the Pro Max.
- Possible Samsung image sensor for improved image quality and camera responsiveness.
- Simplified Camera Control button that retains pressure sensing but removes the capacitive layer.
- Larger battery in the Pro Max, which could well result in a slightly thicker and heavier body.
- Possible Apple C2 modem, although U.S. models could retain Qualcomm modems for mmWave support.
- The strongest color rumors include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Silver. Other rumors have suggested no Silver, and a black finish has also been suggested.
- Apple's first folding iPhone, with "iPhone Ultra" among the rumored names, with "iPhone Fold" and "iPhone Duo" remaining outlying possibilities.
- Book-style design with an approximately 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner display.
- Chassis measuring just 4.5mm thick when unfolded.
- Liquid-metal hinge and an extremely inconspicuous – but not completely invisible – display crease.
- Touch ID integrated into the Side button in lieu of Face ID.
- Wide and Ultra Wide rear cameras, plus selfie cameras on both the outer and inner displays.
- A20 Pro chip and an expected 12GB of RAM.
- MagSafe charging support.
- iPad-like multitasking, including side-by-side apps.
- Silver/white and a very dark indigo finish among the rumored colors.
- Familiar design, with no major change to the case expected.
- Faster S12 chip and improvements to health and fitness tracking.
- Possible return of a ceramic case, with white and dark gray versions reportedly tested.
- Continuous heart-rate monitoring throughout the day among the features Apple is testing, along with a new "Readiness" app.
- More wellness metrics through revamped Health and Fitness experiences.
- Similar design to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
- Faster S12 chip and related health and fitness improvements.
- Likely continuous heart-rate collection if the Series 12 gets it.
- Possible expansion of satellite capabilities, including Apple Maps and photo sharing in Messages.
- Two versions expected, with and without active noise cancellation.
- Possible H3 chip for better sound quality and lower latency.
The regular iPhone 18 is not expected to feature tomorrow. Apple is reportedly moving that model's launch to spring 2027, when the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are also expected to debut as part of a new split-year release schedule.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra Pricing Expectations
Higher memory costs could push up prices for both Pro models this year. Based on TrendForce's forecasts for the Pro models and Bloomberg's latest reporting on the foldable, the possible U.S. starting prices are:
| Model | Estimated Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,249–$1,299 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,349–$1,399 |
| iPhone Ultra | $2,199 (rumored) |
Remember that these are estimates, with the Pro figures representing possible prices sourced from TrendForce's projected increases. That said, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today also reported that Apple has discussed a $2,199 starting price for the foldable, with some upgraded storage configurations potentially approaching $3,000. Reliable figures for every storage tier are not available.
When Can I Pre-order iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra?
iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders could begin on Saturday, September 12, at midnight Pacific Time / 3 a.m. Eastern Time. The potential Saturday opening would avoid September 11, similar to Apple's approach in 2015.
The foldable's schedule is less certain, with some reports of manufacturing challenges potentially delaying a release until the fourth quarter of 2026. However, Gurman has said he would be "very surprised" if the foldable iPhone does not come out at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or "very close" to them.
When Do iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra Launch?
Friday, September 18 is the most likely release date for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's our best educated guess, but we believe that is when deliveries and retail availability will begin.
As already mentioned, reports remain divided on the foldable's launch schedule. There's still a possibility that its unveiling tomorrow may precede its arrival in stores by several weeks or more.
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Article Link: Apple Event Tomorrow: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra Cheat Sheet
