Apple could announce the iPhone 18 Pro launch event date this week, with the company expected to reveal its next flagship lineup at a September event. If Apple follows its recent pattern, the announcement could come on Thursday, August 27.
Apple announced the iPhone 17 series event date on August 27 last year, while the iPhone 16 launch event was also announced on the same date. If the company repeats that schedule, the iPhone 18 Pro event announcement could arrive this Thursday. But, let me give you some spoiler. The launch event is rumoured to take place on September 9.
This year’s launch could be particularly interesting because Apple is reportedly preparing two major changes at opposite ends of its iPhone lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could get a major camera feature that has never been offered on an iPhone before. At the same time, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is rumoured cost close to $2000 (roughly Rs 1.90 lakh), is tipped to miss two major features that have been a major part of iPhone: a telephoto camera and Face ID. With seven devices reportedly in the pipeline, Apple’s September event could be one of its biggest launches in years. Here is the list and some other details of the same.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro models are said to bring changes to both the display and cameras. Apple is reportedly working on moving some Face ID components under the screen, which could make the Dynamic Island smaller or potentially remove it.
The Pro models are also tipped to get camera upgrades, including a new sensor and variable aperture technology. The latter could allow the camera to control the amount of light entering the lens. However, this feature may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Chinese tipster Ice Universe has claimed that the larger model will “exclusively feature a variable aperture.”
If true, this would give Apple a new way to separate its two Pro models. A variable aperture could improve control over depth of field and help with different lighting conditions. Both phones are expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, bringing performance and efficiency improvements. The Pro Max could also have a larger battery and a slightly thicker body.
First foldable iPhone could be the biggest launch
Apple’s foldable iPhone, sometimes referred to as the iPhone Ultra, could attract even more attention. The device is expected to have a large inner display and a smaller outer screen that can be used like a conventional smartphone.
The premium phone could cost more than $2,000, or around Rs 1.91 lakh. Despite that price, reports suggest Apple may leave out two features found on its current high-end iPhones.
The foldable iPhone is reportedly not expected to have a dedicated telephoto camera. It may also use Touch ID instead of Face ID, potentially because of the design and space constraints involved in building a foldable phone.
That could make the device a difficult choice for buyers who expect Apple’s most expensive iPhone to offer its most advanced camera and biometric system.
Apple Watch and other products
The September event could also feature the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The new watches are expected to focus on performance, health and fitness improvements, with Apple potentially adding new case and band options.
Apple is also reportedly preparing an updated Apple TV box and a new HomePod mini. A dedicated smart home hub could arrive later this year or in early 2027.
The company’s Mac and iPad plans are likely to stretch into the following months. A MacBook Pro with the M6 chip, refreshed iMac models and a new iPad mini are reportedly in development, with some of these products more likely to appear in October.
Apple is also said to be working on a high-end MacBook with an OLED touchscreen, although that device could arrive between late 2026 and early 2027.
