Apple’s biggest product event of the year is now less than a week away, and the company could have far more than its next iPhones waiting in the wings.
Apple will hold its ‘Surprise and shine’ special event on Wednesday, September 9 at Apple Park, where the spotlight is expected to fall on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the company’s long-rumored first foldable iPhone. However, a growing collection of reports suggests Apple could use the event to refresh several other parts of its hardware lineup at the same time.
The headline announcements are expected to be the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro point to Apple introducing its new 2nm A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, an upgraded front-facing camera and its second-generation C2 modem. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could also gain some features not offered on the smaller model, including a variable-aperture rear camera and potentially longer optical zoom.
Apple is not expected to launch the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models this year. Reports have suggested the company is moving to a staggered iPhone release strategy, with its less expensive models instead arriving during the first half of 2027.
That change could leave room for an entirely new member of the iPhone series. Apple’s first foldable iPhone, widely referred to in reports as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to make its debut at the event. The device is rumored to use a book-style folding design with a roughly 7.8-inch internal display and a smaller external screen, while Apple is said to have focused heavily on minimizing the visible crease found on many existing foldable smartphones.
Image: Gunho Lee
The foldable model could also take a noticeably different approach to authentication. Reports have suggested Apple may use Touch ID integrated into the side button rather than Face ID, helping the company save internal space inside the unusually thin device. The iPhone Ultra is also expected to use the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, although availability could initially be limited and pricing is expected to place it well above Apple’s existing Pro models.
AirPods could be next in line for an update. Rather than the more ambitious camera-equipped AirPods that have been rumored for the future, Apple is expected to introduce AirPods 5. Reports point to a familiar overall design alongside internal improvements, with possible additions including improved controls and health-related functionality. The more advanced camera-equipped AirPods are now thought to be planned for 2027.
Apple’s wearables lineup could receive two updates of its own, with Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 both expected. Major redesigns are not currently anticipated, although rumors have pointed to a new S12 chip, possible changes to the way watch bands attach and the return of a ceramic case option. New health and fitness capabilities are also likely to accompany the hardware as Apple prepares to release watchOS 27.
The September event may extend beyond Apple’s mobile products. A new Apple TV 4K is reportedly in development, potentially bringing a substantially newer processor and Apple’s own wireless networking hardware. With the current Apple TV 4K dating back several years, a refresh could also provide the hardware Apple needs to expand Siri and Apple Intelligence deeper into the living room.
Apple’s smart-home plans could form another part of the presentation. The company has long been rumored to be developing a dedicated smart-home hub with a display, combining elements of an iPad and HomePod into a device designed to control accessories, make FaceTime calls and provide personalized information around the home. Reports have suggested the product could use sensors and a camera to recognize who is nearby and adapt what appears on screen accordingly.
A second-generation HomePod mini is also among the products tipped for an announcement. The original HomePod mini was introduced in 2020, making it one of the oldest products in Apple’s current hardware lineup. Apple is reportedly preparing an updated HomePod mini concentrating on a faster chip, improved audio and stronger integration with Apple’s next generation of Siri features rather than introducing a dramatically different design.
Image: Apple
Together, that would give Apple a potential nine-product lineup spanning the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Ultra, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple TV 4K, a new smart-home display and HomePod mini 2.
Not everything in Apple’s product pipeline is expected next week. The regular iPhone 18 is reportedly being saved for 2027, while new Macs and an OLED iPad mini are expected to arrive separately. Camera-equipped AirPods and another Apple Watch SE are also thought to be further away.
Apple’s ‘Surprise and shine’ event begins at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, September 9, which is 6:00 p.m. in the UK. Alongside the hardware announcements, Apple is also expected to confirm final release details for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27 and its other major software updates.