Apple has confirmed it will host a Surprise and Shine launch event at its headquarters in Apple Park on September 9 at 10:00 local time.
The California technology giant sent invitations to members of the media for the in-person event at the Steve Jobs Theater, where it is widely expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra, its first-ever foldable smartphone. Tech enthusiasts will not have long to wait, with the presentation scheduled to begin at 18:00 BST.
The launch comes just eight days after 51-year-old John Ternus takes over as chief executive from long-time Apple leader Tim Cook on September 1. Cook is stepping down after 15 years as CEO to become executive chairman.
Ternus, currently Apple's hardware chief, is widely respected and known as the company's "product guy" with a special interest in pushing the latest hardware. His accession suggests Apple fans may be in for a flurry of new devices alongside the foldable phone.
Cryptic invitations and design clues
The invitation sent to journalists features a glowing, translucent Apple logo set against what appears to be a sunny blue sky. Alongside the phrase "Surprise and Shine," the invitation states: "Please join us in person for a special Apple Event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park."
Industry observers note that the transparent logo could be a nod to Apple's controversial Liquid Glass Display, which debuted with iOS 2026 in June 2025. Meanwhile, a video version showing the graphic shimmering slightly may reference how the newly updated Siri artificial intelligence lights up. Apple has remained tight-lipped about the event details.
Leaked specifications for the iPhone Ultra
Industry experts believe Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone Ultra as its first major design departure since the release of the original iPhone. Rumours suggest the device features a book-style foldable design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.5-inch outer screen and an inner display comparable to an iPad Mini at 7.8 inches when opened.
Leaked specifications indicate the phone measures 9mm thick when closed and 4.5mm when opened. The device features four cameras in total, including one external camera, two rear-facing cameras, and one internal camera. It will be available in black and white with an estimated price between $2,000 and $2,500.
Writing in his Power On newsletter, veteran Apple analyst Mark Gurman reported: "People who have tried the Apple model like how it fits in a pocket, the feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism, and the new iPad-like app layouts that take advantage of the larger internal display."
Gurman stated that the ultra-premium product is expected to be priced above $2,000 (£1,470), matching Samsung's top foldables and exceeding the price of Apple's flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, Gurman noted that the iPhone Ultra is expected to lack Face ID and a telephoto lens, which could disappoint some high-end buyers.
A tipster recently shared what was claimed to be a dummy model of the device, displaying a design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold8. Fans expressed excitement online, with one commenting, "Woohoo! Exciting to see Apple's upcoming event and the surprise that awaits us," while another wrote, "TELL ME iPHONE FOLLLDDD IS COMINGGGGG," and a third added, "My wallet is already sweating. Just take my money now."
Pro lineup and hardware updates
Alongside the iPhone Ultra, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, speculation suggests the standard iPhone 18 will not launch until early 2027. Updates are also anticipated for the Apple Watch Series 12 and the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
Recent software leaks in the macOS 26.7 beta include codenames referencing unreleased products, including code "B525," as reported by MacRumours. With the existing HomePod Mini designated as "B520," the code points to a second-generation sequel six years after the original compact smart speaker launched.
The HomePod Mini update coincides with Apple's planned autumn release of its upgraded Siri assistant, which could turn the speaker into a genuine home assistant rather than a glorified radio alarm clock. Daily Mail approached Apple for comment.
Fifty years of Apple history
Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple began by selling computer kits built by Wozniak, starting with the Apple I. The company released the Apple II in June 1977 as the first mass-market personal computer, and Jobs became chairman in 1981.
The Macintosh was introduced during a 1984 Super Bowl commercial before its launch event, though it was discontinued a year later when Jobs left the company. Apple launched the Macintosh II, its first colour Mac, in 1987. Jobs returned as interim chief executive in 1997 after Apple acquired NeXT software for $400 million, before officially becoming CEO in 2000.
Under Jobs, Apple introduced iTunes, OS X, and the first iPod on October 23, 2001, which held up to 1,000 songs. The company launched the iPhone in 2007 and the iPad in 2010. Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing leadership to Tim Cook before passing away from pancreatic cancer in October of that year.
Cook oversaw the unveiling of the Apple Watch and larger iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models in 2014, the acquisition of Beats from Dr Dre and launch of Apple Music in 2015, and the 4-inch iPhone SE in 2016. That year, Apple engaged in a legal dispute with the FBI over a locked phone used by gunman Syed Farook following a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after a third party unlocked the device.
Subsequent milestones included the iPhone X with FaceID in 2017, screen-time management features in iOS 12 following shareholder concerns in 2018, and the closure of all retail stores outside China during the March 2020 coronavirus response. Apple set Earth Day carbon-neutral goals with the iPhone 13 in 2021, added car crash detection on the iPhone 14 in 2022, reintroduced the full-sized HomePod in 2023, and launched Apple Intelligence features in 2024 ahead of the 2026 leadership transition.
