Apple is hosting its surprise and shine event in Cupertino tonight to reveal its first foldable smartphone, the long-awaited iPhone Ultra. The product presentation begins at 6pm UK time (10am California time) at the Steve Jobs Theater inside the company's Apple Park headquarters.
The event marks the first major launch led by new chief executive John Ternus, 51, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1. Cook stepped aside after 15 years as chief executive to become executive chairman of the tech giant.
Press and select guests will attend the California presentation in person after receiving invitations late last month. Members of the public can watch live online via the Apple Events page, the company's official YouTube channel, or live media coverage.
Apple expert Paolo Pescatore, founder of PP Foresight, told the Daily Mail: "Apple events typically do not disappoint, and expectations will be sky-high this time around."
Foldable iPhone Ultra specifications and pricing
The long-awaited foldable smartphone, expected to be named the iPhone Ultra, represents Apple's first major design departure from the classic iPhone format established nearly 20 years ago. Rival technology firms Samsung and Google have already released multiple generations of folding devices.
Industry experts suggest the iPhone Ultra will feature a similar form factor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. It is expected to include a 5.3in outer display and a larger 7.7in inner screen that is wider than it is tall when unfolded, matching the aspect ratio of Apple's largest iPads.
According to Bloomberg Apple correspondent Mark Gurman, the iPhone Ultra will miss out on the telephoto camera lens found on most premium smartphones. However, rumours indicate Apple has developed a rival-beating, nearly creaseless folding display with improved durability.
Based on leaks from reliable sources, the Ultra is expected to launch in only black and white finishes. The device is positioned as an ultra-premium product, with launch prices expected to top $2,000 (£1,470).
Rebecca Crook, chief executive of tech consultancy firm MSQ DX, told the Daily Mail: "Apple's September 9 event will be its most significant in years and not just for the expected debut of its first foldable iPhone, the biggest change to its smartphone lineup to date, but because it marks the first time in over a decade that Tim Cook won't be the one introducing Apple's new products."
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max hardware updates
Alongside the foldable device, Apple is set to launch the flagship iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as sequels to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple will likely delay the entry-level non-Pro iPhone 18 until next year.
Leaks suggest the premium Pro models will feature a new under-display Face ID sensor, eliminating the black oval notch at the top of the display. Mark Gurman reports the devices will feature "the biggest leap in camera hardware" in recent years.
The main camera upgrade is expected to be a variable aperture telephoto lens that mechanically controls light entering the sensor, a feature usually reserved for large specialist cameras. Internal upgrades will include new chips designed to handle more powerful artificial intelligence processes.
Ben Wood, chief marketing officer at CCS Insight, told the Daily Mail: "Expect to see Apple heavily promoting its Apple Intelligence, Siri AI capabilities, and other software enhancements. However, it is the hardware that will grab the headlines."
AirPods 5 features and camera rumours
Apple is widely expected to unveil the AirPods 5 alongside an updated AirPods 5 model featuring Active Noise Cancellation. These models will replace 2024's AirPods 4 series with improved sound quality, battery life, and potential health features.
The launch comes after a developer version of Mac software accidentally leaked a video showing unreleased AirPods fitted with cameras. The leaked footage, posted on social media by user Aaron (@aaronp613) from macOS 26.7 RC on August 18, 2026, showed cameras using Visual Intelligence to provide real-world context for Siri.
The leak caused debate among fans over privacy concerns, with critics labelling the device "PervertPods". However, Mark Gurman stated that camera-enabled headphones will not launch until at least 2027.
Apple Watch Series 12 and HomePod Mini 2
The Cupertino event is also expected to feature updated smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The Series 12 will feature a faster chip, improved battery efficiency, and the return of a premium ceramic case option.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is rumoured to include sensor upgrades for more accurate health tracking and reduced battery drain, alongside a blood pressure alert feature. It will not include a blood sugar monitoring system.
Apple is also expected to update its smart home lineup with the HomePod Mini 2, coming six years after the original compact smart speaker launched. macOS 26.7 beta software contained references to codename "B525", succeeding the original HomePod Mini codename "B520". The new device will feature an upgraded processor to run AI features and an upgraded Siri assistant.
Five decades of Apple history and leadership
Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Computer Corporation on April 1, 1976, selling hand-built computer kits designed by Wozniak. The firm released the mass-market Apple II in June 1977, and Jobs became chairman in 1981.
The Macintosh debuted during a 1984 Super Bowl commercial before its official unveiling on February 6, 1984. Jobs left Apple a year later after the Macintosh was discontinued, but returned as interim chief executive in 1997 when Apple bought NeXT software for $400 million. He officially became CEO in 2000.
Apple introduced iTunes, OS X, and the first iPod in 2001, which held 1,000 songs. The company launched the original iPhone in 2007, followed by the iPad in 2010. Jobs resigned due to illness in 2011, naming Tim Cook as CEO before passing away from pancreatic cancer in October that year.
Under Tim Cook, Apple launched the Apple Watch and larger iPhone 6 models in 2014, acquired Beats from Dr Dre in 2015 to launch Apple Music, and introduced the iPhone SE in 2016. That year, Apple resisted FBI demands to unlock an iPhone used by Syed Farook after a fatal shooting in San Bernardino, California, before a third party unlocked the phone on March 28.
Apple unveiled the iPhone X in 2017 with an edge-to-edge screen and FaceID. In 2018, iOS 12 introduced Screen Time tools following investor concerns over smartphone addiction in children. The firm reported its first revenue decline in a decade in January 2019, citing slowing sales in China, and closed non-China retail stores in March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tim Cook pledged to make Apple carbon neutral by Earth Day during an April 2021 event. The company launched the iPhone 13 in 2021, the iPhone 14 with car crash detection in 2022, brought back the HomePod in 2023, and introduced Apple Intelligence AI tools in 2024 before Cook stepped aside in September 2026.
