The rumor cycle is already offering clues about what could be one of Apple’s most notable hardware events in recent years.
Apple has not yet confirmed which products will be unveiled in September, and its official Apple Events page currently lists WWDC 2026 as the company’s latest major event. However, reports from Bloomberg, MacRumors, trusted supply-chain analysts, and longtime Apple observers suggest that the lineup could include the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and refreshed Apple Watch models.
Based on the latest and most credible reports, here’s a look at the rumored announcements, ranked by how likely they are to make the September event.
1. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Likelihood: Almost Certain
This is arguably the safest prediction for Apple’s September event.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during its usual September launch window. MacRumors, citing Gurman’s reporting on the expected schedule, has identified September 8 or 9 as the most likely dates, although Apple has yet to officially confirm the event.
The two Pro models are expected to maintain much of the current design language while bringing notable upgrades under the hood and to the camera system. MacRumors’ iPhone 18 Pro rumor roundup points to several possible improvements, including Apple’s A20 Pro chip manufactured using a 2nm process, a more power-efficient display, improved battery endurance, and a variable-aperture main camera.
Apple is also rumored to be preparing its next-generation C2 modem. However, recent MacRumors reporting based on leaked component details suggests the company may use its own modem in international iPhone 18 models while continuing to rely on Qualcomm hardware for U.S. versions, primarily because of the latter’s support for mmWave connectivity.
The rumored 2nm A20 Pro chip could deliver meaningful gains in both processing performance and energy efficiency, although Apple has not confirmed the chip or published any official benchmarks. Improved efficiency could also help support future Apple Intelligence capabilities that rely on on-device processing.
2. Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
Likelihood: Very Likely to Be Announced; Release Timing Remains Uncertain
The most talked-about product at the event could also represent Apple’s biggest iPhone design change in years.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple’s first foldable iPhone remains on track for a debut at the company’s fall launch event. JPMorgan has similarly forecast a September unveiling, according to reporting from MacRumors.
Current reports point to a book-style foldable design featuring an outer display of around 5.5 inches and a larger 7.8-inch internal screen that would unfold into a tablet-like format.
Apple is also believed to have spent considerable time addressing one of the most noticeable issues with foldable phones: the display crease. Reports about Apple’s display technology suggest Samsung has developed a specialized panel intended to make the crease less visible.
Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has offered additional details, predicting that Apple could replace Face ID with Touch ID built into the power button. The device is also expected to feature a dual-camera rear setup rather than the triple-camera system used on current Pro iPhone models.
The biggest uncertainty is when customers will actually be able to buy the device. While Bloomberg expects Apple to introduce the foldable in September, Kuo has suggested that its commercial release could move into the fourth quarter. That could mean Apple announces the phone during its keynote but opens preorders or begins shipments several weeks later.
For now, Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable iPhone, including its design, specifications, pricing, or release date.
3. A Variable-Aperture Camera
Likelihood: Likely
Instead of introducing a major visual redesign with the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple could make photography one of the lineup’s biggest areas of improvement.
According to MacRumors’ roundup of the most prominent iPhone 18 Pro rumors, both Pro models could feature a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture.
Current iPhones use a fixed aperture, while a variable-aperture lens can adjust how much light reaches the camera sensor. This could improve low-light performance while giving users greater control over depth of field and the overall look of their photos.
Variable-aperture cameras have already appeared on several Android flagship phones, but bringing the technology to the iPhone would mark a notable first for Apple’s smartphone lineup.
4. A Smaller Dynamic Island
Likelihood: Possible, but Disputed
The future of the Dynamic Island is still one of the more uncertain aspects of the iPhone 18 Pro rumors.
Several analysts and leakers have suggested that Apple could move some of the Face ID components beneath the display, potentially allowing the Dynamic Island to become narrower. MacRumors’ roundup of iPhone 18 Pro rumors cites multiple supply-chain reports that support this possibility.
However, there is no clear consensus yet.
More recent CAD renders have shown a potentially smaller cutout, although MacRumors has pointed out that the source behind those renders does not have an established track record with Apple leaks. Other sources have claimed that Apple could delay the change until the iPhone 19 lineup.
For now, a completely uninterrupted display appears unlikely for the iPhone 18 Pro. Whether Apple manages to significantly reduce the Dynamic Island, however, remains one of the key questions ahead of the September event.
5. Apple Watch Series 12
Likelihood: Almost Certain
Unlike the iPhone lineup, Apple’s flagship smartwatch is not expected to undergo a major visual redesign this year.
According to MacRumors’ summary of Mark Gurman’s reporting, the Apple Watch Series 12 is likely to emphasize performance improvements, along with further enhancements to health and fitness tracking.
Battery life could also see an improvement, although the available reports are less consistent on this point than those surrounding the expected processor upgrade.
Earlier leaks suggested that Apple might introduce Touch ID to the Apple Watch, but more recent reports have cast doubt on that possibility. Gurman also does not expect Apple to make any major design changes to the Series 12 this year.
For most buyers, improvements to speed, battery efficiency, and health features would likely be more meaningful than another purely cosmetic refresh.
6. Apple Watch Ultra 4
Likelihood: Likely
Apple is also expected to update its premium smartwatch aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and demanding users.
Current reports suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could receive many of the same upgrades as the Series 12, including a newer processor and further improvements to health and fitness tracking.
According to MacRumors’ Apple Watch preview, Mark Gurman does not anticipate a major design overhaul for either model this year.
As a result, the Ultra 4 is expected to be more of a refinement of the existing formula rather than a major departure from the current generation.
7. No Standard iPhone 18
Likelihood: Very Likely
One of the biggest developments surrounding Apple’s September event may be a product that does not appear on stage.
Multiple reports indicate that Apple could launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone this fall while postponing the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and potentially the next iPhone Air until spring 2027.
MacRumors’ coverage of Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 release strategy suggests that this staggered approach would mark one of the most significant changes to the company’s traditional iPhone launch schedule in years.
If the reports prove accurate, customers looking for Apple’s more affordable flagship option may need to wait several additional months. Meanwhile, fall buyers would have a premium-focused selection that includes the Pro models and potentially the new foldable.
What Probably Won’t Appear
Not every rumored Apple product is expected to make an appearance in September.
Earlier reports suggested that Apple could introduce AirPods featuring built-in infrared cameras this year. However, that possibility now appears less likely.
According to MacRumors’ summary of Bloomberg’s latest reporting, camera-equipped AirPods may instead arrive toward the end of 2027, potentially alongside Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone.
New Macs, iPads, and smart-home devices are also expected to receive separate announcements later in the year rather than debuting alongside Apple’s main iPhone event.
Until Apple officially announces its event and sends invitations, all of these products, features, and release timelines should be treated as rumors rather than confirmed plans. Still, the latest reports are beginning to point in a similar direction.
For anyone considering an iPhone or Apple Watch upgrade, waiting a few more weeks could offer a much clearer picture of Apple’s next hardware generation—and whether the new features justify making the switch.
How We Ranked the Rumors
Each rumor was ranked according to the strength, consistency, and credibility of the reporting behind it. Predictions supported by multiple reputable sources—including Bloomberg, established Apple analysts, and supply-chain reports—received higher likelihood ratings. Claims based on a single leak, conflicting reports, or uncertain release timelines were given more cautious ratings.
These rankings are not confirmations or guarantees. Apple has not officially announced any of the rumored products or features, and its plans could change before the event. The purpose of this ranking is to separate the most credible expectations from more speculative claims, helping readers make a more informed decision about whether to upgrade now or wait for Apple’s next hardware lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Apple’s September 2026 event expected to take place?
Apple has not officially confirmed the date, but current reports suggest the event could take place around September 8 or 9, 2026.
Will Apple announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are among the most likely products to be announced during Apple’s September event, according to current reports.
Is Apple really launching a foldable iPhone in 2026?
Multiple reports indicate that Apple could unveil its first foldable iPhone this fall. However, the exact release timing, specifications, and pricing have not been confirmed.
Will the standard iPhone 18 launch in September 2026?
Current rumors suggest Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and potentially the next iPhone Air until spring 2027 as part of a new staggered launch strategy.
Should you wait before buying a new iPhone or Apple Watch?
If you are not in a hurry, waiting until Apple’s September event could make sense. The event should provide a clearer picture of the next iPhone and Apple Watch models, their upgrades, and whether they offer enough improvements to justify upgrading.
Conclusion
Apple’s September 2026 event could be one of the company’s most significant hardware launches in years. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max appear to be the safest bets, while the rumored foldable iPhone could become the event’s biggest headline. A variable-aperture camera, smaller Dynamic Island, and updated Apple Watch models are also among the more closely watched possibilities.
The biggest uncertainty is Apple’s rumored shift to a staggered iPhone release schedule, which could leave the standard iPhone 18 and other models until 2027. While none of these details are confirmed yet, the growing consistency among reports makes the September event worth watching closely.
