Everything known about iPhone 18 Pro ahead of September 9

The Takeaway

• John Ternus leads his inaugural product keynote following his recent appointment as chief executive officer.
• The standard entry-level iPhone 18 models face reported release delays until spring 2027.
• Device pre-orders for the new hardware lineup are projected to begin on September 12.
• Major software updates including iOS 27 and watchOS 27 should start rolling out on September 14.

Apple streams its upcoming product keynote directly from Cupertino at 10:30 PM IST. Viewers can watch the broadcast freely through the official website. The live presentation is additionally available on the dedicated TV app and YouTube.

Industry leaks indicate the main smartphone lineup includes a 6.3-inch iPhone 18 Pro and a larger 6.9-inch Pro Max. Rumoured colour options span Sky Blue, Dark Cherry, Pure Black, Burgundy, and Silver. These devices will reportedly run on a new 2-nanometre A20 Pro chip paired with 12GB of RAM and a proprietary C2 modem. This upgraded processor aims to improve thermal management alongside graphics performance. Wearable additions are tipped to feature a redesigned Watch Ultra 4 and the Watch Series 12. The latter might mark the return of a ceramic case option while introducing a health sensor integrated into a fluoroelastomer band. Two versions of the upcoming AirPods 5 are expected, splitting into active noise cancellation and standard variants featuring an H3 chip and built-in heart-rate tracking.

The standout hardware departure is a reported book-style handset tentatively called the foldable iPhone Ultra. It features an incredibly thin profile measuring 4.5 millimetres when open and 9 millimetres closed. Leaks suggest the manufacturer is using a custom liquid metal hinge surrounded by a titanium border. This component specifically aims to keep the display crease entirely invisible after extensive real-world use. Biometric security for this ultra-thin model reportedly shifts to a physical fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. Traditional photography upgrades are heading to the standard 6.9-inch flagship. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to feature a mechanical variable aperture camera. This addition provides unprecedented physical control over depth of field.

iPhone 18 and wearable lineup reported details

Early reports suggest India remains in the first wave of launch countries for traditional premium models. The premium foldable device might face severe initial stock constraints locally. Buyers seeking the most advanced options must prepare for significant financial outlays this season. Enthusiasts tracking how the foldable iPhone 18 Ultra leads upcoming September 9 event will find the autumn hardware lineup exclusively populated by top-tier models.

The Unboxed Truth

Unbox Daily HQ readers should view this launch as a fundamental shift in premium market access. You are looking at a strategy that completely removes affordable entry points from the immediate festival season. The new variable aperture hardware offers genuine photographic control for content creators. However, the reported local stock limitations for the foldable iPhone Ultra mean you might need to wait considerably longer for the radical form factor.

Best for: Dedicated technology enthusiasts seeking maximum mobile processing power.

Who Is This For: Premium smartphone buyers aged 25 to 50.

Courtesy: Apple