Apple is preparing for one of its biggest iPhone events in years, with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the company’s first foldable iPhone expected to headline its September 9 launch event.
Apple is set to hold its major September product event today, September 9, 2026, as anticipation builds around the next generation of iPhones.
The event, titled “Surprise and Shine,” is expected to introduce Apple’s latest premium iPhones and could finally mark the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market.
The event is also significant for another reason. It is expected to be the first major iPhone launch led by Apple CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1.
For Apple fans in India and New Zealand, the event is particularly important because the company could reveal a completely new iPhone category alongside its traditional Pro models.
Apple iPhone 18 Event: What to Expect
The biggest announcements expected during the event include:
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Possible new Apple Watch models
Possible AirPods updates
New software announcements
Details about Apple’s latest AI developments
Apple has confirmed the September 9 event, but several product specifications, names and prices remain unconfirmed until the company officially announces them.
The Foldable iPhone Could Be Apple's Biggest Surprise
The most talked-about product is Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Reports suggest Apple has developed a book-style foldable device that could open into a much larger display. The phone has been referred to by different names in reports, including iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra and iPhone Duo.
That means the final branding remains one of the biggest questions for tonight’s event.
Current reports suggest the device could feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. Its design is also expected to focus heavily on being thin and reducing the visible crease across the folding display.
Apple is entering the foldable market after several years of development by rivals such as Samsung, Google and Motorola.
However, Apple’s late entry could be intentional. Rather than being the first major smartphone company to introduce a foldable phone, Apple appears to be positioning the device as a highly refined premium product.
How Much Could the Foldable iPhone Cost?
Price could be one of the biggest talking points.
Reports suggest Apple’s foldable phone could cost more than US$2,000, putting it firmly into the ultra-premium smartphone category.
Some recent reports have suggested a starting price around $2,000, while other estimates have placed the price significantly higher. These figures should not be treated as confirmed until Apple reveals the official price.
For consumers in India and New Zealand, the final local price will be especially important because taxes, currency conversion and regional pricing could push the device considerably higher than its US price.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to remain the main flagship smartphones in Apple’s traditional lineup.
Reports have pointed to a new-generation processor, camera improvements and display changes.
The Pro models are widely expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, with reports suggesting improvements in performance, graphics and energy efficiency.
Camera upgrades are also expected to be an important part of the new generation.
One reported change is a variable-aperture camera, which could give the camera greater control over the amount of light entering the lens.
However, these features remain reported specifications until Apple confirms them.
Is the Regular iPhone 18 Coming Today?
One of the biggest changes to Apple’s usual launch strategy could involve the standard iPhone 18.
Instead of launching the entire iPhone family together in September, Apple is reportedly considering a split release schedule.
The premium iPhone 18 Pro models could arrive first, while the standard iPhone 18 and other lower-priced models may follow later.
This would represent a significant departure from Apple’s traditional September iPhone strategy.
If the reports prove accurate, Apple’s strategy could allow the company to place greater attention on its most expensive products during the September event.
New Apple Watch and AirPods Could Also Be Announced
The iPhone is expected to be the main attraction, but Apple could have several other products ready for the event.
New Apple Watch models are widely expected, while updated AirPods could also be announced.
The company may also provide information about upcoming software updates and improvements to its wider device ecosystem.
These announcements could help Apple present the September event as a broader product showcase rather than an iPhone-only launch.
Apple’s New CEO Takes the Stage
The 2026 iPhone launch represents an important moment for Apple leadership.
John Ternus officially became Apple’s CEO on September 1, replacing Tim Cook.
His first major iPhone event comes at a time when Apple faces increasing competition in artificial intelligence, smartphones and foldable devices.
The new CEO will therefore have to balance Apple’s established product strategy with growing expectations around AI and new device categories.
The foldable iPhone could become an important early test of Apple’s ability to introduce a new product category while maintaining its premium positioning.
Apple and the AI Race
Hardware is not expected to be the only focus.
Apple has been under pressure to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities as competitors such as Google and OpenAI continue to expand their AI products.
Reports indicate that improvements to Siri and Apple Intelligence could be part of Apple’s wider technology strategy.
The company’s AI approach could become increasingly important as Apple attempts to make its devices more useful through on-device intelligence and personalised features.
iPhone 18 Launch Time in India and New Zealand
Apple’s event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9.
For viewers in India, that means approximately 10:30 p.m. IST on September 9.
For viewers in New Zealand, the event falls in the early morning of September 10.
Apple is expected to make the presentation available through its official online channels.
iPhone 18 Event LIVE: What Happens Next?
As the Apple event gets underway, attention will move from rumours and leaks to confirmed specifications.
The most important developments will be Apple’s official product names, prices, features, pre-order dates and availability.
For NZ Indian Insights readers, the launch is also significant because Apple products remain popular among consumers across New Zealand and India.
The possible arrival of a foldable iPhone could give Apple a new position in a smartphone market that has already seen rapid development in foldable technology.
If Apple delivers the combination of a thin design, strong performance and a refined folding mechanism that reports have suggested, the device could become one of the company’s most important new products in years.
Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone Duo Alongside iPhone 18 Pro and AirPods 5
Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first-ever foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo.
The company unveiled the new device at its September 9, 2026 launch event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and AirPods 5.
The iPhone Duo marks Apple’s biggest iPhone design change in more than a decade and puts the company directly into competition with Samsung and other manufacturers in the premium foldable smartphone market.
Apple iPhone Duo: First Foldable iPhone
The new iPhone Duo features a foldable design that opens into a large 7.6-inch display, while its external screen measures 5.4 inches.
When opened, the device provides a larger screen designed for multitasking, including the ability to run two apps side by side.
Apple has used a titanium frame and a newly designed hinge system for the foldable phone. The device is also designed to work with the Apple Pencil, giving users additional functionality on its larger internal display.
iPhone Duo Price and Release Date
The iPhone Duo starts at US$1,999 for the 256GB model.
The 2TB version can cost as much as US$3,199, making the foldable iPhone significantly more expensive than Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro models.
Apple will begin taking pre-orders on October 16, with the iPhone Duo officially going on sale on October 23, 2026.
iPhone Duo Specifications and Features
The iPhone Duo is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which is also used in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The foldable phone includes:
7.6-inch internal display
5.4-inch external display
A20 Pro chip
Up to 2TB of storage
Titanium frame
Apple Pencil support
Touch ID built into the side button
Dual 48MP rear cameras
Foldable design with a redesigned hinge
Apple Intelligence features
iOS 27.1
Apple has also equipped the device with a vapor-chamber cooling system designed to help maintain performance during demanding tasks.
iPhone Duo Camera System
The iPhone Duo comes with a dual 48MP rear camera system.
Apple has also introduced foldable-specific camera features designed to take advantage of the phone’s two-screen design.
The device supports advanced photography and video features while allowing users to use the outer and inner displays in different ways when taking photos or recording content.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Also Launched
Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Both models are powered by the A20 Pro chip and feature a new 48MP main camera with variable aperture.
The new camera system is designed to give users greater control over depth of field and improve photography in different lighting conditions.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at US$1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at US$1,299. Both prices are $100 higher than the starting prices of their predecessors.
Apple AirPods 5 Also Announced
Apple also announced the new AirPods 5, with prices starting at US$129.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to Apple’s entry-level open-ear AirPods.
A $149 version adds wireless charging and on-stem volume controls. Apple has also highlighted improved audio features and Live Translation capabilities.
Apple Does Not Launch the Standard iPhone 18
Interestingly, Apple did not announce the standard iPhone 18 at its September event.
Instead, the company focused on the premium iPhone 18 Pro models and the new foldable iPhone Duo. Reports indicate that the standard iPhone 18 could arrive at a later date.
Why the iPhone Duo Matters
The launch of the iPhone Duo represents a major change for Apple.
Foldable smartphones have been available from competitors for several years, but Apple had remained outside the category. With the iPhone Duo, Apple is now competing directly in the premium foldable market.
The company is betting that its hardware, software and ecosystem can make the foldable format more appealing to mainstream iPhone users.
Apple iPhone Duo: Final Verdict
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is arguably the biggest announcement from its 2026 iPhone event.
The iPhone Duo combines a 7.6-inch foldable display, A20 Pro chip, dual 48MP cameras, Apple Pencil support and up to 2TB of storage in a completely new iPhone design.
However, its US$1,999 starting price makes it a premium device and significantly more expensive than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone Duo will be available from October 23, 2026, with pre-orders beginning October 16.
Disclaimer
This article includes reported and expected information available ahead of Apple’s official announcements. Product names, specifications, prices and release dates may change until confirmed by Apple.
For more technology, AI and digital updates, visit the Technology Desk on NZ Indian Insights.
