Apple is expected to make an even bigger deal of the iPhone 18 Pro models when they are unveiled this year. That's because the company is changing its launch strategy by breaking out its premium devices in a standalone show.
Come this September, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to share the stage with a rumored foldable iPhone. But there won't be any mid-tier devices coming along for the ride this fall.
As far as we know, there will be no regular iPhone 18 model this year -- that's being shunted forward to spring 2027, when it's likely to be released alongside the entry-level iPhone 18e and potentially the iPhone Air 2.
The most likely date for the debut of Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models and highly anticipated foldable iPhone is September 8, 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Gurman has hedged his bets, however, by saying that the premium iPhone models could be unveiled on September 9, since Labor Day is on the 7th this year.
In terms of what's changing with the iPhone 18 Pro models, we're expecting a potentially smaller Dynamic Island, a brighter, more power-efficient display, and a new variable aperture camera. There are unlikely to be any other significant external changes.
Apart from possible new colors (rumored to be Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Grey, and Silver) the rest of the changes are believed to be internal -- an A20 chip using TSMC's 2nm process for power and efficiency improvements, a bigger battery, and Apple's next-generation C2 modem chip, which could add mmWave 5G connectivity and support for 5G satellite connectivity.
As for the foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the "iPhone Ultra," the device is said to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen, the A20 chip and C2 modem, Touch ID, and two rear cameras. As a premium offering, however, it's unlikely to be cheap -- expect a price north of $2,000.
