Apple 'Surprise and Shine' iPhone 18 series launch event

Home Sci-Tech Technology Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 line-up, and, probably, the company's first foldable smartphone. Meanwhile, analysts are trying to gauge potential price increases, as well as Apple's AI plan under new CEO John Ternus Updated - September 09, 2026 05:45 pm IST Hello, and welcome to The Hindu’s real-time coverage of Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ event 2026.Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 line-up tonight at 10:30 PM IST, while many are looking forward to seeing how new CEO John Ternus takes the stage (literally) and lays out Apple’s roadmap into the AI future. The expected phones include the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra. Some reports have speculated that Apple might postpone the launch of the iPhone 18 base model to next year, prompting concern amongst buyers who were planning to snag Apple’s most advanced (yet most affordable) phone. Design-oriented phone buyers, meanwhile, want to know if they can expect the Apple iPhone Air’s second generation.Also Read:How John Ternus’s era will shape AppleFor months, industry experts and gadget watchers have been predicting that tonight may be the night that Apple reveals its first foldable iPhone. The company has remained tight-lipped about its plans for foldable devices, but that hasn’t stopped rivals Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Google from launching foldable phones of their own. Apple’s potential foldable phone, if it arrives tonight, could redefine the sector completely.Also Read: Huawei launches new foldable smartphone as competition with Xiaomi, Apple heats upLast year, Apple introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch 11 Series, and Apple Watch 3 Ultra.September 09, 2026 17:45 Getting to know Apple's new CEOJohn Ternus’s career can be crudely summed up in one word: product.Apple’s updated leadership page acknowledges Mr. Ternus’s “instrumental” role in introducing new product lines: the iPad and the AirPods. He also worked to develop multiple generations of the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.Before joining Apple, Mr. Ternus was a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems.He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.September 09, 2026 17:40 Apple's new leadership pageSeptember 09, 2026 17:30 John Ternus gets cooking John Ternus, 51, joined Apple in 2001. He rose through the ranks to become the senior vice president of hardware engineering, and reported to Mr. Cook. “Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership,” Mr. Cook said about the new CEO.Mr. Cook excelled in scaling supply chains, building brand resilience, and navigating tense geopolitical situations, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House.“Under Tim’s leadership, Apple expanded its global footprint substantially, particularly in emerging markets, growing to more than 200 countries and territories with an active installed base of more than 2.5 billion devices,” notes the Apple website.In other words, Mr. Ternus is set to inherit a hardware empire that hinges on far more than just American business and political interests.September 09, 2026 17:15 What's the buzz?After 15 years at the helm, and succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs, Tim Cook hands the reins of one of the most valuable companies in the world to John Ternus, who was heading the firm’s Hardware Engineering unit.Mr. Cook marked his official departure with a short note: “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”September 09, 2026 17:02 Apple’s 'Surprise and Shine’ event to go live in a few hoursHello, and welcome to The Hindu’s live coverage of Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ event. The $4.6 trillion company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 line-up in Cupertino at 10:30 PM IST tonight. Apart from being expected to feature Apple’s first foldable, this event marks the first product launch helmed by new CEO John Ternus.Several Apple customers, who used to await former CEO Tim Cook’s cheerful, drawled ‘Gooood morning!’ at the start of past keynote sessions, will now wait to see what changes Mr. Ternus brings. Join us as we break down this year’s updates from Apple’s “Surprise and Shine,” under a new leader. Published - September 09, 2026 04:58 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products