Apple to launch iPhone 18 Pro series on September 9: Big upgrades to expect

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on 9 September 2026, with a foldable iPhone also in the launch window.iPhone 18 Pro is expected to arrive in Cherry Red colour option. (Photo created using AI)Apple is set to host its annual iPhone event on September 9, and this year’s launch could look very different from previous years. The company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with its first foldable iPhone, which is widely rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra. But the standard iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air might skip the event and come later. Apple has officially confirmed the September 9 event, but it has not yet revealed the products it plans to launch. The event, titled “Surprise and shine”, will begin at 10am Pacific Time, or 10:30pm IST. For this year's event, Apple is rumoured to split the iPhone 18 launch into two phases this year. The Pro models are expected to arrive in September, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air could follow in spring 2027. That means the September event could be focused almost entirely on Apple’s premium iPhones and its first foldable.But here let's take a closer look at what we are expecting from the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Smaller Dynamic IslandThe iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes of their predecessors, but Apple could make an important change to the Dynamic Island. Several reports suggest the company is working towards a smaller Dynamic Island, potentially by moving some Face ID components under the display. However, reports differ on whether Apple is ready to completely hide the Face ID hardware. For now, the safer expectation is a smaller Dynamic Island rather than its complete disappearance.Bigger camera upgradesCameras could be one of the biggest highlights of iPhone 18 Pro series, another major focus of the iPhone 18 Pro series. Reports suggest Apple may retain the triple 48-megapixel rear camera setup, covering the main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, while continuing with the 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro. There are also reports of a variable-aperture camera, which could give users greater control over how much light enters the lens and how much of a scene stays in focus. The upgrade could be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, although this only time will tell. The Pro Max could also get a longer 6x optical zoom, while the smaller iPhone 18 Pro may retain 5x optical zoom. Apple is also expected to make further refinements to the Camera Control button.New A20 Pro chipUnder the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to get Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, reportedly built using TSMC’s 2nm process. The new chip is expected to bring improvements to both performance and power efficiency.Apple could also change how the chip and memory are packaged internally. Reports hints it may use a wafer-level Multi-Chip Module approach, potentially helping Apple improve performance while saving valuable internal space.More RAM is also expected, although reports differ on exactly how much memory Apple will offer.Bigger batteries and higher pricesBattery life could receive another boost, with leaks pointing to larger batteries, particularly in the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Some reports suggest the Pro Max could cross the 5,500mAh mark, although the exact capacity is still unclear.There is also speculation that the iPhone 18 Pro models could be more expensive than their predecessors. Rising component costs, including the new 2nm chip and memory, are reportedly putting pressure on Apple’s pricing.Do note that most of these specifications come from leaks, tipsters and supply-chain reports. Apple will reveal the final details on September 9.- EndsPublished By: Divya BhatiPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 19:13 IST