The rumor mill is already painting a picture of what could be one of Apple’s biggest hardware launches in years.
Apple has not revealed any of the products expected to be announced in September. Its official Apple Events page currently lists WWDC 2026 as its latest major event. Still, reporting from Bloomberg, MacRumors, respected supply-chain analysts, and other longtime Apple watchers points toward a lineup that could include the iPhone 18 Pro series, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and updated Apple Watches.
Here’s what the most credible reporting suggests today, ranked by how likely each announcement appears.
1. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Likelihood: Almost certain
This is the easiest prediction to make.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during its traditional September launch window. According to MacRumors’ coverage of Gurman’s expected event timing, Sept. 8 or Sept. 9 are currently viewed as the most likely event dates, although Apple has not confirmed either one.
Current rumors suggest the phones will largely retain the existing Pro design while receiving several internal and camera upgrades. According to MacRumors’ iPhone 18 Pro rumor roundup, those upgrades could include Apple’s new A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process, a more efficient display, longer battery life, and a variable-aperture main camera.
Apple’s next-generation C2 modem has also been widely rumored. However, MacRumors recently reported that leaked component information suggests Apple could use its own modem internationally while continuing to rely on Qualcomm hardware in U.S. models because of mmWave support.
The rumored 2nm A20 Pro chip is expected to improve both performance and power efficiency, although Apple has not confirmed the processor or released any performance benchmarks. Those efficiency gains could also benefit future Apple Intelligence features that run directly on the device.
2. Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Likelihood: Very likely to be announced; release timing remains uncertain
The biggest headline of the event may also be Apple’s most ambitious iPhone redesign in years.
Gurman has reported that Apple’s first foldable iPhone remains on track to debut during the company’s fall launch event. Separately, JPMorgan also expects a September unveiling, according to MacRumors’ report on the bank’s forecast.
Multiple reports describe a book-style foldable with an approximately 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display that opens into a tablet-sized experience.
Apple has reportedly spent years trying to reduce the visible crease that affects many competing foldable phones. According to MacRumors’ reporting on Apple’s display technology, Samsung developed a new display panel specifically designed to minimize the crease.
Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also predicted the foldable could replace Face ID with Touch ID integrated into the power button while using a dual-camera rear system instead of the three-camera array found on today’s Pro iPhones. MacRumors summarized Kuo’s expectations here.
While Bloomberg expects Apple to unveil the foldable this September, Kuo believes the commercial launch could slip into the fourth quarter. In other words, Apple may announce the phone during its keynote but delay preorders or shipments until later in the fall. Apple has not confirmed the device, its specifications, pricing or release schedule.
3. A variable-aperture camera
Likelihood: Likely
Rather than dramatically redesigning the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple may focus on photography.
The main 48-megapixel camera on both Pro models could receive a variable aperture, according to MacRumors’ roundup of the top rumored iPhone 18 Pro features.
Unlike the fixed aperture used by current iPhones, a variable aperture allows the lens to control how much light reaches the sensor. That could improve low-light photography while also giving photographers more control over depth of field.
Android manufacturers have offered similar technology for several years, but it would represent a first for Apple’s smartphone lineup.
4. A smaller Dynamic Island
Likelihood: Possible, but disputed
The Dynamic Island remains one of the least settled iPhone 18 rumors.
Several analysts and leakers believe Apple could move portions of the Face ID system underneath the display, resulting in a narrower Dynamic Island. According to MacRumors’ roundup of iPhone 18 Pro rumors, multiple supply-chain reports support that possibility.
However, not everyone agrees.
Later CAD renders suggested a smaller cutout, but MacRumors noted that the source behind those renders does not yet have a lengthy Apple track record. Other leakers have suggested the change could be postponed until the iPhone 19.
At this point, a completely uninterrupted display appears unlikely this year. Whether the Dynamic Island becomes noticeably smaller remains one of the biggest unanswered questions heading into Apple’s event.
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5. Apple Watch Series 12
Likelihood: Almost certain
Unlike the iPhone, Apple’s flagship smartwatch isn’t expected to receive a dramatic redesign.
According to MacRumors’ summary of Mark Gurman’s reporting, the Apple Watch Series 12 will likely focus on faster performance and continued improvements to health and fitness tracking.
Some rumors have also pointed toward improved battery life, although those reports aren’t as consistently supported as the processor upgrade.
Earlier leaks suggested Apple could add Touch ID to the Apple Watch. However, more recent reporting makes that seem increasingly unlikely, and Gurman does not expect a significant redesign this year.
For most buyers, faster performance and better health features would likely matter more than another cosmetic update.
6. Apple Watch Ultra 4
Likelihood: Likely
Apple is also expected to refresh its premium outdoor-focused smartwatch.
Current reporting suggests the Ultra 4 will receive many of the same improvements expected for the Series 12, including a newer processor and refinements to health and fitness features.
According to MacRumors’ Apple Watch preview, Gurman does not expect a major redesign for either watch this year.
That would make the Ultra 4 more of an evolutionary update than a dramatic leap over the current generation.
7. No standard iPhone 18
Likelihood: Very likely
One of the event’s biggest surprises may involve a phone Apple reportedly won’t announce.
Multiple reports suggest Apple plans to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable iPhone this fall while delaying the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and possibly the next iPhone Air until spring 2027.
According to MacRumors’ overview of Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 release strategy, the split launch would represent one of the biggest changes to Apple’s release calendar in years.
If accurate, buyers interested in Apple’s entry-level flagship may have to wait several additional months, while those shopping this fall would choose from Apple’s premium lineup instead.
What probably won’t appear
Earlier rumors suggested Apple could introduce AirPods equipped with infrared cameras this year. However, that now appears unlikely.
According to MacRumors’ summary of Bloomberg’s latest reporting, the camera-equipped AirPods are now expected to arrive in late 2027 alongside Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone.
New Macs, iPads and smart home products are also widely expected to receive separate announcements later in the year rather than sharing the spotlight with Apple’s flagship iPhone launch.
Until Apple officially sends invitations, every product, feature and timeline discussed here should be treated as a rumor rather than a confirmation. Even so, the reports are beginning to converge. For anyone considering a new iPhone or Apple Watch, waiting a few more weeks could provide a much clearer picture of Apple’s next generation of hardware and whether it’s worth upgrading.
How we ranked the rumors
We ranked each rumor based on the strength and consistency of the reporting behind it. Claims supported by multiple reputable sources, including Bloomberg, established Apple analysts and supply-chain reporting, received higher likelihood ratings. Rumors based on a single leak, disputed information, or unclear launch timing were rated more cautiously.
The rankings are not guarantees. Apple has not confirmed any of these products or features, and its plans could change before the event. The goal is to help readers distinguish the most credible expectations from the more speculative possibilities before deciding whether to upgrade or wait.
Related reading: If you’re also considering a new Mac, check out our guide to the rumored second-generation MacBook Neo and what its reported upgrades could mean for buyers.
