Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, 2026, is shaping up to be more than the company’s annual iPhone refresh. Apple CEO John Ternus is expected to introduce three new iPhones. At the same time, the event could also reveal a major change in how Apple approaches artificial intelligence, foldable phones, and its annual iPhone release cycle.
For viewers in India, the event begins at 10:30 PM IST. The expected headline devices are the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, widely referred to in reports as the iPhone Ultra.
When Is The iPhone 18 Launch Event In India?
The event will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, beginning at 10 AM PT on September 9.
Key details include:
- Date: September 9, 2026
- India Time: 10:30 PM IST
- Pacific Time: 10 AM PT
- Event: Surprise and Shine
- Location: Apple Park, Cupertino
Where Can You Watch The Apple Event?
Viewers will have several ways to stream the keynote. The event can be watched through Apple’s official website, Apple Events page, Apple TV app, and Apple’s official YouTube channel.
Wondering which older iPhones Apple has dropped? Here’s what to know about the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max being discontinued after the iPhone 17 launch.
What To Expect From The iPhone 18 Pro Series?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to headline Apple’s conventional smartphone lineup. Reports point toward a 2nm A20 Pro chip, Apple’s C2 modem, changes to thermal management, and camera upgrades. The Pro Max has also been linked to a variable-aperture rear camera. Pricing will be closely watched, particularly amid concerns about rising component and memory costs.
Apple is expected to launch iOS 26 alongside the new Pro family. One of the bigger developments could be Apple’s use of Google’s Gemini technology for parts of Apple Intelligence. The move would help Apple strengthen its generative AI capabilities while continuing to emphasize its own privacy and cloud-computing infrastructure.
Is Apple Launching A Foldable iPhone?
The biggest announcement could be Apple’s first foldable smartphone. Reports refer to the device as the iPhone Ultra, marking Apple’s entry into a category where manufacturers such as Samsung have been competing for years. The reported specifications include a 7.8-inch inner display, roughly a 5.3-inch cover screen, an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of memory, two 48MP rear cameras, and Touch ID. Pricing could reach around USD 2,500. Apple’s arrival could also give the wider foldable market greater visibility. Foldable phones have existed for years, but an iPhone entering the category could expose the format to a much larger consumer base.
Is the iPhone 17 cheaper outside India? Here’s an iPhone 17 price comparison between India and other countries.
Why Is Apple Splitting The iPhone 18 Launch?
Another major change is expected in Apple’s release strategy. Instead of introducing the entire iPhone 18 family at once, reports suggest Apple will split the lineup into two launches.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra are expected first. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air are reportedly being held until late March or early April 2027, alongside the expected iPhone 18e.
That would give Apple’s more expensive models the spotlight during the important holiday sales period. It would also give Apple another major iPhone launch window early next year rather than concentrating the entire generation around September.
What Else Could Apple Announce?
The event could extend beyond smartphones. Reports point toward the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. Refreshed home products, including an Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and a possible home hub with a seven-inch screen, have also been discussed.
Wondering where India ranks for iPhone prices? Here are the five most expensive countries to buy an iPhone and where India stands.
Summing Up
Apple’s September 9 event could mark several important changes at once. Beyond the expected iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max upgrades, attention will be on the company’s first foldable iPhone, its increasing use of Google’s Gemini technology, and the decision to split the iPhone 18 generation across two launch periods. Indian viewers can watch the “Surprise and Shine” event at 10:30 PM IST, when Apple should finally clarify which of these reported products and changes are becoming reality.
