iPhone Keynote with Foldable and More: September 9th is Set
Apple invites to its 'Surprise and shine' event in early September, featuring new iPhones and expected Apple Watch models.
'Astonish and shine' is what Apple calls the keynote in German.
(Image: Apple)
Here it is, this year’s invitation: Apple’s iPhone Keynote 2026 starts on September 9th, a Wednesday, around 7 p.m. Central European Time. The company announced this on Wednesday evening to journalists and on its official website. As usual, no details were given about what would be shown, not even the word ”iPhone” was to be read. However, since the new Apple smartphones mark the start of the manufacturer’s autumn season, the topic is set. New Apple Watch models are also expected, presumably also new accessories from the home sector.
Motto: “Staunen und strahlen”
Apple’s “Special Event“ this time bears the title “Surprise and shine”, which the company itself translates as “Staunen und strahlen”. The invitation shows an Apple logo in sunlight with a glare effect. The keynote will likely once again be primarily a video presentation – plus an invitation for selected press representatives, analysts, and influencers to Apple headquarters, who will then be able to get their hands on the devices. However, things could also change, as this is the very first keynote under the new Apple CEO John Ternus, who is replacing Tim Cook on September 1st. The fact that upheavals are imminent at Apple was already evident from the completely surprising announcement of new Mac models on Tuesday, which observers had expected at the earliest in October.
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The main topic of the keynote will be the iPhone: And it will be exciting. With the first Apple foldable, which could be called “iPhone Ultra”, a completely new form factor is on the horizon. The combination of an approximately 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch foldable display has never been seen in this form from Apple before, even though competitors like Samsung have been selling foldables for years.
Changes in iOS 27 are also expected with the new hardware, such as multitasking of multiple apps. On the other hand, little good is expected regarding the price: the new model could cost well over 2000 US dollars, and in Europe even 2500 euros or more.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max
Higher prices are also expected for the two other new iPhones that could be presented at the keynote: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Both models are expected to be based on the previous year’s 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, but will come with a new 2nm chip. Better cameras and slightly modified designs are conceivable. The iPhone Ultra will likely also come with a 2nm processor (Apple A20). Observers also expect an Apple Watch Series 12 with faster chips, possibly slightly improved sensors, and (optionally) a ceramic case, as well as a only slightly modified Apple Watch Ultra 4.
In terms of home devices, HomePod mini 2, possibly HomePod 3, a new Apple TV, and a long-awaited Home Hub could be released, a kind of iPad for HomeKit control, possibly with a speaker dock. Most recently, there have also been speculations about AirPod-5 models. Observers expect AirPods with cameras only next year.
Regardless of what Apple will present: Mac & i and heise online will report as always with a live ticker – and with extensive coverage before and after. Let’s see how much Apple will surprise us.
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