Mumbai [INDIA], September 9: Apple is all set to host its biggest hardware event of the year on Wednesday, September 9, with the highly anticipated iPhone 18 series expected to take centre stage. This year’s event, titled “Surprise and shine,” will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and could mark one of Apple’s biggest product launches in years.
The event has attracted additional attention because Apple is widely expected to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold. The company is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with new Apple Watch and AirPods models.
iPhone 18 Launch 2026: What Time Will the Event Start in India?
For Apple fans in India, the launch event will begin at 10:30 PM IST on Wednesday, September 9.
Apple’s keynote is scheduled to begin at 10 AM PT from Apple Park in California. The event is expected to feature Apple’s latest smartphones and several other hardware announcements.
iPhone 18 Event Timing in India
- Date: September 9, 2026
- Time in India: 10:30 PM IST
- Venue: Apple Park, Cupertino, California
- Event name: Surprise and shine
- Expected highlights: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Ultra and new Apple Watch models
Where to Watch the Apple iPhone 18 Launch Live in India?
Apple will livestream the event through multiple official platforms, making it easy for viewers in India and around the world to follow the announcements.
The iPhone 18 launch can be watched through:
- Apple’s official website
- Apple TV
- Apple Developer app
- Apple’s official YouTube channel
The livestream is scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM IST.
iPhone Ultra: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Be the Biggest Announcement
The biggest attraction of this year’s Apple event could be the company’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone.
Reports suggest that Apple could introduce the device under the iPhone Ultra branding, although the final name could also be iPhone Fold. Unlike a traditional flip phone, the device is expected to use a book-style folding design, similar in concept to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
The reported design could feature a 5.5-inch outer display that expands into a much larger 7.8-inch internal screen when unfolded.
The foldable iPhone is also expected to sit at the very top of Apple’s smartphone portfolio, with reports suggesting a possible price range of $2,000 to $2,500.
If launched as expected, the device would mark Apple’s entry into the increasingly competitive foldable smartphone market, where Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and other manufacturers have already established products.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Expected at the September Event
Alongside the potential iPhone Ultra, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The new Pro models are expected to receive the usual upgrades in performance and photography, including faster processors and improved front and rear cameras.
One of the most noticeable changes could involve the Dynamic Island. Reports suggest Apple may reduce its size by moving some Face ID components underneath the display.
The Pro models could also become more expensive amid the ongoing global memory-chip shortage.
Why the Standard iPhone 18 May Not Launch Today
Interestingly, Apple could change its usual iPhone launch strategy this year.
The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly not expected to arrive alongside the Pro models at the September event. Instead, Bloomberg reports that the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18E and a potentially refreshed iPhone Air could arrive during the spring.
This would represent a significant departure from Apple’s traditional September iPhone launch strategy. The ongoing memory-chip shortage is reportedly one of the factors behind the change.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Also Expected
The iPhone may not be the only major hardware announcement.
Apple is expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 during the September event.
The new watches could feature faster processors along with additional AI-powered health and fitness capabilities. However, details about their pricing and potential design changes remain limited ahead of the event.
AirPods 5 Could Also Make an Appearance
Apple may also refresh its entry-level wireless earbuds with the AirPods 5.
The new model would arrive around two years after the AirPods 4, which launched in 2024. Reports suggest the AirPods 5 could receive hardware improvements and may start at a higher price than the previous generation.
However, the much-rumoured camera-equipped AirPods are reportedly not expected at today’s event, with their launch timeline said to have moved to 2027.
Why This Apple Event Is Different
This year’s event is particularly significant because John Ternus, Apple’s new CEO, is expected to deliver his first major keynote since taking over as chief executive on September 1.
There is also speculation that Apple could return to a more traditional live presentation format, rather than relying entirely on the pre-recorded presentation style used for several recent product launches.
With a potential foldable iPhone, new Pro models, updated Apple Watches and AirPods, Apple’s September 2026 event could become one of the company’s most closely watched launches in recent years.
The biggest question, however, remains whether Apple will finally enter the foldable smartphone race with the much-rumoured iPhone Ultra.
