Apple is expected to unveil its fall hardware lineup on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at its Surprise and Shine event. After months of leaks and speculation, this year’s presentation could mark one of the company’s biggest departures from its usual launch strategy.
The event will also carry symbolic weight for Apple. Tim Cook announced in April that he would step down as CEO after nearly 15 years in the role, which he assumed after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs resigned in 2011. John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, is expected to take over as CEO just days before the event.
Apple is also widely rumored to delay the standard iPhone 18 until next year. That would leave the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the primary September launches, alongside the company’s much-anticipated first foldable phone, which is expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.
Pricing will be a major focus. Apple increased prices for several computers and home devices this summer, citing memory-chip supply chain problems linked largely to the artificial intelligence race. Price increases for Apple Music and Apple TV subscriptions have added to the pressure on consumers.
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iPhone 18 lineup could arrive in stages
Apple’s iPhone 18 launch may look different from previous years. The company is reportedly planning an extended rollout, with the foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected in September. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18E and a possible iPhone Air 2 may not arrive until spring 2027.
Analyst leaks suggest the iPhone Ultra will use a book-style foldable design. It is expected to open like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, transforming into a small tablet rather than folding vertically like a traditional flip phone.
A rumored price of around $2,000 would make the iPhone Ultra more of a luxury product than a replacement for the standard iPhone 18. That positioning could limit its appeal: A recent CNET survey found that 75% of US adults are not interested in foldable phones.
Rumored iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max features include larger batteries, variable-aperture cameras and Apple’s new A20 processor. The phones could also offer improved satellite connectivity, a smaller Dynamic Island and redesigned rear camera islands. Possible color options include light blue, dark cherry and dark gray.
The new iPhones are expected to run Apple’s next-generation operating systems. iOS 27, which is expected to include a major Siri AI update, could launch this fall alongside MacOS Golden Gate, Apple TVOS 27 and other software updates. Apple introduced the software at WWDC in June, and public beta versions are already available.
Apple Watch Series 12 may focus on battery life and health
A new Apple Watch Series 12 is “all but guaranteed,” CNET wearables expert Vanessa Hand Orellana says. A new Apple Watch SE or Ultra model is considered less likely because both product lines were refreshed in 2025.
The Series 12 and a possible Apple Watch Ultra 4 could receive new processors designed to extend performance and usable life. The most significant design update may be mechanical rather than cosmetic, with more energy-efficient display technology potentially improving battery life without reducing screen brightness.
Apple could call the new chip the S12, even though “S11” would be the expected name in the sequence. A more efficient processor would further improve battery performance.
Another possible feature is biometric authentication. Internal code leaks reportedly suggest Apple is exploring Touch ID for the Apple Watch, although it remains unclear when the technology might become available.
Health features, including blood pressure monitoring, are also rumored to be in development, but their inclusion is not guaranteed. Apple’s AI overhaul of the Health app has reportedly encountered difficulties.
Early testing indicates that watchOS 27, including Siri AI features, could significantly improve compatible Apple Watch models. However, not every existing watch will support the update. Apple Watch prices were not affected by the company’s summer increases, though higher starting prices remain possible after similar moves by Google and Samsung.
AirPods may add cameras and AI features
One of the biggest Apple rumors involves the next-generation AirPods. The earbuds could include a tiny infrared camera designed not for photography, but to scan the surrounding environment and support visual intelligence features and AI-generated responses.
The rumored AirPods 5 may retain a design similar to the AirPods 4 while receiving performance upgrades.
The possibility of camera-equipped “AirPods Ultra” has drawn criticism from technology enthusiasts, particularly after a summer of concerns about other AI wearables with cameras, including Meta’s smart glasses. Apple has long emphasized privacy, making its explanation for any camera-enabled earbuds especially important if the company moves forward with the product.
Apple typically updates AirPods on a roughly two-year cycle, making the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 Pro possible candidates for a fall release. The current AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are “something of a technological marvel,” CNET headphones expert David Carnoy said.
Active noise cancellation is difficult to implement effectively in an open-earbud design, but Apple’s previous results could provide a foundation for further improvements. The Apple-owned Beats 360 headphones may also receive an update this fall.
For more buying advice, see CNET’s guides to the best iPhones and best MacBooks for 2026.
Source: www.cnet.com
