Apple has scheduled its major event for September 9, with this year’s presentation carrying the playful title “Surprise and shine.” Unlike previous years, when Apple typically unveiled its full iPhone lineup together, the company is reportedly planning a staggered launch this time.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s long-awaited first foldable iPhone are expected to take centre stage in September. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air are reportedly being held back until spring 2027. That means this year’s September event is expected to focus largely on Apple’s Pro models. Here’s what the leaks suggest so far.
iPhone 18 Pro design
Apple is not expected to make any dramatic changes to the overall design of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Both models are tipped to retain their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, aluminium frames and the large camera plateau on the back.
However, leaked dummy units indicate that the camera bump could become slightly thicker. The phones themselves may also be a little thicker, reportedly to accommodate larger batteries and a new cooling system.
On the front, Apple is believed to be working on a smaller Dynamic Island, although reports remain divided over whether the change will arrive with this generation or a later model. Earlier rumours suggested that Face ID components would be moved entirely beneath the display, but newer reports indicate Apple may not yet be ready to introduce that technology.
The display is also expected to use an upgraded LTPO+ technology, which could improve power efficiency and contribute to better battery life.
iPhone 18 Pro camera
One of the most notable camera upgrades could be a variable-aperture main camera. The technology would allow the lens to physically adjust the amount of light entering it, potentially improving performance in difficult lighting conditions while giving users greater control over depth of field.
Apple is also reportedly testing a telephoto lens with a larger aperture and a new stacked image sensor designed to enhance dynamic range and reduce image noise. There have additionally been rumours of a teleconverter accessory that could work with the new camera system, although details remain limited.
The two Pro models could also differ in their zoom capabilities. The Pro Max is reportedly expected to offer up to 6x optical zoom, while the smaller Pro model may retain 5x optical zoom.
Both devices are expected to continue with a triple 48-megapixel rear camera system and an 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera. Apple is also tipped to make further changes to the Camera Control button, which has received mixed reactions from users.
A20 Pro chip
The biggest internal upgrade is expected to be the A20 Pro chip, which could become Apple’s first processor manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process.
According to leaks, the A20 Pro could deliver up to 18 per cent more performance while being around 30 per cent more power-efficient than the A19. Such improvements could be particularly useful for demanding Apple Intelligence features and graphics-intensive games.
Apple is also reportedly exploring a new wafer-level Multi-Chip Module design that would place RAM closer to the processor. This could improve performance while making more efficient use of the limited space inside the phone.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to receive more RAM, although the exact capacity remains uncertain. Alongside the A20 Pro, Apple’s next-generation C2 modem is reportedly in development and could potentially expand satellite connectivity capabilities in locations without conventional cellular coverage.
Better efficiency
Battery life could be another major improvement with the iPhone 18 Pro series. Reports claim that the US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a 5,567mAh battery, compared with the 5,088mAh battery in the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The smaller iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to receive a battery increase, although the improvement may be more limited. Combined with the greater efficiency of the A20 Pro chip, the larger batteries could deliver a noticeable improvement in real-world battery life.
iPhone 18 Pro price
The expected hardware upgrades could also mean higher prices. Increasing memory costs and the expense of producing the new 2nm processor are reportedly among the factors that could push Apple to raise prices.
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro is currently rumoured to start at around Rs. 1,39,900, compared with Rs. 1,34,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro. The 256GB version could cost approximately Rs. 1,44,900.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max may reportedly start between Rs. 1,54,900 and Rs. 1,59,900. Internationally, some analysts have forecast price increases of between $200 and $300, depending on the model and storage configuration.
When can you actually buy it?
Apple’s September 9 event is scheduled to begin at 10 AM Pacific Time, or 10:30 PM IST. If the company follows its usual launch schedule, pre-orders could begin later that week, with the new iPhones potentially reaching customers around September 18.
For now, however, these details remain based on leaks and reports rather than official announcements. Apple is expected to reveal the final specifications, pricing and availability when it takes the stage on September 9.
