Apple’s September event is set for later this week, and the company is expected to introduce a trio of new iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored iPhone Ultra. Unlike recent years, there will be no new entry-level model alongside the flagships. Instead, the spotlight will be on premium and ultra-premium hardware, with a foldable device headlining the event for the first time.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are poised to succeed Apple’s popular iPhone 17 Pro lineup. These new models are expected to continue Apple’s strategy of packing its most advanced silicon and photography features into the Pro tier. The devices will likely target professionals, content creators, and power users who demand the best performance Apple can offer.
Performance and silicon
Rumors indicate that both Pro models will use an unreleased A20 Pro chip, built for even greater CPU and GPU performance than the A19 generation. The chip is also expected to improve power efficiency, which should contribute to better everyday battery life. In addition, the phones are expected to use a new Apple-designed C2 cellular modem. This modem should bring faster 5G connectivity, improved call reliability, and better overall energy efficiency. Apple has been steadily reducing its reliance on third-party modem suppliers, and the C2 modem is a major step in that direction.
Camera and imaging upgrades
One of the most significant camera upgrades is said to be a variable aperture main camera. This would allow users to control the amount of light entering the lens, giving photographers more creative control over depth of field and low-light performance. The ability to switch between different apertures could make the iPhone 18 Pro more versatile than any previous iPhone camera system. Apple is also expected to refine its computational photography pipeline with the A20 Pro chip, enabling better HDR, sharper images, and improved high-ISO performance.
Design and display refinements
The Dynamic Island is reportedly getting 35 percent smaller, a change that consumers have been requesting since its introduction. A smaller Dynamic Island helps modernize the front appearance and provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching video or playing games. Apple is also said to be introducing a new bold burgundy color option for the Pro lineup, while maintaining other premium finishes. Both phones should retain the titanium frame introduced in previous Pro generations.
Battery and charging
Battery life is expected to be a major selling point this year. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is said to receive particularly large battery gains, potentially making it the longest-lasting iPhone ever. Combined with the efficiency of the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, the Pro Max could become a reliable all-day device for heavy users. Apple may also continue to refine MagSafe charging speeds and improve thermal management to support sustained performance during gaming or video recording.
Pricing and positioning
The pricing story is less certain. Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,399, although industry watchers believe Apple may target a lower launch price of $1,199 or $1,249 to avoid overwhelming consumers. The Pro Max will presumably cost more, but final pricing will not be confirmed until Apple’s keynote. Given the delayed launch of the more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2, the Pro line may carry even more weight this fall.
iPhone Ultra: A new foldable flagship
The iPhone Ultra is the expected name for Apple’s first foldable phone. With a rumored price above $2,000, the Ultra will occupy a completely new high-end tier in Apple’s lineup. It is not simply a larger iPhone; it represents a fundamental shift in form factor and user interaction. Sources expect the device to use a book-style folding design, reminiscent of other premium foldables, but with Apple’s signature fit and finish.
Displays and form factor
The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a wide, book-style fold. On the outside, there may be a 5.4-inch cover display that functions like a normal smartphone screen. When opened, it should reveal a 7.8-inch inner display that is roughly the size of an iPad mini. This dual-display setup means the device can work as a compact phone when closed and a small tablet when open. The irony of the name “Ultra” is not lost on observers: it is the company’s most unique and experimental iPhone in years.
Materials and build quality
The design materials are expected to mimic the iPhone Air, with a titanium border and a slim profile. Apple has spent years refining the structural integrity of its devices, and the foldable hinge will need to be durable enough to withstand years of daily use. The Ultra may also include improvements to the display crease, an area where foldable devices often draw criticism. With Apple’s engineering resources, the iPhone Ultra could set a new standard for foldable design quality.
Cameras and authentication
The iPhone Ultra will reportedly have two rear cameras: a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. It is also expected to have two front-facing cameras, one for each display. This arrangement ensures both the cover screen and the inner tablet-sized display can support FaceTime and selfies. Interestingly, the Ultra may use Touch ID for authentication instead of Face ID. A Touch ID sensor could be embedded in the power button or under the cover display, but Apple is likely to keep the implementation seamless and secure. The absence of Face ID may be a trade-off required by the folding hinge design or the screen technology.
Software experience
Software is where the iPhone Ultra is expected to shine. iOS 27 is reportedly being developed with support for side-by-side app multitasking, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously on the larger inner display. Adaptive landscape layouts are also planned, meaning applications will dynamically adjust when the device is unfolded or rotated. This could make the Ultra a genuinely productive tool, closing the gap between iPhone and iPad capabilities. Third-party developers will need to update their apps to take full advantage of the expanded screen area, but Apple is likely to provide robust tools for doing so.
Performance and thermal design
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is expected to share the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro, along with a vapor chamber for cooling. Vapor chamber cooling is essential in a foldable device because the internal layout is more constrained. The Ultra should also include the C2 modem, ensuring parity with the Pro models. Storage options may start at 256GB or 512GB, with a possible 1TB high-end configuration. While the Ultra will be expensive, early demand may be high among Apple enthusiasts who have been waiting for a foldable iPhone.
What’s missing: iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2
In a typical September cycle, Apple would also unveil a new standard iPhone model and an iPhone Air successor. This year, that is reportedly not happening. The company is said to be overhauling its fall product strategy by pushing the release of the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 into early 2027. The exact reason for this delay is still unclear. It could be a deliberate move to simplify the fall lineup and place more emphasis on the premium and foldable devices. Alternatively, it may be a necessity driven by the current global memory crisis, which has affected component pricing and supply chains across the electronics industry.
The absence of more affordable iPhones is a notable risk. Historically, the base-model iPhone has been the company’s volume driver, generating strong sales for years. By focusing exclusively on high-end devices, Apple may be betting that its loyal user base is willing to pay more for this generation’s innovations. The folding form factor alone could attract customers who have been waiting for a truly new iPhone experience. Meanwhile, the Pro models offer tangible improvements that justify an upgrade for users coming from older generations.
For consumers who do not need the latest features, the delayed release of the more affordable devices could also be a point in their favor. Those waiting for an iPhone 18 or iPhone Air 2 may find better deals on current-generation models once the new lineup is announced. Apple’s refurbished store and carrier promotions often provide significant savings on previous-year devices. If you are planning to upgrade this fall, the newest Pro models and the Ultra are the only options on the table, but they promise to be the most compelling iPhones Apple has ever released.
Source:9to5Mac News