5 hours ago
3
Apple sent out invitations on Wednesday morning for its annual fall iPhone launch event, and this one could be headlined by the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, as well as the iPhone 18 lineup, a fresh new Apple Watch and updated AirPods.
The event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST, 3 a.m. AEST). The invite shows a glowing Apple logo on a light blue background, with the text “Surprise and shine” underneath.
The keynote will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and you’ll be able to follow every Apple announcement with CNET’s iPhone 18 event live blog that day.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will finally be unveiled during the event. It may be called the iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra or iPhone Flip — rumors have differed over its final name. Leaks suggest a book-style foldable, possibly in a passport size similar to the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Analysts suggest it’ll be priced between $2,000 and $2,500.
For the upcoming iPhone 18, rumors suggest the lineup of phones might come with variable-aperture cameras, a smaller Dynamic Island notification bar at the top of the display and a bigger battery. We’re expecting higher starting costs following Apple’s price hikes on Macs, iPads, HomePods and the Apple TV earlier this year. It’s also possible that Apple could split the iPhone 18 launch between fall and spring, showcasing the Pro phones in the September event and leaving the standard model for early 2027.
As for updated AirPods, Apple has been heavily rumored to include cameras in this year’s earbud offering. They would reportedly be an AI wearable, with the cameras functioning as visual sensors to give Siri AI more context about what’s happening around the wearer.
Lastly, we’re expecting the Apple Watch Series 12, which could include a ceramic model, improved screen technology, software optimizations for better battery life and more efficient processors. Rumors have pointed to there being no major design overhauls, but there could be improved blood pressure monitoring and Touch ID.
Corinne Reichert
Senior Editor
Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently writes news, analysis and features for CNET across the topics of electric vehicles, broadband networks, mobile devices, big tech, artificial intelligence, home technology and entertainment. In her spare time, she watches soccer games and F1 races, and goes to Disneyland as often as possible. See full bio
