A new Apple CEO hosting his first-ever iPhone event. A foldable phone that’s been rumored for years. And an AI overhaul that could reshape how every Apple device works. September 9 is shaping up to be a very big deal. Apple has announced the date for its “Surprise and Shine” iPhone event, and you can watch the livestream on Apple’s website or YouTube starting at 1PM ET.
The rumor that’s got everyone buzzing is the foldable iPhone. Apple has reportedly been baking support for a foldable form factor right into the iOS 27 code, which is about as close to a confirmation as you get before the actual announcement. The device, likely called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to fold out into something resembling an iPad Mini. So yes, a tablet in your pocket. Whether that’s genuinely useful or just a flex is something we’ll find out on the 9th.
The iPhone 18 lineup is also getting more complicated. Alongside the Ultra, Apple is expected to show off its iPhone 18 Pro models. But the more affordable options, including the iPhone Air 2, the iPhone 18e, and possibly even the base iPhone 18, may not arrive until spring 2027. Apple is clearly leaning into a staggered release strategy, which is smart for managing supply chains but a little annoying if you’re waiting on a mid-range upgrade.
AI is going to be front and center at this event, and that’s not a surprise. Apple spent its WWDC keynote in June restructuring its entire pitch around a unified, cross-platform vision built on a rebuilt Siri, now called Siri AI, and Apple Intelligence. That was a deliberate signal. Expect September 9 to be the moment Apple shows how that vision actually lives inside the hardware.
There’s also a wider product push reportedly in the works. New iPads, a refreshed HomePod mini, a new Apple TV box, and even a smart home display are all said to be in the pipeline. But Apple almost always keeps iPhone events focused. Don’t expect the full ecosystem rollout to happen all at once.
And then there’s the leadership angle. September 9 will be the first iPhone event run by incoming Apple CEO John Ternus, who officially takes over from Tim Cook on September 1. That alone makes this worth watching. New leader, new era, new foldable phone. Could be a historic one.