Apple has confirmed its next launch event for 9 September at 1PM ET, to be held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park and streamed live on its website under the tagline "Surprise and shine". Invites went out on Wednesday, and the event is expected to be a significant one, potentially unveiling the long-rumoured foldable iPhone alongside updated Pro models. It will also be the first product launch under incoming chief executive John Ternus, who takes over from Tim Cook on 1 September.

A leaked photo of a dummy unit suggests the foldable iPhone may adopt a wide form factor similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, a device The Verge's reviewer previously said "feels like the future". Apple is also expected to unveil refreshed Pro and Pro Max handsets, likely called the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, though these are said to be modest updates rather than a major redesign. The standard iPhone 18 reportedly won't appear until next year, alongside a rumoured iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air. Ternus was previously Apple's hardware chief before his promotion to CEO.