iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Foldable iPhone Ultra: What Apple Could Unveil on September 9
Apple is preparing for its September 9 “Surprise and shine” event, where the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected alongside the company’s first foldable iPhone. But leaks suggest the foldable model could sacrifice some familiar features—including Face ID and a telephoto camera—in favour of an ultra-thin design.
Apple’s next major iPhone event is almost here, and 2026 could mark one of the biggest changes to the company’s smartphone strategy in years.
The company has officially scheduled its “Surprise and shine” Apple Event for September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, according to Apple. However, Apple has not publicly confirmed the names or specifications of the devices expected to be unveiled.
Among the products widely expected to appear are the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which reports and leaks have variously referred to as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold.
The foldable model could be Apple’s biggest design departure from the conventional iPhone yet. But according to current reports, its thin folding body may come with some surprising compromises.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Skip Face ID
One of the biggest reported changes concerns Apple’s signature biometric authentication system.
According to NDTV’s latest report, the foldable iPhone may not feature Face ID. Instead, Apple could reportedly integrate Touch ID into the side-mounted power button.
The potential change is believed to be connected to the engineering challenges of creating a very thin foldable device.
Face ID requires several components housed around the display area, including sensors for Apple’s facial-recognition system. Eliminating that hardware could give Apple greater flexibility when designing a slim folding smartphone.
However, this remains a leak-based claim. Apple has not confirmed whether the foldable iPhone will use Face ID, Touch ID or another authentication method.
The Foldable Could Also Miss a Telephoto Camera
The camera setup could be another area where the foldable iPhone differs from the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Current reports suggest Apple’s foldable could feature two 48MP rear cameras, rather than the more extensive camera system expected on the Pro models.
That would potentially mean no dedicated telephoto lens.
For users who regularly shoot portraits, distant subjects or rely on optical zoom, this could be a significant difference between Apple’s conventional flagship and its foldable premium model.
The decision would underline an important trade-off: Apple may be prioritising the foldable phone’s thinness and mechanical design over giving it every camera feature available on the Pro models.
iPhone Ultra May Be Thinner Than Traditional iPhones
The foldable iPhone is expected to open like a book, creating a larger internal display while remaining compact when closed.
Reports suggest Apple is targeting an exceptionally thin profile. Some current leaks describe the device as one of the thinnest iPhones ever, with a design intended to make it function as something between a conventional smartphone and a small tablet.
The design is likely to be Apple’s answer to Samsung and other companies that have already spent years developing foldable smartphones.
Apple, however, is entering the category much later than many of its rivals. That gives the company an opportunity to learn from existing foldable designs—but also raises expectations for what its first attempt should deliver.
Touch ID Could Make a Comeback
If the latest reports prove accurate, the foldable iPhone could mark the return of Touch ID to Apple’s flagship smartphone lineup.
Instead of placing a fingerprint sensor underneath the display, Apple could reportedly integrate it into the power button on the side of the device.
This approach has already been used by various smartphone manufacturers and would allow Apple to maintain biometric authentication without requiring the full Face ID sensor array.
For long-time iPhone users, however, the change could be significant.
Face ID has become one of the defining features of modern iPhones, powering not only device unlocking but also authentication for payments and apps.
The iPhone 18 Pro Could Take a Different Approach
While the foldable iPhone may sacrifice some features for its form factor, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to represent Apple’s conventional high-end flagship strategy.
Current reports point to upgraded processing hardware, camera improvements and other premium features.
The Pro models are also expected to retain the features that could be absent from the foldable, potentially including Face ID and a more advanced camera system.
This could create an unusual situation in Apple’s lineup: the foldable iPhone may be the more futuristic device, while the Pro models could remain the more feature-complete choice for traditional smartphone users.
Apple Could Be Changing Its iPhone Launch Strategy
The September 9 event may also represent a change in how Apple releases its iPhones.
According to current reports, Apple could focus the September launch on its premium models, with the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air reportedly delayed until spring 2027.
If that happens, Apple’s 2026 launch strategy would look very different from the traditional September event in which multiple iPhone variants are introduced together.
The shift would allow Apple to concentrate attention on its highest-end products while potentially spreading manufacturing pressure across different launch periods.
Why the Foldable iPhone Matters for Apple
Apple’s entry into the foldable market could have implications beyond one new smartphone.
Samsung, Xiaomi and other manufacturers have already established themselves in the foldable category. Apple’s arrival could bring foldable phones to a much larger mainstream audience.
The Economic Times has highlighted the potential significance of Apple’s move for the wider smartphone market, particularly as manufacturers compete for premium customers and look for new ways to drive upgrades.
A successful iPhone foldable could also push other manufacturers to accelerate their own innovation in flexible displays, hinges, durability and software.
Expected Price Could Make It Apple’s Most Expensive iPhone
The foldable iPhone is expected to carry a substantial premium.
Current reports and analyst expectations have placed its price in the $2,000-plus range, with some estimates going considerably higher depending on configuration.
That would make it significantly more expensive than the conventional iPhone 18 Pro models.
Apple could therefore position the foldable as a highly premium product rather than a mainstream replacement for the standard iPhone.
The price is still unconfirmed, and Apple has not announced an official name or specification sheet for the device.
Could the Foldable Lack MagSafe Too?
Face ID and the telephoto camera may not be the only familiar features at risk.
Some reports and dummy-unit analysis have suggested that the foldable iPhone could also omit MagSafe, while other leaks remain uncertain about whether Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory system will make the transition to the foldable design.
The Action button has also been mentioned as a possible omission.
If several of these features disappear, Apple could be making a clear design trade-off: prioritising thinness, folding hardware and a larger display over reproducing every feature found on its conventional Pro phones.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Still a Rumour?
With the event only hours away, it is important to separate confirmed information from speculation.
| Feature | Current Status |
| Apple event on September 9 | Confirmed by Apple |
| iPhone 18 Pro | Expected |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Expected |
| First foldable iPhone | Widely expected, not officially confirmed |
| Name “iPhone Ultra” | Rumoured |
| Face ID on foldable | Rumoured to be absent |
| Touch ID on side button | Rumoured |
| Telephoto camera | Reportedly absent |
| 48MP dual rear cameras | Rumoured |
| $2,000+ price | Rumoured/estimated |
| Standard iPhone 18 delayed to 2027 | Reported, not officially confirmed |
Apple is expected to reveal the definitive details at the event itself.
When Is the Apple Event?
Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event takes place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
The event will be available through Apple’s official platforms and YouTube Live.
For Apple, the event is particularly significant because it is the first major iPhone launch taking place under CEO John Ternus, following Tim Cook’s departure from the CEO role.
The Biggest Question: Innovation or Compromise?
The foldable iPhone could represent Apple’s most ambitious iPhone redesign in years.
But the current leaks suggest that becoming thinner and foldable may require Apple to leave out some features that users have come to expect from its most expensive phones.
A missing Face ID system, a reduced camera setup and possible omissions such as MagSafe could disappoint some buyers—especially if the device carries a price of more than $2,000.
At the same time, a polished foldable design, a large internal display and Apple’s software ecosystem could make the device extremely attractive to consumers who have been waiting for Apple to enter the category.
The biggest question will not simply be whether Apple can make a foldable iPhone. It will be whether Apple can make one compelling enough to justify the compromises—and the likely premium price.
The answer should become much clearer when Apple takes the stage on September 9.