Apple Event 2026 Is Coming: iPhone 18 Pro, First Foldable iPhone Ultra Launch and How to Watch Live in India

The Apple event begins at 10:30 PM IST on September 9 from Apple Park in Cupertino. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable model.

The foldable iPhone is expected to cost more than $2,000, with some estimates placing the starting price above $2,500. In India, that could put the device well above the ₹2 lakh mark after taxes and other costs. The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to become more expensive than their predecessors.

The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air are reportedly being pushed to spring 2027, meaning Apple could make this year's September launch heavily focused on premium models.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to receive Apple's new generation processor, camera improvements, larger batteries and design changes. Reports also point towards a smaller Dynamic Island and variable-aperture camera technology.

However, Apple has not confirmed these specifications. The bigger story may be the pricing: rising memory-chip costs are reportedly putting pressure on smartphone prices, making the Pro models potentially more expensive this year.

The foldable iPhone is expected to open like a book and resemble a compact passport when closed. Reports suggest a roughly 5.5-inch outer screen and 7.8 inch inner display, along with two rear cameras and a redesigned hinge.

Apple's focus is reportedly less about matching rivals on specifications and more about delivering a thinner design, stronger hinge and a much less noticeable crease. Some reports also point to Touch ID rather than Face ID for the foldable.

This could become Apple's most expensive iPhone yet and is arguably the product that will define today's event.

This launch is also important because it is the first major Apple product keynote under John Ternus. His debut comes just days after becoming CEO, putting unusual attention on both the hardware and Apple's wider direction.

Apple is also expected to discuss its AI strategy, particularly the long-awaited Siri upgrade. Reports suggest Google technology could support parts of Apple's AI work, while regulatory issues could affect when some Siri capabilities reach users in different markets.

The real test for Apple may not be whether the foldable iPhone sells. It is whether Apple can make a premium foldable feel like an iPhone first and a foldable second.

That distinction matters because foldables already exist across Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and other brands. Apple is entering late, but its advantage could be the software, ecosystem and familiarity around iPhone rather than simply having a foldable screen. The category represented only about 1.6% of smartphone sales in 2025, so Apple's entry could be significant even if the Ultra remains a niche product initially.

For viewers in India, the event can be watched live through Apple's official website, Apple TV app and YouTube channel.