The rumor mill is already portray an image of what could possibly be considered one of Apple’s greatest {hardware} launches in years.
Apple has not revealed any of the merchandise anticipated to be introduced in September. Its official Apple Occasions web page presently lists WWDC 2026 as its newest main occasion. Nonetheless, reporting from Bloomberg, MacRumors, revered supply-chain analysts, and different longtime Apple watchers factors towards a lineup that might embrace the iPhone 18 Professional sequence, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and up to date Apple Watches.
Right here’s what probably the most credible reporting suggests at present, ranked by how seemingly every announcement seems.
1. iPhone 18 Professional and iPhone 18 Professional Max
Chance: Nearly sure
That is the best prediction to make.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is predicted to unveil the iPhone 18 Professional and iPhone 18 Professional Max throughout its conventional September launch window. In response to MacRumors’ protection of Gurman’s anticipated occasion timing, Sept. 8 or Sept. 9 are presently considered because the probably occasion dates, though Apple has not confirmed both one.
Present rumors recommend the telephones will largely retain the prevailing Professional design whereas receiving a number of inside and digital camera upgrades. In response to MacRumors’ iPhone 18 Professional rumor roundup, these upgrades may embrace Apple’s new A20 Professional chip constructed on a 2-nanometer manufacturing course of, a extra environment friendly show, longer battery life, and a variable-aperture essential digital camera.
Apple’s next-generation C2 modem has additionally been extensively rumored. Nonetheless, MacRumors not too long ago reported that leaked element data suggests Apple may use its personal modem internationally whereas persevering with to depend on Qualcomm {hardware} in U.S. fashions due to mmWave assist.
The rumored 2nm A20 Professional chip is predicted to enhance each efficiency and energy effectivity, though Apple has not confirmed the processor or launched any efficiency benchmarks. These effectivity beneficial properties may additionally profit future Apple Intelligence options that run straight on the machine.
2. Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Chance: Very more likely to be introduced; launch timing stays unsure
The largest headline of the occasion can also be Apple’s most formidable iPhone redesign in years.
Gurman has reported that Apple’s first foldable iPhone stays on monitor to debut throughout the firm’s fall launch occasion. Individually, JPMorgan additionally expects a September unveiling, in response to MacRumors’ report on the financial institution’s forecast.
A number of studies describe a book-style foldable with an roughly 5.5-inch outer show and a 7.8-inch inside show that opens right into a tablet-sized expertise.
Apple has reportedly spent years making an attempt to cut back the seen crease that impacts many competing foldable telephones. In response to MacRumors’ reporting on Apple’s show expertise, Samsung developed a brand new show panel particularly designed to reduce the crease.
Provide-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has additionally predicted the foldable may exchange Face ID with Contact ID built-in into the facility button whereas utilizing a dual-camera rear system as a substitute of the three-camera array discovered on at present’s Professional iPhones. MacRumors summarized Kuo’s expectations right here.
Whereas Bloomberg expects Apple to unveil the foldable this September, Kuo believes the business launch may slip into the fourth quarter. In different phrases, Apple could announce the cellphone throughout its keynote however delay preorders or shipments till later within the fall. Apple has not confirmed the machine, its specs, pricing or launch schedule.
3. A variable-aperture digital camera
Chance: Doubtless
Slightly than dramatically redesigning the iPhone 18 Professional, Apple could deal with images.
The primary 48-megapixel digital camera on each Professional fashions may obtain a variable aperture, in response to MacRumors’ roundup of the highest rumored iPhone 18 Professional options.
In contrast to the fastened aperture utilized by present iPhones, a variable aperture permits the lens to manage how a lot gentle reaches the sensor. That would enhance low-light images whereas additionally giving photographers extra management over depth of subject.
Android producers have provided related expertise for a number of years, however it could characterize a primary for Apple’s smartphone lineup.
4. A smaller Dynamic Island
Chance: Attainable, however disputed
The Dynamic Island stays one of many least settled iPhone 18 rumors.
A number of analysts and leakers imagine Apple may transfer parts of the Face ID system beneath the show, leading to a narrower Dynamic Island. In response to MacRumors’ roundup of iPhone 18 Professional rumors, a number of supply-chain studies assist that risk.
Nonetheless, not everybody agrees.
Later CAD renders recommended a smaller cutout, however MacRumors famous that the supply behind these renders doesn’t but have a prolonged Apple monitor document. Different leakers have recommended the change could possibly be postponed till the iPhone 19.
At this level, a totally uninterrupted show seems unlikely this 12 months. Whether or not the Dynamic Island turns into noticeably smaller stays one of many greatest unanswered questions heading into Apple’s occasion.
Should-read Apple protection
5. Apple Watch Sequence 12
Chance: Nearly sure
In contrast to the iPhone, Apple’s flagship smartwatch isn’t anticipated to obtain a dramatic redesign.
In response to MacRumors’ abstract of Mark Gurman’s reporting, the Apple Watch Sequence 12 will seemingly deal with sooner efficiency and continued enhancements to well being and health monitoring.
Some rumors have additionally pointed towards improved battery life, though these studies aren’t as constantly supported because the processor improve.
Earlier leaks recommended Apple may add Contact ID to the Apple Watch. Nonetheless, newer reporting makes that appear more and more unlikely, and Gurman doesn’t anticipate a major redesign this 12 months.
For many patrons, sooner efficiency and higher well being options would seemingly matter greater than one other beauty replace.
6. Apple Watch Extremely 4
Chance: Doubtless
Apple can also be anticipated to refresh its premium outdoor-focused smartwatch.
Present reporting suggests the Extremely 4 will obtain lots of the identical enhancements anticipated for the Sequence 12, together with a more recent processor and refinements to well being and health options.
In response to MacRumors’ Apple Watch preview, Gurman doesn’t anticipate a significant redesign for both watch this 12 months.
That will make the Extremely 4 extra of an evolutionary replace than a dramatic leap over the present technology.
7. No commonplace iPhone 18
Chance: Very seemingly
One of many occasion’s greatest surprises could contain a cellphone Apple reportedly received’t announce.
A number of studies recommend Apple plans to launch the iPhone 18 Professional, Professional Max and foldable iPhone this fall whereas delaying the usual iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and probably the subsequent iPhone Air till spring 2027.
In response to MacRumors’ overview of Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 launch technique, the cut up launch would characterize one of many greatest modifications to Apple’s launch calendar in years.
If correct, patrons desirous about Apple’s entry-level flagship could have to attend a number of further months, whereas these buying this fall would select from Apple’s premium lineup as a substitute.
What most likely received’t seem
Earlier rumors recommended Apple may introduce AirPods outfitted with infrared cameras this 12 months. Nonetheless, that now seems unlikely.
In response to MacRumors’ abstract of Bloomberg’s newest reporting, the camera-equipped AirPods at the moment are anticipated to reach in late 2027 alongside Apple’s Twentieth-anniversary iPhone.
New Macs, iPads and sensible residence merchandise are additionally extensively anticipated to obtain separate bulletins later within the 12 months relatively than sharing the highlight with Apple’s flagship iPhone launch.
Till Apple formally sends invites, each product, characteristic and timeline mentioned right here ought to be handled as a rumor relatively than a affirmation. Even so, the studies are starting to converge. For anybody contemplating a brand new iPhone or Apple Watch, ready a number of extra weeks may present a a lot clearer image of Apple’s subsequent technology of {hardware} and whether or not it’s price upgrading.
How we ranked the rumors
We ranked every rumor based mostly on the power and consistency of the reporting behind it. Claims supported by a number of respected sources, together with Bloomberg, established Apple analysts and supply-chain reporting, obtained increased chance scores. Rumors based mostly on a single leak, disputed data, or unclear launch timing have been rated extra cautiously.
The rankings usually are not ensures. Apple has not confirmed any of those merchandise or options, and its plans may change earlier than the occasion. The aim is to assist readers distinguish probably the most credible expectations from the extra speculative prospects earlier than deciding whether or not to improve or wait.
Associated studying: In case you’re additionally contemplating a brand new Mac, try our information to the rumored second-generation MacBook Neo and what its reported upgrades may imply for patrons.
