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 at the moment 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 embody the iPhone 18 Professional collection, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and up to date Apple Watches.
Right here’s what essentially the most credible reporting suggests at present, ranked by how seemingly every announcement seems.
1. iPhone 18 Professional and iPhone 18 Professional Max
Probability: Virtually 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 accordance with MacRumors’ protection of Gurman’s anticipated occasion timing, Sept. 8 or Sept. 9 are at the moment considered because the almost definitely 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 accordance with MacRumors’ iPhone 18 Professional rumor roundup, these upgrades might embody 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 major digital camera.
Apple’s next-generation C2 modem has additionally been extensively rumored. Nonetheless, MacRumors just lately reported that leaked element data suggests Apple might use its personal modem internationally whereas persevering with to depend on Qualcomm {hardware} in U.S. fashions due to mmWave help.
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 features might additionally profit future Apple Intelligence options that run immediately on the gadget.
2. Apple’s first foldable iPhone
Probability: Very prone to be introduced; launch timing stays unsure
The largest headline of the occasion might also be Apple’s most bold iPhone redesign in years.
Gurman has reported that Apple’s first foldable iPhone stays on observe to debut throughout the firm’s fall launch occasion. Individually, JPMorgan additionally expects a September unveiling, in keeping with MacRumors’ report on the financial institution’s forecast.
A number of reviews describe a book-style foldable with an roughly 5.5-inch outer show and a 7.8-inch internal show that opens right into a tablet-sized expertise.
Apple has reportedly spent years attempting to scale back the seen crease that impacts many competing foldable telephones. In accordance with MacRumors’ reporting on Apple’s show know-how, Samsung developed a brand new show panel particularly designed to reduce the crease.
Provide-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has additionally predicted the foldable might exchange Face ID with Contact ID built-in into the facility button whereas utilizing a dual-camera rear system as an alternative 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 industrial launch might slip into the fourth quarter. In different phrases, Apple could announce the telephone throughout its keynote however delay preorders or shipments till later within the fall. Apple has not confirmed the gadget, its specs, pricing or launch schedule.
3. A variable-aperture digital camera
Probability: Probably
Slightly than dramatically redesigning the iPhone 18 Professional, Apple could give attention to pictures.
The primary 48-megapixel digital camera on each Professional fashions might obtain a variable aperture, in keeping with MacRumors’ roundup of the highest rumored iPhone 18 Professional options.
In contrast to the mounted aperture utilized by present iPhones, a variable aperture permits the lens to regulate how a lot mild reaches the sensor. That might enhance low-light pictures whereas additionally giving photographers extra management over depth of subject.
Android producers have supplied related know-how for a number of years, however it will characterize a primary for Apple’s smartphone lineup.
4. A smaller Dynamic Island
Probability: Doable, however disputed
The Dynamic Island stays one of many least settled iPhone 18 rumors.
A number of analysts and leakers consider Apple might transfer parts of the Face ID system beneath the show, leading to a narrower Dynamic Island. In accordance with MacRumors’ roundup of iPhone 18 Professional rumors, a number of supply-chain reviews help that chance.
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 observe 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 yr. 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 Collection 12
Probability: Virtually sure
In contrast to the iPhone, Apple’s flagship smartwatch isn’t anticipated to obtain a dramatic redesign.
In accordance with MacRumors’ abstract of Mark Gurman’s reporting, the Apple Watch Collection 12 will seemingly give attention to quicker efficiency and continued enhancements to well being and health monitoring.
Some rumors have additionally pointed towards improved battery life, though these reviews aren’t as constantly supported because the processor improve.
Earlier leaks recommended Apple might add Contact ID to the Apple Watch. Nonetheless, newer reporting makes that appear more and more unlikely, and Gurman doesn’t count on a major redesign this yr.
For many patrons, quicker efficiency and higher well being options would seemingly matter greater than one other beauty replace.
6. Apple Watch Extremely 4
Probability: Probably
Apple can also be anticipated to refresh its premium outdoor-focused smartwatch.
Present reporting suggests the Extremely 4 will obtain most of the similar enhancements anticipated for the Collection 12, together with a more moderen processor and refinements to well being and health options.
In accordance with MacRumors’ Apple Watch preview, Gurman doesn’t count on a significant redesign for both watch this yr.
That will make the Extremely 4 extra of an evolutionary replace than a dramatic leap over the present era.
7. No commonplace iPhone 18
Probability: Very seemingly
One of many occasion’s greatest surprises could contain a telephone Apple reportedly gained’t announce.
A number of reviews 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 presumably the following iPhone Air till spring 2027.
In accordance with MacRumors’ overview of Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 launch technique, the break up launch would characterize one of many greatest modifications to Apple’s launch calendar in years.
If correct, patrons considering 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 an alternative.
What most likely gained’t seem
Earlier rumors recommended Apple might introduce AirPods outfitted with infrared cameras this yr. Nonetheless, that now seems unlikely.
In accordance with MacRumors’ abstract of Bloomberg’s newest reporting, the camera-equipped AirPods are actually anticipated to reach in late 2027 alongside Apple’s Twentieth-anniversary iPhone.
New Macs, iPads and good dwelling merchandise are additionally extensively anticipated to obtain separate bulletins later within the yr quite than sharing the highlight with Apple’s flagship iPhone launch.
Till Apple formally sends invites, each product, function and timeline mentioned right here needs to be handled as a rumor quite than a affirmation. Even so, the reviews are starting to converge. For anybody contemplating a brand new iPhone or Apple Watch, ready a couple of extra weeks might present a a lot clearer image of Apple’s subsequent era of {hardware} and whether or not it’s price upgrading.
How we ranked the rumors
We ranked every rumor primarily based 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 greater chance scores. Rumors primarily based on a single leak, disputed data, or unclear launch timing have been rated extra cautiously.
The rankings should not ensures. Apple has not confirmed any of those merchandise or options, and its plans might change earlier than the occasion. The purpose is to assist readers distinguish essentially the most credible expectations from the extra speculative potentialities earlier than deciding whether or not to improve or wait.
Associated studying: In case you’re additionally contemplating a brand new Mac, take a look at our information to the rumored second-generation MacBook Neo and what its reported upgrades might imply for patrons.
