As expected for this time of year, Apple has scheduled its major event, titled 'Surprise and shine.' It will take place on Wednesday, September 9th, at 9:00 PM UAE time, and is set to bring the most significant changes to the iPhone in recent years. This will also be the first iPhone launch under John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1st, concluding his successful 15-year tenure as CEO.
The invitation to the event was highly intriguing: it appeared as liquid glass, yet a thin line cut the logo in half. This is likely no coincidence and serves as another hint toward the long-discussed entry of the company into the foldable phone market. In addition to the foldable model, two new Pro models are anticipated. It is most probable that the base iPhone 18 model will be absent, as supply chain reports push the iPhone 18 release to 2027.
Most leaks point to a more compact and shortened device, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Xiaomi 18 Fold, which is expected to launch two days before the Apple event. The model's name will likely be iPhone Ultra rather than iPhone Fold, as mentioned in most reviews. Two 48MP rear cameras—a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle—are expected, but without a telephoto lens, which is a significant omission given the expected price.
The Face ID system is also reportedly absent because the TrueDepth system requires more depth than the foldable chassis allows. Instead, the Touch ID function will return to the power button, similar to how it is implemented on some iPads. Apple is focusing heavily on eliminating the crease, which leaks estimate to be less than 0.15mm at angles below 2.5 degrees, asserting that the company aims to create a panel without a visible bend 'regardless of cost.'
All these assumptions come with a caveat: nothing is confirmed. Rumor has it that the external display will measure between 5.3 and 5.5 inches, and the internal one between 7.6 and 7.8 inches. However, the most crucial parameter remains the price. Most forecasts set the starting price in the range of $2,000 to $2,300 USD, which equates to approximately 8,500 to 9,800 AED based on Apple's pricing in the UAE.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models appear to be a standard annual update, making them a more conservative option this year. The A20 Pro chip moves to a 2nm process, which is an improvement over the A19, which was already overkill for most tasks. The Dynamic Island may also shrink, and some Face ID sensors might be integrated under the display. Colors for the iPhone 18 Pro Max have not been confirmed, but Dark Cherry and Sky Blue appear in all leaks, while Silver and Black are disputed.
Camera changes are less dramatic than rumored, and one is unusual. Leaks about the iPhone 18 indicate a variable aperture on the main 48MP sensor, possibly only on the Pro Max, as well as a shift of the front camera from 18MP to 24MP. Variable aperture is less common than it seems: Samsung used it for several years on the Galaxy S9 and S10, then Xiaomi revived it on the 14 Ultra in 2024, but abandoned it again in 2025, although Huawei still uses this technology.
Apple has not announced prices, but a price increase of $100 across the entire lineup is expected. If this occurs, the starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro in the UAE would be Dh5,099, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max would be Dh5,549. Both figures are calculated based on Apple's typical conversion for iPhones in the region, which exceeds the official exchange rate.
This delay has serious implications. Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 launch may not happen until early 2027, after one of Apple's assemblers reported on its August 12th earnings call that a major client is changing its usual supply schedule. Apple has postponed iPhone launches before, but not on this scale in many years. This time, the base model is not being announced at all.
The later release of the iPhone 18 becomes more significant considering the anticipated price hike. This year, Apple raised prices for Macs and iPads, citing memory costs, and it is expected that iPhones will follow suit. For those looking to purchase the latest iPhone, access to it has never been so expensive.
Alongside the new iPhones, Apple plans to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, which will feature a faster chip, continuous heart rate tracking, and an updated fitness app. Two versions of AirPods 5 are also listed: one with active noise cancellation and one without.
For those in the UAE expecting the iPhone Ultra, the bad news is that its arrival may take longer. It is reported that Apple asked suppliers to prepare about 10 million such devices this year, which is only a small fraction of the Pro model production volume. Depending on global demand, some markets may wait months. It remains uncertain whether the UAE is among them.
Pre-orders in the UAE usually open on Friday following the event, but this year they are expected to start on Saturday, September 12th, with phones arriving in stores on September 18th. The foldable iPhone Ultra is unlikely to follow this schedule, but for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the schedule is a part of the evening that can be planned.