Apple Products: 6 Major Devices Expected at September Event

Apple is preparing for one of its most important product events of 2026, with six major Apple products reportedly expected to take center stage. The company’s upcoming September 9 event, called “Surprise and Shine,” is expected to introduce a new generation of iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods, potentially giving consumers a broad look at Apple’s hardware strategy for the coming year.

The anticipated announcements include the highly discussed iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5.

The lineup was discussed in the latest episode of the 9to5Mac Overtime podcast, which focused on six major products expected to arrive at Apple’s September event. Separate reporting from 9to5Mac has outlined the same core group of anticipated devices. However, until Apple officially unveils the products, specifications and final product names should be treated as expectations rather than confirmed announcements.

1. iPhone Ultra Could Become Apple’s Biggest Surprise

Among all the expected Apple products, the rumored iPhone Ultra could generate the greatest attention.

Apple has been widely expected to enter the foldable smartphone market, and the iPhone Ultra is rumored to represent the company’s first major move into this category. According to reports summarized by 9to5Mac, the device is expected to become one of three new flagship iPhones unveiled during the September event.

The prospect of a foldable iPhone is particularly significant because Apple has traditionally avoided rushing into emerging hardware categories. Instead, the company has often waited until it could develop a version that fits its broader ecosystem and design strategy.

If the iPhone Ultra appears as expected, it could represent a major expansion of the iPhone lineup. Rather than simply delivering another annual upgrade, Apple could be introducing an entirely new form factor designed to compete in the increasingly important foldable smartphone market.

The device is expected to join Apple’s high-end product strategy, potentially targeting consumers willing to pay a premium for a larger and more flexible mobile experience.

2. iPhone 18 Pro Expected to Bring Major Upgrades

The standard flagship lineup is also expected to receive significant attention.

According to 9to5Mac’s preview of the September event, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to arrive with Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, camera improvements, new color options and a smaller Dynamic Island.

The iPhone Pro lineup has become a central part of Apple’s annual hardware strategy. While standard iPhone models continue to attract a massive audience, the Pro models allow Apple to introduce its newest technologies to consumers who prioritize advanced photography, processing power and premium features.

The A20 Pro processor could become one of the most important upgrades in the new generation. Apple Silicon has consistently played a major role in differentiating the company’s hardware, and another performance-focused chip could improve efficiency while supporting increasingly demanding software and artificial intelligence features.

Camera improvements are also likely to remain a major selling point. Smartphones have become the primary cameras for millions of consumers, making photography and video performance essential to competition in the premium mobile market.

3. iPhone 18 Pro Max Could Focus on Battery Life

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also expected to debut during the September event.

According to the 9to5Mac report, the larger Pro model may offer a bigger battery and improved efficiency, potentially helping it deliver the strongest battery life in the new iPhone lineup.

Battery performance has become increasingly important as smartphones handle more demanding tasks. Consumers now use their phones for professional photography, video editing, gaming, navigation, communication and artificial intelligence-powered applications.

A larger battery combined with improved processor efficiency could therefore become a meaningful advantage for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The device is also likely to appeal to consumers who prefer large displays and premium specifications. With the rumored iPhone Ultra potentially introducing a completely new category, the Pro Max would still remain an important part of Apple’s traditional flagship lineup.

4. Apple Watch Ultra 4 Could Expand Premium Wearable Features

Apple’s smartwatch lineup is also expected to receive significant attention.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is reportedly among the six major Apple products expected to be unveiled. 9to5Mac has suggested the device could receive new health sensors, design updates and additional improvements.

The Apple Watch Ultra occupies the premium end of Apple’s wearable strategy. The product is aimed at users who want advanced features, durability and a larger design compared with the standard Apple Watch.

Health and fitness technology have become increasingly important to the wearable market. As consumers rely more heavily on smartwatches to monitor activity, heart health and other wellness information, Apple faces growing pressure to continue improving its sensors and software capabilities.

A new Apple Watch Ultra could therefore strengthen Apple’s position in the premium smartwatch market while expanding the role of the device beyond simple notifications and fitness tracking.

5. Apple Watch Series 12 May Bring New Health Features

The Apple Watch Series 12 is another major product expected at the September event.

According to 9to5Mac, the device could feature an upgraded S-class chip, an always-on heart monitor and a ceramic option.

Apple Watch remains one of the company’s most important product categories outside the iPhone. The device has evolved from a companion screen for notifications into a broader platform focused on health, communication and fitness.

New processing power could improve performance and potentially support more advanced software features. Meanwhile, expanded health-monitoring capabilities could make the Apple Watch even more useful for consumers who want continuous access to personal health information.

The introduction of both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 would also give Apple the opportunity to update multiple levels of its wearable portfolio at the same event.

6. AirPods 5 Could Complete the Six-Product Lineup

The sixth major device expected to appear is AirPods 5.

9to5Mac has reported that the updated earbuds could arrive in both standard and active noise-cancellation versions, with a possible new chip among the expected improvements.

AirPods have become an important part of Apple’s ecosystem because they work closely with the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. Improvements to the product could therefore affect more than the earbuds themselves.

A new generation may focus on audio quality, connectivity, battery efficiency and processing capabilities. Apple has also continued to explore ways of expanding the role of wireless earbuds through health and artificial intelligence technologies.

However, reports suggest that more ambitious AirPods concepts, including models with integrated cameras, may not arrive until a later date. For the September event, AirPods 5 appear to be the more immediate expectation.

Could Apple Announce More Products?

While six major devices appear to form the core of the expected announcements, other Apple products could potentially make an appearance.

9to5Mac has identified several Apple Home devices as possible additions to the event, including a rumored home hub with a display, a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K. These products are less certain than the core group of iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods.

The reported home hub could feature a seven-inch touchscreen and become a central device for controlling connected products throughout the home. Meanwhile, a refreshed HomePod mini could bring improvements to audio performance, processing power and Siri capabilities.

A new Apple TV 4K could also receive a more powerful chip and updated artificial intelligence features.

Apple could choose to reveal some of these products during the September event or reserve them for a later launch. The company’s fall product schedule has historically included additional announcements beyond its major iPhone-focused event.

Other products reportedly expected later in the year include potential updates to the MacBook Pro, iMac and iPad mini. 9to5Mac has suggested that these devices are more likely to appear in October, although a surprise announcement cannot be completely ruled out.

Why These Apple Products Matter

The upcoming event could provide an important indication of how Apple plans to compete across several major technology categories.

The iPhone remains the center of Apple’s business, but the company is also facing pressure to demonstrate continued innovation in artificial intelligence, wearables and new device categories.

The rumored iPhone Ultra could be particularly important. A foldable device would represent a major change for Apple’s smartphone strategy and could allow the company to enter a segment already occupied by competitors.

At the same time, the iPhone 18 Pro models would continue Apple’s traditional flagship cycle. Together, the three expected iPhones could give consumers more choices at the premium end of the market.

Apple Watch and AirPods updates would further reinforce the company’s broader ecosystem strategy. Consumers who own multiple Apple devices often benefit from features that work across products, creating a tightly connected experience.

That ecosystem has become one of Apple’s strongest competitive advantages.

What Consumers Should Expect From the Apple Event

The September 9 event is expected to focus heavily on premium hardware.

Three new iPhones could lead the presentation, followed by two Apple Watch models and AirPods 5. If additional home products appear, the event could become even more significant for Apple’s hardware strategy.

Still, consumers should approach pre-event reports carefully. Product names, features, pricing and availability can change before an official announcement.

The strongest expectation, however, is that Apple’s next major presentation will feature a broad collection of new devices rather than a single flagship launch.

For consumers planning to upgrade their iPhone, Apple Watch or wireless earbuds, the timing of the event may also be important. A new generation of products could introduce improved hardware while potentially affecting the prices of older models.

The Bottom Line

The expected lineup of six major Apple products could make Apple’s September event one of the company’s biggest hardware showcases of 2026.

The rumored iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 represent updates across Apple’s most important consumer product categories.

The possible introduction of Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be the headline moment. Meanwhile, the remaining devices could strengthen the company’s existing ecosystem with updated performance, health and audio capabilities.

Whether all six products appear exactly as expected will only become clear when Apple takes the stage. Until then, the reports offer an early picture of a potentially significant new chapter for the company’s hardware lineup.