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Apple will hold its 'Surprise and shine' launch event on September 9th at Apple Park, streamed live via its website, Apple TV, and YouTube. Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 will be delayed until next year alongside an iPhone 18E and refreshed iPhone Air, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut with larger batteries, a smaller Dynamic Island, and possibly a variable aperture camera.
Apple's hardware engineering leader John Ternus is emerging as a frontrunner to eventually succeed Tim Cook as CEO. Unlike speculation that Apple's next leader would need to pioneer a device beyond the smartphone, reports suggest Ternus may simply continue steering the iPhone business that remains Apple's core product.
Market research firm TrendForce projects Apple will raise iPhone 18 prices due to a global RAM shortage, with memory costs for the 256GB Pro model expected to nearly quadruple year-over-year. The report estimates the iPhone 18 Pro Max could start between $1,299 and $1,399, while the foldable iPhone Ultra may launch between $2,099 and $2,299, potentially reaching $3,000.
Market research firm TrendForce forecasts that Apple's next iPhone lineup will carry significantly higher price tags, driven by a global RAM shortage that has pushed memory costs for a 256GB Pro model up nearly 400% year-over-year. The firm expects Apple to absorb some of that cost increase rather than pass it all on, but still predicts the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra could launch between $2,099 and $2,299, potentially reaching $3,000.
New reports indicate Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will keep the same screen sizes as current models but introduce two display upgrades: LTPO+ panel technology and a Dynamic Island notch shrunk by roughly 35%. The changes point to incremental hardware refinements rather than a full redesign for this generation.
On this week's 9to5Mac Happy Hour, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller discuss John Ternus's initial days leading Apple and speculate on Tim Cook's continued involvement. They also cover last-minute rumors ahead of the iPhone event, including possible Apple Watch Series 12 health features, and note that Apple TV subscription pricing has risen for the second consecutive year.
Ahead of next week's launch, rumors detail three advantages Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra will hold over the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: dual displays offering both larger and smaller screen options, a slimmer folded form that fits pockets more easily, and exclusive multitasking features in iOS 27 like side-by-side apps with drag-and-drop support.
A new Omdia research note on Apple's Mac and iPad roadmap states that plans for a 16.1- to 18-inch foldable MacBook have been scrapped. The device, previously described by analyst Mark Gurman as a priority for hardware engineering chief John Ternus, was rumored to combine iPad and Mac functionality with a screen as large as 20 inches.
Apple has scheduled its major fall event for September 9, where it is expected to introduce three new iPhone models—two iPhone 18 Pro variants and its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra—alongside two Apple Watch models and updated AirPods 5. Rumors also suggest Apple could reveal new smart home products, including a long-rumored home hub with a display, while other devices may be held back for an October launch.
Hohem announced the Eyepic, a hybrid device combining a 4K/60fps wearable camera with a detachable three-axis gimbal for stabilized shooting. The camera can rotate its 2.5-inch touchscreen for cropless horizontal or vertical video, is waterproof to nearly 33 feet, and can be worn via lanyard, hat clip or magnetic mount. Hohem also revealed two new smartphone gimbals with Apple DockKit tracking and a multi-transmitter wireless mic system, though pricing and release dates remain unannounced.
A Chinese Weibo leaker known as Fried White Rice shared circuit board diagrams believed to relate to Apple's next A20 Pro chip, expected in iPhone 18 Pro models. Based on solder-ball placement, the leaker infers the chip keeps a 2+4 CPU core setup but increases small-core L2 cache to 8MB, and likely moves from six to seven GPU cores.
TrendForce reports that Apple's memory component costs for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro will be almost four times higher in Q3 2026 than a year earlier. The firm expects Apple to absorb much of that increase rather than fully pass it to consumers, projecting only around a $100 price hike over the iPhone 17 Pro, while leaning more on Services revenue to cushion margins.