iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will debut on September 9, 2026 during the “Surprise and shine” conference at Apple Park. The date has been confirmed by Apple itself. Along with them, we will see the first foldable iPhone, two new watches, and AirPods 5. The basic iPhone 18 will not be at this conference, it will debut only in spring 2027.
Apple is splitting the annual release into two parts and for the first time is showing a phone with a foldable screen. Instead of four premieres in September, we will get three, all of which are high-end.
Below: what will appear, what will be missing, and when sales will start. Finally, a question that we hear most often in the accessories store, whether the case from the iPhone 17 Pro will fit the eighteen.
Note: this article was created before the conference. Apple has confirmed the date and the event itself. Specifications, prices, and the list of models come from leaks. We will update the text on September 9, after the presentation.
When is the iPhone 18 Pro premiere? Date, pre-order, and start of sales
The conference will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM Polish time. Apple sent out invitations on August 26 and published the event on its website. You can watch the broadcast on apple.com, on YouTube, and in the Apple TV app.
Invitation graphic for the September conference. Source: Apple
The sales dates have not yet been announced, but they follow Apple’s long-standing pattern.
| Event | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| “Surprise and shine” conference | Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7:00 PM | confirmed by Apple |
| Pre-order start | Saturday, September 12, 2026 | expected |
| Sales start | Friday, September 18, 2026 | expected |
One detail in this schedule is unusual. Pre-orders usually begin on the first Friday after the conference, which is September 11. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks, and Apple consistently avoids this date for commercial launches.
The same maneuver was executed by the company in 2015 with the iPhone 6s, moving the order start to Saturday. Poland was included in the first wave of iPhone 17 sales (September 19, 2025), so September 18 is a realistic date for us as well.
What will Apple show on September 9? Six devices
According to Bloomberg, we will see six new products at the conference. Three of them are phones.
| Device | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.3″, A20 Pro, narrower Dynamic Island (disputed) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.9″, largest battery in iPhone history, variable aperture |
| iPhone 18 Ultra | first foldable iPhone, 7.6–7.8″ screen inside |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | new processor, longer battery life, possible ceramic case |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Maps and photos via satellite |
| AirPods 5 | two variants: with ANC and without |
All six items are leaks. Apple has only confirmed the date and the fact of the event.
The name of the foldable model is not certain. In leaks, it is referred to as iPhone Fold, but internally Apple is said to use the term iPhone Ultra; in our store, you will find it as iPhone 18 Ultra.
What We Won’t See at the Conference
This is as important as the list of premieres. Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are set to debut only in spring 2027, most likely in March or April. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the iPhone Air 2 was never planned for 2026, so this is not a delay, but a new release rhythm.
There will also be a lack of several other things:
- Apple Watch SE 4 will not be released this year.
- iPad mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro are expected in the fall, aside from the September conference.
- Face ID under the screen will not make it to the iPhone 18 Pro. The technology is not ready.
What does this mean in practice: if you are waiting for a cheaper iPhone from this generation, September will not bring you anything. The real choice for the fall is the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, or the discounted seventeen.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: what’s changing
The diagonals remain unchanged: 6.3 inches for the Pro version and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Changes are inside and in the camera.
| Parameter | iPhone 18 Pro (leak) | iPhone 18 Pro Max (leak) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3″, LTPO+ | 6.9″, LTPO+ |
| Processor | A20 Pro, 2 nm | A20 Pro, 2 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB–2 TB | 256 GB–2 TB |
| Main camera | 48 MP, variable aperture uncertain | 48 MP with variable aperture |
| Front camera | 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Battery | 4 288 mAh | 5 567 mAh |
| Modem | Apple C2 | Apple C2 |
| Thickness | 8.8–9 mm (disputed) | 8.8–9 mm (disputed) |
| Face ID under the screen | ❌ | ❌ |
Four changes deserve a separate comment.
Variable aperture in the main camera. This is the first such mechanism in the iPhone. The feature was announced by Ming-Chi Kuo, and Korean ETNews reported in April 2026 about the start of actuator production. The variable aperture provides manual control over depth of field and performs better in low light. Some leaks suggest that it will be exclusively available in the Pro Max version.
A20 Pro processor in 2 nm lithography. TSMC is supplying Apple’s first chip in this process. Be cautious of the numbers circulating online: 10–15% higher performance OR 25–30% lower power consumption are parameters of the N2 process itself, which should not be summed up. The real gain will be divided between both.
Narrower Dynamic Island. Ice Universe claims that the island will slim down by about 35%, from 20.7 mm to 13.5 mm. Digital Chat Station denies this and pushes the change to the iPhone 19. This is the most contentious point of the entire leak.
Prototype image where Dynamic Island is clearly narrower. Source: MacRumors
Camera Control is set to be simplified. According to Instant Digital, the button will lose its capacitive layer and will only respond to pressure. For the case, this is irrelevant, as the cutout remains in place.
Colors of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max
Reports from the supply chain mention four finishes, each with an assigned Pantone code: Dark Cherry (wine red with a purple undertone), Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The palette is common for both models.
On the left, color renderings; on the right, production line mockups. Source: Macworld and MacRumors
Dark Cherry is set to replace Cosmic Orange as the leading color, which you will see in all promotional materials. The orange from the seventeenth generation is being discontinued.
Foldable iPhone 18 Ultra: Apple’s first such phone
This is the most anticipated element of the conference. Apple is entering the foldable phone market seven years after Samsung and is immediately targeting the high-end segment.
| Parameter | iPhone 18 Ultra (leak) |
|---|---|
| Internal display | 7.6–7.8″, aspect ratio 4:3 |
| External display | 5.3–5.5″ |
| Thickness unfolded | approx. 4.5 mm |
| Thickness folded | 9–9.5 mm |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in the power button |
| Cameras | 48 MP wide + 48 MP ultra-wide |
| Battery | 5,400–5,800 mAh |
| Processor | A20, 12 GB RAM, vapor chamber |
| Price (estimates) | from approx. 2,000 USD |
The mockup and leaked photo show two cameras and the absence of a telephoto lens. Source: Sonny Dickson via MacRumors
The design is distinguished by two things that Apple has clearly focused on.
The crease is supposed to be virtually invisible. Apple has worked on this without regard to costs and has developed a new material. Leaks suggest a crease depth of less than 0.15 mm and an angle of less than 2.5 degrees. The hinge is said to be made of Liquidmetal alloy.
There will be no Face ID. In such a thin case, the TrueDepth module could not fit, so Apple is returning to Touch ID integrated into the power button. This is the first flagship iPhone without facial recognition since 2017.
There is also no telephoto lens. Two 48 MP cameras are less than in the Pro Max. And with estimates starting at around $2,000 and reaching nearly $3,000 for the 1 TB version, we are talking about the most expensive iPhone in history.
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 and AirPods 5
Both watches will receive at least the S11 processor, longer battery life, and improvements in activity tracking. Mark Gurman announces no changes in appearance compared to Series 11 and Ultra 3.
The distinguishing feature of Ultra 4 is expected to be satellite functions: Apple Maps via satellite and sending and receiving photos in Messages without network coverage. For mountain hikers, this is a significant change, not just cosmetic.
There will be no Touch ID in the watch, no health sensor band, and no blood sugar measurement. The latter feature is expected to appear only around 2030. There will also be no Apple Watch SE 4.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the wait, our comparison of Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 will be helpful. You can find bands and screen protection for both series in the Apple Watch category.
AirPods 5: again two variants, with ANC and without
Apple is expected to show two models of AirPods 5: with active noise cancellation and without it. References to both variants were found in the code of macOS 26.7.
There is also a rumor about a H3 chip, which would reduce audio latency and improve battery life. This is still speculation, not confirmed information.
Heart rate measurement is reserved for Pro models. If you are looking for headphones with health features, the direction remains AirPods Pro 3.
iPhone 18 Pro, price in Poland: how much will it cost?
No one knows the price yet. The reference point is the current Apple pricing. iPhone 17 Pro starts at 5,799 PLN, 17 Pro Max at 6,299 PLN, both prices for the 256 GB version. For the Pro Max with 2 TB, you will pay 10,299 PLN.
Analysts are predicting a price increase. The main forecast (Jeff Pu) suggests 250–300 dollars more than the seventeen, although some analysts are betting on 100–200 dollars. In a pessimistic scenario, the iPhone 18 Pro in Poland would start around 6,800 PLN.
It is worth debunking one myth circulating online: 2 nm lithography chips are not twice as expensive. TSMC has raised the price of the N2 wafer by 10–20% compared to N3. The “50%” figure refers to the camera module with a variable aperture, not the processor.
Will the case from the iPhone 17 Pro fit the 18 Pro?
This is where it gets interesting, as the answer is different for the case and different for camera protection.
Case: most likely yes. OtterBox has already released cases described as compatible with both the iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro. Matt Ronge from Astropad hears the same from suppliers: the body is expected to remain the same dimensions, with an unchanged button layout and cutouts.
Dummy of the iPhone 17 Pro (on the left) compared to the dummy of the iPhone 18 Pro. Source: Vadim Yuryev via MacRumors
The same is visible in our offer. The cases that made it to the iPhone 18 Pro category have the suffix “for Apple iPhone 18 Pro / 17 Pro” in their names, one case for two models. This is how the products from Tech-Protect, Benks, as well as the Guess and Karl Lagerfeld series are described.
Camera protection: no longer. We have lens island and glass covers available separately for the iPhone 18 Pro, even though the cases are shared. The camera island grows from 11.23 to 11.54 mm, and that is enough for the cover from the seventeen to no longer fit.
Note: not all leaks agree. A report attributed to Tata mentions a body thicker by 2 mm, i.e., 9.9–10.9 mm instead of 8.75 mm in the iPhone 17 Pro. If proven true, no case from the seventeen would fit. Mark Gurman also called the display of cases for the 18 Pro on the shelves of Best Buy “a bit premature.” We will have certainty on September 9.
Tech-Protect BasicMag MagSafe
Matte case with a built-in magnetic ring, described by the manufacturer as compatible with iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro. It holds onto MagSafe chargers without adapters.
Benks Magnetic Crystal
Transparent version with magnets and a separate cutout for Camera Control. If you buy an iPhone in Dark Cherry color, this case will not cover it.
Benks Ultra Shield HD Glass
Screen glass with a frame that facilitates bubble-free installation. Repairing the screen on an iPhone Pro costs thousands of zlotys, so the glass pays for itself with the first drop.
Tech-Protect Cam Fit
The cover for the entire camera island, designed exclusively for the iPhone 18 Pro. This is the element you won’t transfer from the seventeenth.
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You can also find the full offer in the category iPhone 18 Pro Max. The category of accessories for the foldable iPhone 18 Ultra will be filled after the premiere when Apple provides the official dimensions.
If you’re switching from an older model, a review of MagSafe accessories will be useful. The standard remains unchanged between generations, so you can transfer magnetic chargers and power banks without additional purchases.
Summary
The Apple conference will take place on September 9, 2026, at 19:00 Polish time. Aside from the official pricing of the current generation, this is the only confirmed information in this article. The rest are leaks of varying reliability.
Four things worth remembering:
- We will see three phones, not four. iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone 18 Ultra. The basic eighteen, model 18e, and iPhone Air 2 will debut in spring 2027.
- The biggest change is the camera, not the screen. The variable aperture is the first of its kind in iPhone history and may only be available on the Pro Max.
- Foldable iPhone ditches Face ID. Touch ID returns in the power button, and the price is expected to start at around $2,000.
- Cases for the iPhone 17 Pro should fit, but camera covers will not. Manufacturers describe the cases as common for both generations, but they have prepared the camera island protection separately.
We will update the article on September 9 when Apple announces the official specifications, prices, and sales dates in Poland. It’s worth revisiting our comparison of the iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro to assess whether the upgrade makes sense.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the iPhone 18 Pro
When is the iPhone 18 Pro release?
The iPhone 18 Pro will be unveiled on September 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM Polish time during the “Surprise and shine” conference. The date has been confirmed by Apple. Sales should start on Friday, September 18, with pre-orders beginning on Saturday, September 12.
Will there be a regular iPhone 18?
Not at the September conference. The basic iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to debut in spring 2027, likely in March or April.
How much will the iPhone 18 Pro cost? Price in Poland
The price has not been announced. The current iPhone 17 Pro costs from 5,799 PLN in Poland, and the main forecast from analysts suggests an increase of around 250–300 dollars. This would start at around 6,800 PLN.
Will a foldable iPhone be released this year?
Yes, according to all leaks, it will debut on September 9 along with the Pro series. It is expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, have a 7.8-inch screen when unfolded, and feature Touch ID instead of Face ID. Price estimates start at around 2,000 dollars.
Does the case for the iPhone 17 Pro fit the iPhone 18 Pro?
Most likely yes. Case manufacturers, including OtterBox, Tech-Protect, and Benks, describe the new cases as compatible with both models. The camera covers are already separate, as the camera island is slightly larger.
What colors will the iPhone 18 Pro have?
Leaks from the supply chain indicate four finishes: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. Dark Cherry, which is a wine red with a purple undertone, is expected to replace Cosmic Orange as the leading color.
What else will Apple show on September 9?
In addition to the three phones, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 in two variants: with active noise cancellation and without it, are expected. iPads and Mac computers are set for a separate launch in the fall.
Sources: official Apple event page, announcement of the conference and list of six devices on MacRumors, complete overview of leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro, leaks about the foldable iPhone, what to expect from Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, OtterBox on the compatibility of iPhone 17 Pro cases with 18 Pro, iPhone Air 2 and 18e not until spring 2027