
Key Points
- 01Apple (AAPL) scheduled a special event for September 9, 2026 titled “Surprise and shine.”
- 02The keynote will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater and streamed online.
- 03Coverage expects iPhone 18 Pro models and a first foldable iPhone to headline.
- 04The event will be the first Apple (AAPL) product launch led by new CEO John Ternus.
Apple confirms Sept. 9 ‘Surprise and shine’ event
Apple (AAPL) has set its next major product event for September 9, 2026, promoting the keynote with the tagline "Surprise and shine." The company plans to begin the presentation at 10:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Eastern at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus.
The event will be available to a broader audience through a livestream on apple.com and the Apple TV app. The format continues Apple’s practice of combining an in-person presentation at its Cupertino headquarters with global online access.
Expected focus on premium iPhone lineup
Press coverage of the announcement indicates that the September 9 keynote is expected to center on the premium tier of Apple’s smartphone range. Reporting points to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as headline products for the showcase.
In addition to the new Pro models, coverage describes plans for Apple to present its first foldable iPhone. This device has been referred to in reports as either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, signaling a new form factor alongside the existing flagship lineup.
The event is also anticipated to clarify details such as the final product lineup, as well as timing for availability, preorders, and shipments. These specifics are expected to be confirmed during the official keynote livestream.
First launch event under CEO John Ternus
The September 9 presentation carries additional importance because it will be the first Apple product-launch event led by John Ternus as chief executive officer. Ternus is set to assume the CEO role on September 1, 2026.
The timing links the company’s next iPhone announcement cycle with a change in top leadership. The event will provide an early look at how Ternus presents Apple’s hardware roadmap in a high-profile, public setting shortly after taking on the role.
With a focus on new flagship iPhones and the introduction of a foldable model, the keynote is positioned as both a major product update and a key moment in Apple’s leadership transition. Viewers will be able to follow the announcements live via Apple’s streaming channels.
Key Takeaways
- 01The Sept. 9 event combines a flagship iPhone refresh with the debut of a foldable model, indicating a focus on high-end devices and new form factors.
- 02Holding the keynote shortly after John Ternus becomes CEO makes the launch a notable early test of his public leadership of Apple’s product strategy.
- 03Details on product configurations, preorders, and shipment timing are expected to be clarified during the livestreamed presentation rather than in advance.
References
- https://www.theverge.com/tech/983407/apple-iphone-launch-event-2026-date
- https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/08/26/what-to-expect-from-apples-surprise-and-shine-iphone-18-pro-event-on-september-9
- https://www.theshortcut.com/p/the-next-apple-event-is-september
- https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/26/apple-iphone-event-2026/