Foldable iPhone, new Pro models: What Apple will unveil on Sept 9, and UAE prices

Apple is set to hold its biggest product launch event of the year on Wednesday, September 9, at 9pm UAE time, under the theme “Surprise and Shine.” The event is expected to bring some of the biggest changes to the iPhone lineup in years, including Apple’s highly anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market.

The event will also mark the first major iPhone launch under John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook as Apple CEO on September 1 following Cook’s 15-year tenure.

Apple’s Event Hints at a Foldable iPhone

Apple’s event invitation has fuelled speculation about a foldable iPhone. The design features a Liquid Glass-inspired look, with a thin line cutting through the Apple logo.

While Apple has not confirmed the device, the visual has been interpreted as another hint at the company’s long-rumoured foldable smartphone.

Alongside the foldable model, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly being held back until 2027.

What Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Look Like?

The foldable iPhone is widely expected to feature a passport-style design, making it shorter and wider when folded. It is rumoured to resemble devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Xiaomi 18 Fold.

The smartphone could reportedly be called the iPhone Ultra, rather than the commonly used “iPhone Fold” name.

The expected camera setup includes two 48MP rear cameras, comprising wide and ultra-wide sensors. However, the device may not feature a telephoto camera, which could be a notable omission considering its expected premium price.

Touch ID Could Return on the Foldable iPhone

One of the biggest changes could be the return of Touch ID.

Reports suggest that Face ID may not be included because Apple's TrueDepth camera system requires more internal depth than the folding design can accommodate. Instead, Touch ID could reportedly be integrated into the power button, similar to some iPad models.

Apple Could Focus on a Nearly Creaseless Display

The display crease is reportedly one of the areas Apple has focused on most heavily.

Leaks suggest the crease could be less than 0.15mm deep, with Apple reportedly aiming for a display that looks almost completely flat when unfolded.

The rumoured display sizes include:

Outer display: 5.3 to 5.5 inches
Inner display: 7.6 to 7.8 inches
However, all of these specifications remain unconfirmed until Apple officially announces the product.

iPhone Ultra Price Could Reach Dh9,800

The biggest concern for potential buyers could be the price.

Current forecasts suggest that the foldable iPhone could start at between $2,000 and $2,300, which would translate to approximately Dh8,500 to Dh9,800 based on Apple's typical UAE pricing.

If those estimates prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra would become one of Apple's most expensive consumer smartphones.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Expected to Debut

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to receive more conventional upgrades compared with the foldable model.

Both phones are rumoured to feature the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2nm process. Apple could also reduce the size of the Dynamic Island by moving some Face ID components underneath the display.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max could reportedly arrive in colours including Dark Cherry and Sky Blue, although Silver and Black options remain subject to speculation.

Major Camera Upgrades Could Be Coming

• The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could introduce a variable-aperture camera.

• The 48MP main camera may gain the technology, potentially only on the Pro Max model. Variable aperture allows a camera to adjust the amount of light entering the lens and has previously appeared on smartphones from Samsung and Xiaomi.

• The front camera is also rumoured to receive an upgrade, potentially moving from 18MP to 24MP.

iPhone 18 Pro Prices Could Rise in the UAE

Apple has yet to announce official pricing, but reports suggest prices could increase by around $100 across the lineup.

If that happens, estimated UAE starting prices could be:

iPhone 18 Pro: Dh5,099
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Dh5,549
These figures are estimates based on Apple's typical UAE pricing structure and are not official prices.

Apple Could Split the iPhone 18 Launch

Apple is reportedly changing its traditional iPhone launch strategy this year.

The standard iPhone 18 may not launch until early 2027, meaning the September event could focus on the Pro models and the new foldable iPhone.

Apple has staggered iPhone launches in the past, but delaying the standard model on this scale would represent a significant change to its usual strategy.

Apple Watch and AirPods Could Also Be Announced

The iPhone lineup is not expected to be the only highlight of the event.

Apple could also introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, with rumours pointing to:

Faster processors
Always-on heart-rate tracking
A redesigned fitness app
The company is also expected to unveil two versions of AirPods 5, with one model reportedly offering active noise cancellation while the other could come without ANC.

UAE iPhone 18 Pre-Orders and Release Date

For UAE customers, pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to begin on Saturday, September 12, with the devices reportedly reaching stores on September 18.

The foldable iPhone Ultra may not follow the same timeline because of its reportedly limited initial production.

Apple is said to have asked suppliers to prepare around 10 million foldable units this year, significantly fewer than the expected production volume for the Pro models. This could mean some markets may face longer waiting periods.

Apple’s Biggest iPhone Change Yet

With a potential foldable iPhone, new Pro models, upgraded cameras, a 2nm processor and additional Apple Watch and AirPods launches, the September 9 event could be one of Apple's most significant product events in years.

For UAE customers, however, pricing, availability and the arrival date of the foldable iPhone are likely to be among the biggest questions when Apple takes the stage.