Apple is expected to introduce iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone at a special event on September 9. Reports suggest iPhone 18 Pro series may offer several features that foldable iPhone Ultra may not have.
Reports also point to a change in Apple’s pre-order schedule. Here is what current reports suggest about iPhone 18 Pro features, iPhone Ultra differences, pre-orders, software release, and sale date.
iPhone 18 Pro May Get Variable Aperture Main Camera
iPhone 18 Pro may bring a variable aperture system to its Main camera. Reports suggest foldable iPhone Ultra may not receive this camera upgrade.
Variable aperture may allow users to control depth of field and improve portrait photography. Feature may also help camera performance in low-light conditions.
Reports claim variable aperture components require more internal space. Foldable iPhone Ultra may not have enough room due to its thin design.
iPhone 18 Pro Max May Offer Longer Battery Life
iPhone 18 Pro Max may offer longer battery life than iPhone Ultra.
Reports claim iPhone 18 Pro Max may use a battery around 10% larger than iPhone 17 Pro Max. A20 Pro chip and C2 chip may also bring efficiency improvements.
Foldable iPhone Ultra may use a smaller battery due to its thin and foldable design. Actual battery performance will depend on hardware and software optimization.
iPhone 18 Pro May Continue to Use Face ID
Reports suggest iPhone Ultra may use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
Foldable design may create a challenge for Face ID hardware. Apple may need separate Face ID components for outer and inner displays, which may require more internal space.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to continue with Face ID.
Telephoto Camera May Remain Exclusive to Pro Models
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may continue to offer a Telephoto camera.
Reports suggest iPhone Ultra may use a Main camera and an Ultra Wide camera without a Telephoto lens. This may make Pro models a better option for users who use optical zoom.
Apple may also upgrade Telephoto camera performance with a larger aperture.
Traditional iPhone Design May Remain an Advantage
iPhone 18 Pro may continue with Apple’s familiar smartphone design.
iPhone Ultra may bring an outer display and a larger inner folding display. Users may need to open and close phone to use different screen sizes.
For users who prefer a standard smartphone form factor, iPhone 18 Pro may remain a familiar option.
Apple Event May Take Place on September 9
Apple has announced a special event for Wednesday, September 9.
Event is expected to reveal iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple’s first foldable iPhone may also appear at event, although final product name remains unconfirmed.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 may also appear during keynote.
Event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time at Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park.
iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders May Start on September 12
Apple may change its regular pre-order schedule this year.
Reports suggest pre-orders may start at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12, instead of Friday.
Apple usually begin iPhone pre-orders on Friday after a launch event. Reports link schedule change to September 11, which falls on Friday this year.
Apple made a similar schedule change in 2015 for iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus.
Pre-order schedule may apply to:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Apple Watch Series 12
- Apple Watch Ultra 4
- Other products Apple may announce
Foldable iPhone Ultra Pre-Orders May Start Later
Reports suggest foldable iPhone Ultra may receive a separate pre-order date.
Some reports point to late September for foldable model pre-orders. Other reports suggest Apple may release foldable iPhone alongside iPhone 18 Pro series.
Apple has not confirm availability schedule for foldable iPhone.
iOS 27 May Release on September 14
iOS 27 may reach compatible iPhones around Monday, September 14, according to current predictions.
Software may support iPhone 11 series and later models, based on reports. Some Apple Intelligence features may remain limited to newer iPhone models.
Apple usually release new iOS software a few days before new iPhones reach stores.
iPhone 18 Pro Sale Date May Be September 18
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may reach stores on Friday, September 18.
Apple usually start in-store sales at 8 a.m. local time.
Final launch dates, product specifications, prices, camera features, battery capacity, and foldable iPhone availability remain subject to Apple confirmation.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone Ultra: Expected Differences
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | May use variable aperture | May not use variable aperture |
| Battery | Pro Max may offer longer battery life | Smaller battery may limit capacity |
| Face ID | Expected | May use Touch ID |
| Telephoto Camera | Expected | May not offer Telephoto camera |
| Design | Standard smartphone design | Foldable design |
| Pre-Orders | May start September 12 | May start later in September |
What to Expect From Apple’s September Event
September 9 event may give Apple fans a first look at iPhone 18 Pro series and Apple’s foldable iPhone plans.
iPhone 18 Pro may focus on camera upgrades, battery improvements, Face ID, and Telephoto photography. Foldable iPhone may introduce a new form factor but may require compromises in camera hardware, battery size, and biometric technology.
Apple will confirm product names, specifications, prices, pre-order dates, and release dates during or after launch event.
