Apple September 9 Keynote: Foldable iPhone and New CEO Debut 2026

The foldable iPhone is closer than ever as Apple has set the date for its next major keynote. The company has sent invitations for September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (7:00 p.m. in Spain) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. The tagline "Surprise and shine" offers little clue about products, but speculation is rampant that Apple will unveil its first foldable iPhone. This event also marks a historic transition: it will be the first major presentation after John Ternus takes over as CEO on September 1.

What to Expect from the September 9 Keynote

Apple's invitations are famously cryptic, and this one is no exception. The "Surprise and shine" tagline could refer to a new camera system, a dazzling display, or even the polished titanium finish of a foldable device. What's certain is that the event will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple's iconic venue for product launches. Given the timing, just days after Ternus assumes the CEO role, all eyes will be on how he presents Apple's vision for the future.

Foldable iPhone Rumors: Design and Specs

Rumors about the foldable iPhone have been circulating for months, and they paint a picture of a book-style device. Expected features include an external display of 5.3 to 5.5 inches and an internal screen of 7.6 to 7.8 inches. The body is said to be made of titanium and exceptionally thin. Some reports suggest the device could be called the iPhone Ultra and may include Touch ID integrated into the side button. The other major battleground would be the screen.

Potential Features at a Glance

• Book-style foldable design with a 5.3–5.5" outer screen and 7.6–7.8" inner display.
• Titanium construction for a slim, durable body.
• Touch ID on the side button instead of Face ID.
• Possible name: iPhone Ultra, positioning it above the Pro line.
• Historic CEO transition: John Ternus's first keynote as CEO.

Why This Keynote Matters

This is more than just another product launch. It's the first keynote under John Ternus, who succeeds Tim Cook. Ternus, previously the head of hardware engineering, is expected to bring a renewed focus on innovative form factors like foldables. A foldable iPhone would be Apple's biggest design shift since the original iPhone, and it would signal that Apple is ready to compete in a market currently dominated by Samsung and others.

Comparison: Rumored Foldable iPhone vs. Current Flagship

How might the foldable iPhone stack up against the current iPhone 15 Pro Max? Based on leaks, here's a speculative comparison. The background to this story is set out in Apple Event Recap: Foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro Revealed. A related thread runs through iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo: Lexus Partners Q&A on September 28. Earlier coverage in iPhone Duo Review: The Biggest iPhone Change Isn't the Best iPhone shows how the argument developed.

The Road to a Foldable iPhone

Apple has been notoriously cautious about adopting new form factors, often waiting until the technology matures. But with foldables gaining traction and competitors iterating rapidly, the pressure is on. The September 9 event could be Apple's answer. If the company does announce a foldable, it would likely ship later this year or in early 2025, depending on production timelines. A closer look at the same subject appears in Apple Foldable iPhone Price: $2,199 to Nearly $3,000. Anyone following the wider picture can start with The Most Expensive iPhone Is No Longer the Best iPhone. The same theme surfaces in iPhone Duo Foldable Software: Apple's Real Advantage, which takes a different angle.

What Else to Watch For

Beyond the foldable, Apple may use the keynote to refresh other product lines. Expect updates to the Apple Watch, possibly new AirPods, and maybe a glimpse at software features coming in iOS 18. The "Surprise and shine" tagline might also hint at a new finish or color option for existing devices. As always, Apple will stream the event live, and we'll be covering all the announcements as they happen. Context on how this played out before sits in Apple Event Recap: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Watch Series 12. A companion piece, 2026: Best Android Foldable Phones Yet, But What Comes After iPhone Duo, approaches the same subject from another angle.