Apple iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Ultra launch on Sep 9: Likely specifications and price
Apple is set to unveil three new iPhones during its 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable model called the iPhone Ultra. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-gen iPhone Air have been delayed until 2027, leaving the fall lineup focused on higher-end models. Prices are expected to rise significantly due to increased memory costs, with estimates suggesting increases of up to Rs 26,000 compared to last year’s models. The iPhone Ultra features a unique book-style foldable design with a 5.4–5.5 inch outer screen and a 7.8 inch inner display, using advanced materials like titanium and liquid metal hinges to achieve a nearly imperceptible crease. Authentication will rely on Touch ID instead of Face ID, and the device lacks a telephoto lens. Preorders are scheduled for September 12, with retail sales beginning on September 18. Availability of the foldable in India at launch remains uncertain.
Apple is set to unveil three new iPhone models on Wednesday, September 9, during its annual "Surprise and Shine" event at Apple Park in Cupertino. The event begins at 10:30 pm IST and is expected to be hosted by John Ternus, Apple’s newly appointed chief executive, following his succession of Tim Cook on September 1. Among the devices to be revealed is Apple’s first foldable smartphone, referred to in leaks as the iPhone Ultra. This marks a departure from Apple’s traditional product lineup, which typically includes a standard iPhone alongside Pro and Pro Max variants. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to be introduced, continuing Apple’s trend of upgrading its flagship models annually. However, the standard iPhone 18, the budget-friendly iPhone 18e, and the second-generation iPhone Air have been delayed and are anticipated to launch in early 2027. This shift leaves the fall 2026 lineup focused exclusively on higher-end models, potentially affecting consumer choices and market dynamics. The iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable, is described as a book-style device that opens wider than it is tall, resembling an iPad mini when unfolded. According to leaked specifications, the iPhone Ultra features a 5.4 to 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display. The device is expected to be constructed using titanium and ultra-thin glass, with a thickness of approximately 4.5mm when open and 9mm when closed. Unlike previous models, the iPhone Ultra will not include Face ID due to the challenges posed by the foldable design. Instead, it will utilize Touch ID on the power button, a feature previously used on the iPad Air and iPad mini. The iPhone Ultra is anticipated to have a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Each screen will have its own front-facing camera, ranging from 18MP to 24MP. The device is expected to use the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, offering improved performance compared to the A19 Pro. Storage options will range from 256GB to 2TB, with 12GB of RAM. Connectivity features include the Apple C2 modem and MagSafe charging capabilities. The event will also see the introduction of iOS 27, which is expected to include enhancements tailored for foldable devices, such as side-by-side app functionality, landscape layouts, and sidebar features. Beta versions of the operating system suggest support for hinge angle detection, similar to Samsung’s Flex Mode. Developers have been encouraged to optimize apps for foldable displays, although the success of these efforts will depend on third-party adoption. Pre-orders for the new iPhone models are scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 12, with retail sales commencing on Friday, September 18. India is expected to be among the first markets to receive the Pro models, although the availability of the foldable variant at launch remains uncertain. Pricing for the iPhone Ultra is estimated to be significantly higher than existing models, with forecasts suggesting a starting price of around $2,000 to $2,500. In the UAE, prices are expected to range between Dh8,500 to Dh9,800, including VAT. The absence of the standard iPhone 18 in the fall lineup creates an 18-month gap between the iPhone 17 and the upcoming iPhone 18, marking the longest interval between mainline iPhone releases in Apple’s history. This delay could impact Apple’s holiday sales strategy, as the company traditionally relies on a broader product range to attract diverse customer segments. Despite this, the focus on high-end models reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to innovate and maintain its premium brand positioning. The event is expected to draw significant attention from industry analysts, media, and consumers alike, as Apple aims to redefine the foldable smartphone segment. With the iPhone Ultra poised to enter a competitive market dominated by Android foldables, Apple’s approach to hardware design, user interface optimization, and pricing strategies will be critical in determining the device’s reception.
4 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 759/8/2026
Apple is set to unveil three new iPhones during its 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable model called the iPhone Ultra. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-gen iPhone Air have been delayed until 2027, leaving the fall lineup focused on higher-end models. Prices are expected to rise significantly due to increased memory costs, with estimates suggesting increases of up to Rs 26,000 compared to last year’s models. The iPhone Ultra features a unique book-style foldable design with a 5.4–5.5 inch outer screen and a 7.8 inch inner display, using advanced materials like titanium and liquid metal hinges to achieve a nearly imperceptible crease. Authentication will rely on Touch ID instead of Face ID, and the device lacks a telephoto lens. Preorders are scheduled for September 12, with retail sales beginning on September 18. Availability of the foldable in India at launch remains uncertain.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on product launches and technical specifications of upcoming Apple devices, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about hardware features, pricing expectations, and release dates without apparent bias or ideological
Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the upcoming Apple event, the expected product lineup, and pricing estimates based on leaked reports. These claims align with the cross-source consensus found in other articles, such as the mention of the iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro
Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while presenting expectations and leaks about the event. However, it includes speculative statements about the pricing increase and the impact on the market, which slightly lean towards opinion rather than objective reporting.
Apple is set to host its annual 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, where it will unveil several new products, including the iPhone Ultra (likely a foldable model), iPhone 18 Pro with upgraded features, and new versions of Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV. The event coincides with Tim Cook's departure as CEO after 15 years, with John Ternus taking over leadership of the $4.67 trillion company. Key features of the new iPhones include improved battery life, advanced Face ID, and 5G satellite connectivity. Other anticipated announcements include the Apple Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5, and a new HomePod mini with enhanced Siri capabilities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about Apple's product launch and leadership change without overtly favoring any political ideology. It provides balanced reporting on the event's timing, product specifications, and corporate transitions, without emphasizing partisan perspectives or ideological stabs
Why factuality (82): The article aligns closely with the cross-source consensus on the event details, the leadership change, and the expected product lineup. It provides specific technical details about the iPhone Ultra, such as screen sizes and materials, which are consistent with other reports. However, some of these
Why objectivity (78): The article maintains a balanced tone throughout, presenting facts without overt bias. However, the inclusion of processed content and AI-generated summaries slightly reduces its objectivity, as it may introduce interpretive elements.
Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, during a special event on September 9, 2026. Third-party sellers on Amazon.in are already offering protective cases for the unreleased device, indicating strong anticipation. The phone is expected to feature a design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, with a compact form factor suitable for pocket storage and a dual-screen setup that allows it to function as both a smartphone and an iPad mini when unfolded. The iPhone Ultra is anticipated to be the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, with a 7.8-inch main display optimized for multimedia tasks. Industry analysts suggest the launch could mark a significant shift for Apple, potentially reviving innovation in the smartphone market after several years of stagnation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about Apple's upcoming product launch without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on technological specifications, market expectations, and design features rather than taking a stance on broader societal or political implications of the product. The报道
Why factuality (80): This article accurately reflects the consensus among other sources regarding the event date, the introduction of the iPhone Ultra, and the leadership transition. However, it lacks specific details about the technical specifications of the iPhone Ultra compared to other articles, which limits its fac
Why objectivity (70): The article presents facts in a mostly neutral manner but occasionally uses phrases like 'magic that has been missing from the company’s products,' which introduces a subjective viewpoint. This slight bias affects the overall objectivity score.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 859/8/2026
Tim Cook, former CEO of Apple, recently transitioned to the role of executive chairman after handing over the CEO position to John Ternus. In an old interview, Cook recalled a pivotal moment in 2011 when Steve Jobs unexpectedly offered him the CEO role. Jobs called Cook during an August weekend and insisted on an immediate transition, aiming to establish the first professional CEO handover in Apple’s history. Cook expressed surprise, noting he believed Jobs would recover and continue leading the company. Despite previous discussions about succession, Cook expected the change to occur much later. During their conversation, they engaged in lighthearted banter about dividing responsibilities. Cook emphasized that Jobs intentionally selected someone with a different leadership style, acknowledging that he was not a 'carbon copy' of Jobs.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a historical business decision and personal recollection rather than taking a clear ideological stance. It presents both Cook's perspective and Jobs' intentions without overtly favoring one interpretation over another. While it discusses leadership styles and corporate legacy,
Why factuality (75): The article contains plausible details about Tim Cook discussing his appointment as CEO by Steve Jobs in 2011, but there is no direct confirmation from a primary source. Some elements, such as the exact wording of Jobs' call, may be paraphrased rather than directly quoted. While the general timeline
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the information in a largely neutral manner, quoting Cook’s statements without overt bias. However, it includes some interpretive phrases like 'caught Cook off guard' and 'he always had some incredible lows in his health,' which slightly color the narrative. Overall, the tone re
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