Update September 3, 2026 — 6 days left: Apple has officially confirmed that the “Surprise and Shine” event will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET (10:00 AM ET) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. Below is a breakdown of what will be announced (iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the first foldable iPhone, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5), how to watch it live, and what we already know about each product.
The 2026 Apple Event is approaching, with Apple expected to announce its keynote presentation for early September — and all eyes are on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to converging reports from analysts, supply chain leaks, and experienced leakers, this year's presentation will be the most significant breakthrough for the iPhone Pro series since the iPhone X era in 2017. The appointment with consumers is given on September 9, 2026, with availability in stores from September 18. Official invitations for the event are expected in the coming days on the Apple Newsroom.
This year's event also marks a historic milestone: for the first time since 2007, there will be no "regular" iPhone on shelves after the event. Apple is restructuring its release schedule, moving the iPhone 18 of the basic series to spring 2027, while in September only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2 and the first foldable iPhone Fold will appear — a radical change in the release policy that has lasted 19 years.
See also: iPhone 18 Pro Max: Date, Price Greece, Cherry Red Colors & Specs [2026]
What will be announced on September 9, 2026
According to the latest information from MacRumors, 9to5Mac , and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this year's event is one of the busiest in recent years with six new products:
- iPhone 18 Pro — 6.3″ display, A20 Pro at 2 nanometers, variable aperture camera, smaller Dynamic Island
- iPhone 18 Pro Max — 6.9″ screen, same upgrades as Pro, larger battery
- First foldable iPhone — possible name "iPhone Fold" or "iPhone Ultra", with Touch ID instead of Face ID and estimated price around $2,000
- Apple Watch Series 12 — new S-class processor, additional health sensors, possible version with ceramic case
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 — upgraded sensors, minor cosmetic changes
- AirPods 5 — two models (with and without Active Noise Cancellation), new H3 chip for better connectivity
The event also marks the first major launch for John Ternus as Apple's new CEO. The base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air are not expected, which have been pushed to spring 2027 as part of Apple's new split launch strategy.
Latest leaks and confirmations (September 2026)
In the last few days before the event, leaks have almost completely confirmed the features of the new products:
- iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max: Confirmed A20 Pro processor at 2 nanometers, C2 modem, new N2 network chip, 48MP camera with variable aperture and Dark Cherry star color
- Foldable iPhone: Possible name iPhone Ultra, with barely visible screen fold, Touch ID instead of Face ID and estimated starting price of around $2,000
- Apple Watch Series 12: New S-class processor and ceramic case version — a material lighter and more scratch-resistant than aluminum
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: New health sensors and minor aesthetic changes
- AirPods 5: New H3 chip for better connectivity and reduced latency. Rumored AirPods Pro with cameras not expected this year — pushed to 2027
Bloomberg reports that the event will be the first major presentation of John Ternus as Apple's new CEO. There are also rumors that a new HomePod Mini and a refresh of the Apple TV will be announced.
How to watch the Apple Event live from Greece
The event will be broadcast live with Greek subtitles through three official channels:
- apple.com/apple-events — live broadcast from the official Apple page
- Official Apple YouTube channel — live stream with built-in subtitles
- Apple TV app — on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and select smart TVs
The start time in Greece is 20:00 EEST (Wednesday, September 9). The keynote presentation typically lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours. The SecNews editorial team will cover all announcements live with fresh articles per product, immediately after the conclusion of each segment.
See also: iPhone 18 Pro: When is it released, Price in Greece & Event Date [Sept 2026]
iPhone 18 Pro Max: The most powerful thing Apple has ever made
At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be the new Apple A20 Pro, built on TSMC’s 2-nanometer process — the Taiwanese giant that makes Apple’s chips — Apple’s first move to a sub-3nm process. The upgrade promises significantly faster performance in terms of processing power, while also reducing power consumption for the same level of performance. Combined with up to 12GB of RAM, the phone is designed to handle the most demanding scenarios of Apple Intelligence — Apple’s overall artificial intelligence platform, as well as locally run larger language models without needing to connect to the cloud.
The battery is expected to reach 5,567 mAh in the eSIM-only version (an embedded digital SIM card without a physical chip), making the iPhone 18 Pro Max the iPhone with the largest battery Apple has ever made. The weight increases by about 10 grams compared to its predecessor's 233 grams, reaching 243 grams — a temporary title for the heaviest iPhone in Apple's history, until the foldable iPhone Fold is released.
Variable aperture camera: the big first
The most talked-about change in this generation is the introduction of variable aperture on the 48-megapixel main camera — a technology that has until now only been offered in professional cameras. The camera will automatically adjust the aperture (from f/1.4 to f/4.0 according to current rumors), giving users greater control over depth of field and improved image quality in dark environments. In practice, this means better portraits with natural background defocus (bokeh) and a drastic improvement in low-light shooting.
The triple camera setup is completed by a 48MP wide-angle sensor and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens (4x optical zoom). On the front, the 18MP camera is expected to integrate the Face ID system under the screen, permanently removing the "cut" of the screen where the Dynamic Island (the interactive element that displays notifications) is hosted and offering the first truly unified screen on an iPhone.
See also: iPhone 18 Pro Max: Rumors of exclusive camera upgrade
Display, design and connectivity
The display remains at 6.9 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate (Apple's ProMotion technology that automatically adjusts the refresh rate), but the protection is upgraded to the next generation Ceramic Shield 2 — Apple's reinforced display glass — with improved resistance to drops and scratches. The design retains the titanium frame, with Apple moving away from the controversial dual-tone design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and returning to a more subtle, single-tone finish.
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature Apple's own 5G modem — the result of its acquisition of Intel's modem division in 2019 and years of internal development. The move frees Apple from its reliance on Qualcomm and promises better power efficiency when connecting to cellular networks. It also says it will integrate 5G satellite communications in partnership with Globalstar, expanding the emergency services first introduced with the iPhone 14.
Price and availability in Greece
The starting price in the US is expected to remain at $1,199 for the 256GB version, with the 512GB, 1TB and 2TB versions following Apple's established escalation. For the Greek market, based on the exchange rate and 24% VAT, the starting price is expected to fluctuate around 1,579 euros, with a possible slight increase compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max due to the parity of the euro against the dollar in 2026.
Pre-orders are expected to open on Friday, September 12, with availability in stores starting on Thursday, September 18, 2026. The SecNews editorial team will cover the Apple Event live on September 9 and will update with official specifications, prices, and dates as soon as they are announced by Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Apple Event 2026?
The Apple Event "Surprise and Shine" takes place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM Greek time (10:00 AM California time) at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino.
How can I watch the event live from Greece?
The live broadcast will be available through three official channels: apple.com/apple-events, the official Apple YouTube channel, and the Apple TV app. No registration or subscription required.
What products will be announced on September 9th?
Six new products are expected: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the first foldable iPhone (possible name iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra), Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 in two versions (with and without ANC).
Will the basic iPhone 18 be announced?
No. The base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air have been moved to spring 2027. Apple is following a new strategy of split presentations, with the Pro models and the foldable being introduced first.
How much will the iPhone 18 Pro cost in Greece?
The starting price is estimated at 1,499 euros for the iPhone 18 Pro with 256GB and 1,699 euros for the iPhone 18 Pro Max with 256GB. The first foldable iPhone is expected to start at 2,399 euros. The final prices will be officially announced at the event.
When do pre-orders open and when will the new iPhones arrive in Greece?
In keeping with Apple's established pattern, pre-orders open on Friday, September 11, 2026, two days after the presentation. First deliveries in Greece and internationally are expected on Friday, September 18, 2026.
What is the "Surprise and Shine" event?
"Surprise and Shine" is the official slogan of the September 2026 Apple Event. The slogan hints at the first foldable iPhone and the new design approach with the distinctive Dark Cherry color as the protagonist of the new Pro series.
