Apple has officially confirmed its most anticipated hardware showcase of the year, sending out invitations bearing the cryptic tagline “Surprise and Shine”. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT, the event will be broadcast live from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park.

While a September event is a cornerstone tradition for Apple—officially kicking off what tech journalists famously call “Tech-Tember”—this year’s keynote marks a historic transition. It serves as the public debut of John Ternus as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer. Having taken the helm on September 1, 2026, following Tim Cook’s transition to Executive Chairman, the former Hardware Engineering chief will step onto the stage to outline Apple’s vision for its hardware and AI-driven ecosystem.

Here is a full breakdown of what to expect on stage during Apple’s big presentation.

1. Executive Transition: John Ternus Leads the Way

For the first time in 15 years, an Apple September keynote will may not be opened by Tim Cook. John Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran who previously led the engineering of the Mac, iPad, AirPods, and iPhone product lines, is officially driving the company into its next decade.

Ternus takes the stage as a product builder—a contrast to Cook’s operational background—and industry watchers are eager to see how his leadership style influences both product design and the public presentation of Apple’s long-term hardware roadmap.

2. Expected Hardware Announcements

The upcoming event focuses heavily on Apple’s flagship, Pro-tier mobile hardware and next-generation wearables.

Flagship Smartphones: iPhone 18 Pro Series & iPhone Ultra
Unlike previous years, reports indicate that the base-model iPhone 18 line will be delayed until early 2027, leaving September strictly for the premium tier:

• iPhone Ultra (Apple’s First Foldable): The headliner of the event, the long-rumored foldable iPhone—tentatively dubbed the iPhone Ultra — is expected to make its debut. Featuring a book-style fold with a 7.7-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch outer display, it is set to run an updated build of iOS tailored for side-by-side multitasking.
• iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max: Powered by the new 3nm A20 Pro chip, these flagships are rumored to introduce a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable-aperture camera system (exclusive to the Pro Max) for enhanced low-light photography.

Wearables: Apple Watch & Next-Gen Audio

• Apple Watch Series 12: Featuring the new S11 processor, improved power efficiency, and advanced health tracking, the Series 12 may also see the return of a premium ceramic case option.
• Apple Watch Ultra 4: Built with the new S11 chip, the Ultra 4 is expected to expand satellite features—enabling offline satellite photo transmission in Messages and satellite navigation updates.
• AirPods 5: Apple is expected to introduce two distinct variants of the 5th-generation AirPods: a baseline model and a mid-tier version featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Hardware Expectations at a Glance

3. Software Rollouts: OS 27 Release Dates

Alongside hardware, Apple will finalize release dates for its next generation of operating systems:

• iOS 27 & watchOS 27: Expected to roll out publicly during the week of September 14 following the event.
• macOS 27 (Golden Gate):Expected to ship in tandem with upcoming Mac updates slated for late September.

Where and How to Watch

The “Surprise and Shine” keynote will stream live on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT via:

• Apple’s official website (apple.com)
• Apple TV App
• Apple’s official YouTube Channel