Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Is Coming in September. The Standard iPhone Isn’t.

A Pro-Only Fall, For the First Time

Apple’s fall keynote has introduced new iPhones every September since 2012. This year, for the first time in the company’s history, the standard iPhone won’t be part of that lineup. Apple’s September event is expected to center on the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e are being held for spring 2027, alongside a second generation iPhone Air.

If you’re someone who normally buys the base model, you’re stuck waiting. Every new iPhone introduced this September is expected to start north of $1,000.

What’s Actually New on the Pro Models

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to look close to last year’s iPhone 17 Pro, with a smaller Dynamic Island, a redesigned Wide camera with variable aperture, and a faster A20 Pro chip. Apple may also introduce a new C2 modem and N2 networking chip, along with a Dark Cherry color option. The Pro Max gets the same upgrades in a larger body, reportedly with a bigger battery that makes it slightly thicker than both the 17 Pro Max and the 18 Pro.

Apple’s long rumored foldable, referred to in leaks as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut alongside the Pro models. Reports describe a 5.5 inch outer display and a 7.8 inch inner display in a design meant to minimize the crease, running on a 2nm A20 chip.

The Dates, If the Pattern Holds

Apple hasn’t announced an event date, but the pattern points to a keynote on September 8 or 9, with Forbes betting specifically on September 9 since Apple avoids scheduling the day right after Labor Day. If that holds, pre orders would open around September 11 or 12, with devices in stores September 18.

It’ll also be John Ternus’s first keynote as CEO. He takes over September 1 and is expected to open the show himself.