Apple has a busy fall schedule ahead of it for 2026, beyond the usual iPhone launches. Here’s what to expect in September and October.
Historically, the fall is Apple’s biggest quarter when it comes to launches. Regular as clockwork, September is known as the time Apple brings out a new generation of iPhones and a bunch of other major products.
From Apple’s perspective, it’s perfect timing. It all happens a short time ahead of the lucrative holiday shopping season, with the sales reflected in its quarterly results.
The period is a therefore a very busy one, anchored around iPhones. However, it’s never just Apple’s latest smartphone models, as it usually involves the launch of other products and accessories to go with them.
With launch season already well underway, here’s all of the products you can expect to see come out of Apple in September and October.
Why September and October?
We are all well aware of the September events, but Apple has held more than just one event in the fall. In 2020, it held three events, with one each in September, October, and November.
The October event is very much a possibility for Apple. In the last decade, five years saw an October event, which acted as a Mac-centric overflow to the September one.
That said, Apple’s last October event was in 2023, with 2024 and 2025 just having the September one.
There is no guarantee of an October event, but it’s very much a possibility.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: September
The September event has been the iPhone event for many years, and there’s no reason not to expect that to happen this time either.
There will be a difference though, in that it will just be the Pro models. Due to Apple’s decision to split the launches so the standard models arrive in early 2028, that leaves just the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
An iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max should look quite similar.
Describable as a spec-bump update, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will move to the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip. Thanks to some packaging changes, it should run cooler for longer, and therefore provide more performance.
You can also expect Apple to bring out the C2 modem, and there are hints of an under-display Face ID this time around.
The rear cameras on the Pro Max model is expected to benefit from a change for one sensor. The inclusion of a variable-aperture camera can help users create a real “bokeh” effect for their shots by controlling the focal range.
There are two other changes you can count on, thanks to the rumor mill. There has been talk of a dark cherry colorway, as well as price rises.
That could result in an increase of $300 over the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Folding iPhone: September
While the Pro models won’t have their lower-tier counterparts accompanying them in September, they won’t be alone. Apple’s folding iPhone, referred to frequently as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, will also take to the digital stage.
It’s a device with two screens, including a folding 7.8-inch internal version with a possible under-display camera.
A render of what the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra could look like – Image Credit: AppleInsider
A second 5.3-inch display will be on the outside, complete with a punch-hole camera. Two other 48MP rear cameras are expected.
Inside, it should include things like the A20 Pro and 12GB of memory running the show, to match its premium external appearance.
As with everything in tech, you can also expect a high price for the model. Previously, it was rumored to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, but the ongoing memory crisis can push that even higher.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4: September
A typical accompaniment to the iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 12 won’t necessarily make waves. It isn’t expected to have a major overhaul this year.
That said, it should still come with some changes. There’s talk of a new health sensor inside a band, which could change how it monitors your heart through the day.
That band may also be accompanied by a new attachment method.
Apple Watch Series 11
There has also been a lot of talk about the return of premium ceramic models. If we’re lucky, we may even see two colors of ceramics being put on sale.
Other than that, there’s not much to really expect in terms of change for the standard Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra is also expected to get an update in 2026. However, it is entirely unclear what that update will entail.
AirPods 5: September
A periodic update to Apple’s personal audio accessories is usually a good bet for a September event. The rumor mill also agrees.
The AirPods 5 will reportedly arrive in standard and ANC versions in September, with the usual assurances of improved features.
One feature that has been heavily rumored and won’t make an appearance are AirPods Pro with cameras. As of one August 30 report, that model won’t be launching anytime soon, making them more likely to appear in 2027.
Operating Systems: September
Apple has long been testing the 27-generation operating systems. To go with Apple’s new hardware, you can also expect iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 to arrive at the same time.
The exact timings of their arrival will depend a lot on the supporting hardware. Usually, Apple releases its operating systems simultaneously as they ship, or in the days beforehand.
iPad mini 8: October
The iPad mini is long overdue an update, and it is rumored to get one in 2026. The eighth-generation is anticipated to turn up this fall, though on August 30, it was said to be coming in October, not September.
iPad mini 7 on an arm stand. No OLED yet.
When it does arrive, you can expect a big glow-up for the model. The usual spec-bump update to a new chip will occur, possibly to the A20.
The bigger change will be OLED, consisting of an 8.4-inch LTPS rear panel with a hybrid OLED treatment. It won’t have ProMotion with a refresh rate capped at 60Hz, but it will have a brighter and more vivid display.
Smart Home update: September/October
Apple has a lot to talk about for its smart home changes in 2026. So much so that it may not be easily squeezed into the iPhone event, and could be pushed into October.
The more obvious changes are the HomePod mini and Apple TV updates.
For the HomePod mini, think a spec-bump update to add Siri AI support and a price of around $129. Similarly, the Apple TV should get a chip update for Siri AI, though a new Siri Remote is also a possibility.
HomePod mini should get smarter this fall
The real thing to watch for is what we refer to as the Home Hub, an all-new device to act as the center of the smart home. Bearing a seven-inch display on a half-dome base, it will manage your smart home devices, and deal with notifications and calendar schedules.
An included camera will also let it work as an in-home intercom and for FaceTime calls.
It may not be the only version. A second model is expected, complete with a magnetic attachment system.
MacBook Pro: October
We would usually expect Apple to use the October event to handle Mac and MacBook updates. With the unexpected early updates to the Mac mini and Mac Studio, that reduces the number of Macs that Apple can potentially update.
There are rumors that Apple will be making a load of changes to its lineup in the coming six months, but whether that will be in late 2026 or early 2027 remains to be seen.
With MacBook Air updates anticipated to be in 2027, that leaves the MacBook Pro as the prime candidate for a fall update. Specifically, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip.
Don’t expect much here, aside from the chip change. The same miniLED screen with ProMotion support will be in play, as will the rest of the specifications.
While the fantasy of an OLED MacBook Pro is a good one, it’s also a very slim possibility. Even with rumors of it arriving in late 2026 or early 2027.
What works against it is how Apple likes to release the base MacBook Pro model of a chip generation, then wait a bit before bringing out the upper-tier versions. OLED would be a very premium feature, making it more likely to arrive later.