Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) "Surprise and shine" teaser for its Sept. 9 event has sparked fresh iPhone 18 Pro speculation, with Mark Gurman reading possible clues to a mechanical camera aperture and a new blue finish.
Apple Sept. 9 Event: What to Expect
On Wednesday, Apple confirmed that its "Surprise and shine" event will begin at 10 a.m. PT on Sept. 9, with the presentation expected to take place at Apple Park and stream online.
The event will be particularly significant because John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO on Sept. 1.
While Apple did not reveal what the visual means, Gurman offered his interpretation on X, suggesting that the shining light could represent a mechanical aperture coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, while the sky-blue coloring could point to a new iPhone 18 Pro color.
iPhone 18 Pro Could Get Major Camera and Chip Upgrades
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to headline the event. Rumors point to Apple’s A20 Pro chip, potentially built on a 2-nanometer process, alongside camera improvements and new color options.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could also feature a variable-aperture camera, allowing greater control over light entering the lens and potentially producing more natural background blur.
Apple is also reportedly preparing price increases amid higher component costs and ongoing memory shortages.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Steal the Show
The biggest surprise could be Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone, potentially branded as the iPhone Ultra.
The device is expected to use a book-style design, with a smaller exterior display that opens into a much larger screen. Reports suggest it could become Apple’s first major new iPhone form factor since the iPhone X.
The foldable could help Apple compete directly with Samsung Electronics (OTC:SSNLF) in the growing premium foldable market.
Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the foldable iPhone could be unveiled alongside the other iPhone 18 models, but preorders and retail availability may not begin until several weeks after the announcement.
Apple Watch and Smart Home Devices May Join
Apple is also expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Meanwhile, a new Apple TV 4K, updated HomePod mini and long-rumored smart-home hub could expand Apple’s AI ambitions beyond its traditional devices.
Price Action: Apple closed at $313.45 on Wednesday, up 1.15%. The stock fell 0.53% to $311.79 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings rank Apple in the 97th percentile for Quality, reflecting strong medium- and long-term performance despite a weaker short-term trend.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Mr.Mikla on Shutterstock.com
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