Apple holds its “Surprise and shine” event on Wednesday 9 September, and two things make this one different from the usual annual refresh. It’s the first keynote under new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on 1 September. And alongside the expected iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, its first genuinely new device shape since the iPhone X in 2017. For business decision-makers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: a new form factor is coming, and fleet planning should start before it lands, not after.
What’s expected at Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event
The event starts at 10am Pacific (6pm UK time) on 9 September, streamed on Apple’s website, the Apple TV app and YouTube.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max headline the show
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to lead the event, with an updated A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, and camera changes that may include under-display Face ID. The Pro Max is rumoured to carry a variable-aperture camera exclusive to that model. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are also expected, alongside a refreshed AirPods 5 line.
The first foldable iPhone marks a new form factor to plan around
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be announced alongside the standard lineup, its first new hardware category in almost a decade. For a business fleet, a genuinely new form factor is worth treating differently from an annual spec bump: hinge durability, case and accessory compatibility, and how a folding screen holds up under regular business use are all open questions until real-world use data exists, which usually takes a few months past launch to build up.
New hardware, new form factor, same fleet management questions.
Whether you’re planning a straightforward refresh or considering the foldable iPhone for your team, Dr Logic can help you sequence the rollout properly.
This is the first Apple keynote under CEO John Ternus, not Tim Cook
Tim Cook stepped down as CEO on 1 September 2026 after 15 years, moving to executive chairman, with John Ternus, previously senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, taking over. The transition was announced back in April and had been in planning for some time, so this is not a sudden change.
What the leadership change means for day-to-day IT planning
In practical terms, very little changes for a business managing an Apple fleet. Ternus has led hardware engineering across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Vision Pro for several years already, and Cook remains involved as executive chairman. The event itself, and the products announced at it, follow the same planning and release cadence Apple has used for years. The leadership change is genuinely significant for Apple as a company, but it is not, on its own, a reason to change how your business plans device rollouts this autumn.
What this means for your Apple fleet before iOS 27 and watchOS 27 land
New hardware announcements are usually followed quickly by the software they ship with.
iOS 27 and watchOS 27 release timing to expect
Based on Apple’s usual pattern, expect iOS 27 and watchOS 27 release dates to be confirmed at or shortly after the event, with general availability following in the week new devices go on sale, typically around 19 September. Devices that don’t support iOS 27, confirmed at WWDC to affect iPhone 11 and the 2020 SE, will fall out of security update coverage on their current iOS version within 12 to 18 months.
Fleet planning: what to check before new devices roll out
Before new hardware or iOS 27 lands, it’s worth running a quick audit of any iPhone 11 or 2020 SE models still active in your fleet, confirming your DMS (formerly MDM) platform has been tested against the upcoming iOS release, and deciding now whether the foldable iPhone, if you’re considering it, will need a pilot period before wider rollout rather than being issued straight to the full team.
If you’re planning device refreshes around this launch, Dr Logic’s Apple team can help you sequence the rollout, and flag anything in your current fleet that needs attention before iOS 27 arrives.
Related articles
- WWDC 2026: The Latest on iOS 27
- The Rest of WWDC 2026: AirPods EQ, Vision Pro, App Store, and More
- The Latest iOS Public Beta Is Live: Here’s How to Prepare Your Fleet for the Annual Autumn Release
FAQs
When is Apple's September 2026 event and how can I watch it?
Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event takes place on Wednesday 9 September at 10am Pacific, 6pm UK time. It streams live on Apple’s website, the Apple TV app, and Apple’s YouTube channel.
Will Apple announce new Macs at the September event?
Unlikely. Apple typically reserves its September event for iPhone and Apple Watch, with new Macs usually announced separately in October via press release rather than a dedicated event.
Is this Tim Cook's event or John Ternus's?
This is John Ternus’s first keynote as CEO. Cook stepped down on 1 September 2026 after 15 years, moving to executive chairman, with Ternus, previously head of Hardware Engineering, taking over.
What should businesses do before new iPhones and iOS 27 arrive?
Audit any iPhone 11 or 2020 SE devices still active in the fleet, since these won’t support iOS 27, and confirm your device management platform has been tested against the new release ahead of general availability.
