Apple to Unveil Refreshed iPhone 18 Pro Models and Its First Foldable iPhone in Fall 2026

Apple's Upcoming Smartphone Launch Event

According to НВ — Техно: On September 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM Kyiv time, Apple is set to reveal its latest smartphone lineup. Notably, the standard iPhone 18 model will be absent from this launch. Instead, the spotlight will be on the redesigned iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max versions, alongside Apple's inaugural foldable iPhone. The event will also feature the announcement of the Apple Watch Series 12. Meanwhile, the release of the base iPhone 18 is scheduled for spring 2027. The presentation will be streamed live on Apple's official website, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Current Smartphone Alternatives to Consider

As anticipation builds for Apple's new releases, consumers might explore existing flagship devices already available in the market:

• iPhone 17 – starting at 46,799 UAH
  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, resolution 2622×1206 pixels, with up to 120 Hz refresh rate.
  • Weight: 177 grams.
  • Processor: Apple A19 chip featuring 6 cores and 5-core GPU.
  • RAM: 8 GB.
  • Storage options: 256 GB and 512 GB, without expandable memory.
• Samsung Galaxy S26 – starting at 42,299 UAH
  • Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, resolution 2340×1080 pixels.
  • Weight: 167 grams.
  • Processor: 10-core Exynos 2600.
  • RAM: 12 GB.
  • Storage: 256 or 512 GB, no microSD slot.
  • Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP front, with 8K video recording capability.
• Xiaomi 17 – starting at 44,999 UAH
  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED, resolution 2656×1220 pixels, supporting up to 120 Hz refresh rate.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
  • RAM: 12 GB.
  • Camera setup: triple 50 MP rear sensors and 50 MP front camera, with 8K video recording at 30 fps.
• OPPO Reno16 5G – starting at 35,555 UAH
  • Display: 6.32-inch AMOLED, resolution 2640×1216 pixels.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 4.
  • RAM: 12 GB.
  • Camera: triple 50 MP rear cameras, 50 MP autofocus front camera.
• Motorola Signature 5G – starting at 44,999 UAH
  • Display: 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED, resolution 2780×1264 pixels.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
  • RAM: 16 GB.
  • Camera: triple 50 MP main sensors, 50 MP front camera, with 8K video recording support.

Since Apple is postponing the launch of the standard iPhone 18 to spring 2027, buyers now have a wider range of premium smartphones to choose from. Leading brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Motorola offer powerful alternatives featuring advanced specs at competitive prices. This broader selection could influence consumers looking for top-tier devices while waiting for Apple's upcoming innovations.

As Apple prepares for its upcoming launch event, it's important to note the broader context of the company's production strategies. Recent reports indicate that Apple plans to reduce smartphone production by 11 million units, reflecting a strategic shift in response to market demands. For a closer look at these developments and how they might impact the new iPhone lineup, check out our detailed coverage on the upcoming iPhone models and production changes.