Apple is gearing up to host its 'surprise and shine' event later this week, where it could launch its most exciting new products in years. At the event this Wednesday, the tech giant is widely expected to reveal the iPhone Ultra, its first–ever foldable device. With rival firms like Samsung and Google having already released multiple generations of foldable devices, Apple will be under pressure to ensure its delayed offering is worth the wait. But the iPhone Ultra won't be the only new device delighting tech fans, as we expect to see the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Industry experts also predict the arrival of updated Apple Watches, an improved HomePod Mini, and an exciting new generation of AirPods. However, don't get your hopes up for any affordable tech, since Apple will likely delay the entry–level non–Pro iPhone 18 until next year. Meanwhile, all of this is made more exciting by the fact that the event is the first launch for new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook just a week ago.

So, here's everything you can expect to see from the 'surprise and shine' event and how you can follow along live at home. How to watch Apple's 'surprise and shine' event Apple's event will kick off on September 9 at 10:00 local time (18:00 BST) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, the company's Cupertino headquarters. Press and a few selected individuals will attend the event in person, having received invitations late last month. For everyone else, the event will be available to watch on the Apple Events page, the company's YouTube channel, or follow along with the Daily Mail's live coverage. And, for tech fans everywhere, this is one event you won't want to miss. Apple expert Paolo Pescatore, founder of PP Foresight, told the Daily Mail: 'Apple events typically do not disappoint, and expectations will be sky–high this time around.' The foldable iPhone Ultra The most exciting reveal of the day is expected to be the long–awaited foldable, likely to be named the iPhone Ultra. This will be Apple's first major deviation from the classic design established by the first iPhone almost 20 years ago. Coming so late to the foldable market compared to their rivals, Apple will need to deliver a big win and some seriously impressive features to stand out.

Apple experts suggest that the foldable will have a similar form factor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.3–inch outer display and a larger 7.7–inch inner screen. That means the inner screen is wider than it is tall when unfolded, giving the iPhone Ultra a similar aspect ratio to Apple's biggest iPads. According to Bloomberg's Apple correspondent Mark Gurman, the iPhone Ultra will miss out on a telephoto camera lens found on most premium smartphones. That disappointment might be softened by the rumour that Apple has developed a rival–beating, nearly creaseless folding display with improved durability.

Based on leaks from generally reliable sources, the iPhone Ultra is expected to launch in just two colours: black and white. However, this is expected to be an 'ultra–premium' product with a price tag to match, with launch prices expected to top $2,000 (£1,470). Rebecca Crook, CEO of MSQDX, told the Daily Mail: 'Apple's September 9 event will be its most significant in years and not just for the expected debut of its first foldable iPhone, the biggest change to its smartphone lineup to date, but because it marks the first time in over a decade that Tim Cook won't be the one introducing Apple's new products.'

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max won't be as big of a departure from Apple's standard smartphone formula as the iPhone Ultra, but they could bring a few key upgrades. Most excitingly, leaks suggest that these premium models will feature a new under–display Face ID sensor. That could mean Apple will finally get rid of the unsightly black oval that has been at the top of iPhone screens since 2022 and is much hated by tech fans. Meanwhile, Mr Gurman suggests that these phones will feature 'the biggest leap in camera hardware' in recent years.

The flagship feature is expected to be a variable aperture telephoto camera, allowing users to mechanically control how much light enters the lens. This is a feature normally found on large specialist cameras, and would allow for significantly better photos in very dark or bright conditions. On the inside, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely come with upgraded hardware including chips that can handle more powerful AI processes. Ben Wood, chief marketing officer at CCS Insight, told the Daily Mail: 'Expect to see Apple heavily promoting its Apple Intelligence, Siri AI capabilities, and other software enhancements. 'However, it is the hardware that will grab the headlines.'

AirPods 5 Apple is widely expected to use the 'surprise and shine' event to launch new AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with ANC. However, the bad news is that this upgrade might not be as spectacular as earlier rumours suggested. Last month, a developer version of Mac computer software accidentally leaked a video of an unreleased AirPods product that included cameras. These AirPods used Visual Intelligence, an Apple feature that uses cameras to analyse the real world, to give context for Siri and other AI tools. The news immediately split fans, with some praising the innovative tech and others expressing privacy concerns, even going so far as to dub the headphones 'PervertPods'.

However, Mark Gurman poured cold water on the speculation by revealing that these camera–enabled headphones wouldn't be launching until at least 2027. That means this week's headphone launch will likely be a smaller upgrade to 2024's AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Expect to see better sound quality, battery life and potentially some new health features, but no groundbreaking changes. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 The event is also expected to see the launch of the next generation of Apple Watches, but don't expect any groundbreaking upgrades.

The Apple Watch Series 12 will include the usual upgrades of a better chip, better battery life and more efficient use of energy to go even longer between charges. The biggest change is expected to be the return of the premium ceramic case option, in addition to new band and colour configurations. The Apple Watch Ultra 4, meanwhile, is rumoured to pack a serious upgrade to its sensors that will make health data more accurate and reduce battery drain. Rumours also suggest that there is a blood pressure alert feature on the way, but not the long–expected blood sugar monitor feature Apple is reportedly developing. HomePod Mini 2 With Apple expected to focus extensively on new AI features and a new AI–enhanced Siri on the horizon, experts expect an overhaul to the company's home tech. It's been six years since Apple launched the last version of its compact smart speaker, so the timing couldn't be better for an update. A new HomePod with a chipset capable of handling AI tasks could be a far more useful and versatile home assistant than the existing model. According to MacRumors, the newly released macOS 26.7 beta software includes codenames referencing a number of unreleased products, including the codename 'B525'. Since the current HomePod Mini has the code 'B520', this could imply a second–generation sequel is on the way.