Will Tim Cook launch iPhone 18 Pro at Apple event on Sept 9? Yes and no

Tim Cook has stepped aside as Apple CEO, shifting to a new role as executive chairman. But will the former CEO be part of Apple's expected iPhone 18 Pro launch at its September 9 event? A new report says there may be a catch.

In Short

• Tim Cook to attend iPhone 18 Pro launch on September 9, report says
• Cook unlikely to be part of the launch announcement itself
• John Ternus will front Apple’s first launch event as CEO, report says

For years, Tim Cook has begun Apple launch events with his famous “Good morning." But Cook is no longer Apple CEO. After 15 years, he passed the baton to John Ternus who assumed the role on September 1. This raised questions among many fans regarding Cook’s appearance at the upcoming Apple event on September 9, where the company is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro. Now a new report says that while Tim Cook may be at the event, he may not be as involved.

As per a report from Bloomberg, Tim Cook is expected to attend the September 9 event in the VIP section. It is expected that this event – the first under CEO John Ternus – will mark the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Fold.

The report adds that while Cook may attend the event, he is unlikely to be part of the keynote itself. With CEO John Ternus expected to be the face of the new iPhone devices this year. The first time in years where we may not see Cook as part of the launch announcement.

Though Cook remains at Apple as executive chairman. He is slated to be paid about $47 million (roughly Rs 446 crore) in this new role, including base salary and stock awards. John Ternus, on the other hand, has a pay package of around $58 million (roughly Rs 551 crore).

Apple September 9 event: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Fold expected

While we may not see Tim Cook in the livestream of the event, Apple does seem to have a lot in store. In a memo to employees, John Ternus called the upcoming launch “phenomenal.” The September 9 event is titled, “Surprise and Shine.”

This time around, we can expect three phones to be launched – the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first-ever iPhone Fold. While the base iPhone 18 will likely be launched early next year.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may bring some notable upgrades. Going by rumours, the two devices may bring variable aperture to the main camera, giving you more control of the light that enters the lens – a first for the iPhone.

Apart from that, you can expect a new chipset, likely to be called the A20 Pro, along with new colours and a bigger battery. Apple is also tipped to reduce the width of the Dynamic Island. Though the overall design of the iPhone 18 Pro models is expected to be similar to that of the iPhone 17 Pro line-up.

Though the iPhone 18 Pro could have a higher price than its predecessors. Due to rising storage costs, Apple is expected to raise prices by about $100 (roughly Rs 9,600) in the US, as per reports. For context, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at Rs 1,34,900 in India.

The bigger talking point, however, could be the iPhone Fold. Apple is tipped to finally enter the foldable market with a foldable iPhone, which may be called the iPhone Ultra. This device is expected to come in a passport-like aspect ratio, allowing for a wider inner display. The iPhone Fold is expected to come with a crease-less display and a titanium hinge.

As per rumours, the iPhone Fold will likely start at $2,299 (roughly Rs 2,17,000) in the US.

Apart from the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Fold, we may also see more devices such as Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4. AirPods 5 may also be on the cards for this launch.

You can watch it live on the Apple website and social media handles from 10:30 pm IST. India Today Tech will be bringing you the latest updates as they happen from Apple Park.

- Ends