Apple's next big leap? What we're expecting from the iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple Watch Series 12

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Apple may not have officially unveiled its next wave of products yet, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from working overtime. With anticipation building around the future of the iPhone and Apple Watch lineup, industry watchers are already speculating about what could be Apple's most ambitious hardware refresh in years. The 2026 Apple Event takes place on September 9 (9/9/2026) at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Viewers are able to watch the live stream of the announcement on Apple's official website, YouTube, and AppleTV. The biggest buzz centers on a potential iPhone Ultra, a device that could sit above the Pro Max as Apple's ultimate flagship. If reports and analyst predictions prove accurate, the Ultra could feature premium materials, advanced camera hardware, longer battery life, and exclusive AI-powered capabilities aimed at power users and mobile creators. Think of it as Apple pushing the same strategy it used with the Apple Watch Ultra into the smartphone space. iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB Best Buy is already having a stellar trade-in offer for the iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB ahead of the anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Max release Buy Now Alongside the rumored Ultra, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to showcase Apple's latest performance upgrades, potentially featuring a faster A-series chip, enhanced on-device AI features, and camera improvements that continue Apple's focus on computational photography. Apple has increasingly emphasized intelligent software experiences, and the next generation of iPhones could take that even further with smarter photo editing, real-time language tools, and more personalized assistance. Apple Watch fans also have plenty to be excited about. The anticipated Apple Watch Series 12 could deliver new health and wellness features, refinements to battery efficiency, and additional fitness tracking capabilities. Apple's wearable lineup has become a major part of its ecosystem, and each new generation continues to blur the line between smartwatch and personal health companion. Apple Watch Series 8 45mm Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band $429 NOW $169.99 Best Buy is taking $259.01 off the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band ahead of the new Apple Watch series 12 drop Buy Now One area receiving particular attention is artificial intelligence. As competitors aggressively integrate AI-powered features into phones and wearables, Apple is expected to continue expanding its own AI initiatives across hardware and software. Future devices could benefit from more contextual assistance, improved voice interactions, and deeper integration between iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and other Apple products. Potential Highlights to Watch Rumored iPhone Ultra premium flagship model Next-generation iPhone 18 Pro Max performance upgrades Advanced AI-powered user experiences Improved camera technology Longer battery life across devices New Apple Watch Series 12 health features Enhanced ecosystem integration More powerful on-device processing While Apple remains characteristically secretive about future products, excitement is already building around what could be one of the company's biggest upgrade cycles in recent memory. Whether you're considering a new iPhone, upgrading your Apple Watch, or simply curious about where Apple is headed next, the answers all arrive Wednesday during Apple's launch event. For now, Apple fans can do what they do best: speculate, debate, and eagerly await the next 'one more thing.'