Apple event 2026: When it starts in Australia, how to watch and what to expect
Key takeaways
- Apple's next event, "Surprise and Shine", kicks off at 3am AEST on Thursday 10 September 2026, streaming live from Apple Park in Cupertino.
- You can watch it free on Apple's website, on YouTube or the Apple TV app.
- We're expecting Apple to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple's first foldable (the iPhone Ultra), plus new Apple Watch models and software release dates.
Apple has locked in the date for its biggest launch of the year, and yes, it lands in the middle of the night for us again.
The event is called "Surprise and Shine", which could point to Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone and a rebuilt Siri that's more conversational and aware of what's on your screen.
When is the Apple event and how do I watch it in Australia?
The event takes place on Wednesday 9 September in the US, which means it kicks off at 3am AEST on Thursday 10 September here in Australia.
If you're super keen to watch the event in real time, you can stream it live on Apple's website, on YouTube and through the Apple TV app.
If 3am isn't your thing, the keynote stays up on demand right after, so you can watch it later with your coffee, or come to Finder, where we'll have all the updates waiting for you.
What is Apple expected to announce?
This is shaping up to be one of Apple's most interesting launches in years.
First we have the new iPhone line-up.
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to land with a faster chip and camera upgrades.
We've rounded up the full rumour mill on specs, colours and release date in our iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max guide.
Then there's the one everyone's been waiting on for years - Apple's first folding iPhone, expected to launch as the iPhone Ultra.
We've covered what's rumoured, including price and when it might actually go on sale, in our foldable iPhone Ultra guide.
Beyond the phones, Apple is expected to show off new Apple Watch models with faster chips and better battery life, and confirm the public release date for its next round of free software updates: iOS 27 for iPhone, iPadOS 27 for iPad and the new macOS for Mac.
New AirPods are less certain.
The AirPods Pro 4 have been rumoured for a 2026 release, possibly alongside the new iPhones, but reports are split on whether they'll make an appearance at this event or arrive early next year.
When will Apple's latest tech be available for pre-orders?
Apple tends to follow a similar timeline each year.
Pre-orders should kick off on the evening of 11 September, with the new phones and any other tech hitting shelves the following Friday.
That points to an Australian on-sale date of around 18 September, though the foldable could arrive later given ongoing supply constraints.
We'll be covering it all live, so check back for confirmed Aussie prices and everything announced.
Want the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max for cheaper? Get up to $500 off
You can get a $300 discount when you sign up to an Optus 12-, 24- or 36-month plan, plus a $200 gift card when you sign up through Finder.
After clicking the 'GO TO SITE' button in the tables further down, you can adjust your repayment term and SIM plan to suit.
Just make sure you sign up through these links to qualify for the $200 Finder Reward (digital Visa gift card).
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