Apple has revealed the launch date of its next flagship devices.The California tech giant has sent out invitations to a 'Surprise and Shine' event at its headquarters in Apple Park.This event is widely expected to see Apple launch the iPhone Ultra, its first–ever foldable device.And the good news is that tech fans don't have long to wait.Apple's launch event will kick off on September 9 at 10:00 local time (18:00 BST).Adding to the excitement is the fact that it will come just eight days after John Ternus takes over as CEO from long–time Apple leader Tim Cook.Mr Ternus is known as Apple's 'product guy' and for having a special interest in pushing the latest hardware.That means Apple enthusiasts may be in for a treat, with a flurry of new devices expected to launch alongside the iPhone Ultra. Apple will host its 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, where it is widely expected to unveil the new iPhone Ultra, its first foldable device This will come just eight days after John Ternus (left) takes over as CEO from long–time Apple leader Tim Cook (right) The cryptic invite sent to members of the media features a glowing, translucent Apple logo lit against what appears to be a sunny blue sky.Alongside the phrase 'Surprise and Shine', the message simply reads: 'Please join us in person for a special Apple Event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park.'The transparent logo design could be a nod to Apple's controversial Liquid Glass Display that was launched with iOS 2026 in June 2025.Likewise, a video version of the graphic shows the logo shimmering slightly, which might be a reference to how the newly updated Siri AI lights up.However, whatever this subtle hint might really mean, Apple is staying tight–lipped about what fans have in store on September 9.Despite the absence of official confirmation, industry experts are certain that Apple is getting ready to launch the iPhone Ultra.This foldable smartphone will be the first serious departure from the classic design established by the launch of the original iPhone.Rumours hint that the iPhone Ultra will have a similar form factor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.5–inch outer display and an inner screen comparable to an iPad Mini. Rumours suggest that the iPhone Ultra will have a 5.5–inch outer screen and a 7.8–inch display when opened. Pictured: Unofficial renders of an iPhone Ultra mock–up iPhone Fold: Rumoured key specs Style: Book¿styleSize: 5.5–inch display when closed, 7.8–inch display when openedThickness: 9mm closed, 4.5mm openCameras: One on the outside, two rear¿facing, and one on the insideColours: Black and whitePrice: $2,000–$2,500 Veteran Apple analyst Mark Gurman wrote in his latest Power On newsletter: 'People who have tried the Apple model like how it fits in a pocket, the feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism, and the new iPad–like app layouts that take advantage of the larger internal display.'Mr Gurman added that 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).That would put the price on a par with Samsung's premium foldable offerings, but well above the current price of Apple's top–of–the–line iPhone 17 Pro Max.However, Mr Gurman also notes that the iPhone Ultra is expected to lack Face ID and a telephoto lens, which could be a deal–breaker for fans of high–end tech.Online, Apple lovers have been thrilled by the announcement and have taken to social media to share their excitement.One commenter wrote: 'Woohoo! Exciting to see Apple's upcoming event and the surprise that awaits us.''TELL ME iPHONE FOLLLDDD IS COMINGGGGG,' one enthusiastic fan chimed in.While another added: 'My wallet is already sweating. Just take my money now.' A tipster recently revealed what he claims is the dummy model of Apple's first foldable smartphone, showing a similar design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Apple is also expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as well as a sequel to the extremely popular Apple HomePod MiniBesides the iPhone Ultra, the online rumour mill also suggests that Apple is preparing to launch its next–generation iPhones.Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but not the standard iPhone 18.Fans will, according to some speculation, need to wait until early 2027 to see the launch of the standard iPhone 18.Fans may also be treated to the next generation of Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 12, and even potentially the HomePod Mini.According to MacRumours, 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–gen sequel is on the way.It's been six years since Apple launched the last version of its compact smart speaker, and the timing couldn't be better for an update.With Apple expected to launch the new Siri this autumn, the HomePod might finally have the AI power to make it a genuine home assistant rather than a glorified radio alarm clock.The Daily Mail has approached Apple for comment. The trillion-dollar rise of Apple1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1, 1976, as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.The first product was the Apple I. 1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market. Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh in California on February 6, 19841981: Jobs became chairman. 1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000. Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.2007: Apple unveils the iPhone. 2010: The first iPad was unveiled.2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus. 2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. 2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device. 2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face. Jobs at an Apple event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers. 2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus. 2021: In an online virtual event in April, CEO Tim Cook declares Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year, the iPhone 13 was announced. 2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash, as well as an improved camera system. 2023: Apple brings back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands. 2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year. 2026: Apple announces a leadership shakeup. After 15 years leading the company, Tim Cook steps aside from his position as CEO to become executive chairman. John Ternus, 51, Apple's widely respected hardware chief, will take over as CEO on September 1.