Add GIZMOCHINA as Preferred Source on Google
While September is typically focused on iPhone launches, many Android brands are preparing to steal the spotlight by throwing in their best hardware into the same four-week window. More than 20 phones are expected to launch this month alone, but in this article, we’ll focus on the 5 best launches of September 2026.
1. iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Ultra
Launch date: September 9, 2026 (confirmed)
Apple’s biggest event of the year is set for September 9, and this one will be a lot different. There won’t be a base iPhone 18, but Apple could unveil its first foldable phone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will be unveiled at the event, featuring the new A20 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s 2nm process and Apple’s own C2 modem instead of a Qualcomm modem. Camera upgrades may include a variable-aperture main sensor, a brighter telephoto camera, and a new 12MP selfie camera.
The upcoming Pro models could have a smaller Dynamic Island, as Face ID components have reportedly been moved further under the display. The Pro Max model’s battery capacity could jump to 5500mAh.
iPhone Ultra
The bigger story is Apple’s entering the foldable market with iPhone Ultra or whatever the company names it. It’s expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, reportedly featuring a 7.3-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch cover screen. The device could use Touch ID built into the power button, and may skip a telephoto lens on the dual rear camera setup.
2. Oppo Find X10 series
Launch date: September 2026 (confirmed)
The Oppo Find X10 series is coming to China this month with significant upgrades. There’ll be a new Find X10 Pro Max, alongside the standard Find X10 and Find X10 Pro, while the Ultra model is rumored to launch early next year.
The camera will be the major focus for the Find X10 series, as the Pro Max model is confirmed to feature three 200MP sensors. The standard and Pro models could use two 200MP sensors. The lineup focuses on realistic and natural image rendering rather than artificial perfection.
The Find X9 Pro is likely to feature the new Dimensity 9600 chip and 8000mAh battery, while the Pro Max variant may feature a more capable Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset and an even bigger 8500mAh battery.
3. Vivo X500 series
Launch date: September 2026 (confirmed)
The Vivo X500 lineup is confirmed to launch in China this month, featuring three models: Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. All three phones will have Zeiss-tuned cameras, while the Pro and Pro Max models will get upgraded telephoto cameras with improved autofocus and subject tracking.
The X500 lineup also strongly focuses on the camera, and will directly compete with the Oppo’s Find X10 series. The Vivo X500 Pro Max is confirmed to have a 200MP Zeiss APO super telephoto camera with 4x in-sensor zoom, while the X500 Pro will bring a 64MP Zeiss APO telephoto camera with an 85mm focal length.
The X500 series reportedly supports 4K recording at up to 240 fps and 4K HDR recording at 120 fps. Later on, Vivo could also unveil the X500 Ultra and X500e, although no official confirmation has been made.
4. iQOO 16
Launch date: September 2026 (expected)
The iQOO 16 could launch in China this month. Unlike those from Oppo and Vivo on the list, iQOO phones are highly performance-focused and come with a Qualcomm chip instead. The upcoming iQOO 16 could feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
While performance is the major focus here, the iQOO 16 still brings notable camera upgrades. The main sensor is now bigger (1/1.3-inch) and features a larger aperture of f/1.68. The selfie camera has reportedly been upgraded to 50MP. The iQOO 16 is expected to come with a larger battery (>7000mAh) and fast charging above 100W.
5. Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Fold
Launch date: September 2026 (confirmed)
Xiaomi will hold multiple launch events in China this month. The first one will be held on September 7, where the company will unveil the Xiaomi 18 Fold featuring the company’s newest Xring O3 chip, paired with next-generation LPDDR6 RAM.
The device will reportedly offer a 7.6-inch foldable screen, a 6000mAh battery, 67W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging. It could feature a 200MP primary camera.
Later this month, the brand will launch the Xiaomi 18 Pro series in China. The Pro models could be among the first smartphones to ship with Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chip. Both models could offer dual 200MP rear cameras and 100W fast charging support.
There are a lot more phones expected to launch this month. You can read more about them on this page.
We’ll cover launch stories for every smartphone on this website. You can visit our news section regularly for the latest updates.
Also, don’t forget to join our Telegram channel for instant alerts and grab our free daily newsletter for the curated list of best tech stories!
Comments