CUPERTINO, California — Apple is preparing one of its most significant iPhone transitions in years with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to debut in September 2026 alongside the company’s first foldable iPhone. While the standard iPhone 18 and a low-cost iPhone 18e model may not arrive until spring 2027, the Pro duo is poised to headline Apple’s traditional fall event, bringing substantial upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, battery life and design.

Reliable analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu of GF Securities and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman have converged on a September 2026 timeline for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This aligns with Apple’s long-standing pattern of unveiling flagship models in early-to-mid September, typically followed by availability later that month. The 2026 launch is anticipated around September 9-10 for the announcement, with pre-orders opening immediately and sales starting September 18-19.

The split rollout strategy marks a departure from Apple’s usual annual cycle. Reports indicate the company will prioritize the higher-end Pro models and foldable in fall 2026, pushing the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e to February or March 2027. This phased approach allows Apple to stagger production, address supply chain demands for the foldable and maximize hype around premium devices amid competition from Android foldables and AI-focused rivals.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process for improved efficiency, speed and AI performance. This silicon promises better thermal management and power optimization compared to the A19 series in the iPhone 17 lineup. Paired with increased RAM (potentially 12GB or higher), the devices should handle demanding tasks like on-device generative AI, advanced Apple Intelligence features and multitasking seamlessly.

Battery life stands out as a major upgrade. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could reach a record 5,200 mAh capacity — the largest ever in an iPhone — enabled by a slightly thicker chassis. This addresses longstanding complaints about endurance on Pro models, especially for users relying on high-refresh-rate displays and intensive camera use. Combined with the efficient 2nm chip and potential software optimizations in iOS 20 (expected fall 2026), the Pro Max could deliver all-day or multi-day battery performance even under heavy loads.

Camera advancements include a 48-megapixel main sensor with variable aperture control, allowing users to adjust depth of field and light intake dynamically — a first for iPhone. This feature enhances low-light performance, portrait modes and creative control, building on the iPhone 17 Pro’s computational photography. Additional upgrades may involve improved ultrawide and telephoto lenses, better stabilization and enhanced AI processing for features like real-time editing and object removal.

Design rumors point to a refined look with thinner bezels, a cleaner rear camera module and possibly under-display Face ID on the Pro models — eliminating the Dynamic Island notch entirely. Apple is reportedly testing a “deep red” color option for the iPhone 18 Pro, alongside traditional blacks, whites and natural titanium finishes. The all-aluminum unibody introduced in the iPhone 17 Pro series carries over, offering more color flexibility and durability.

Connectivity improvements include a custom C2 modem for faster 5G/6G readiness and enhanced satellite features, potentially adding always-on messaging, emergency SOS expansions and integration with maps or photos in remote areas. These build on existing satellite capabilities while addressing global coverage gaps.

Pricing is expected to remain consistent with recent Pro models, starting around $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,399 for the Pro Max in the U.S., though storage upgrades and potential feature premiums could push higher-end configurations higher. In markets like India, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to start near Rs 1,34,900, with the Pro Max closer to Rs 1,54,900.

The September 2026 launch will likely feature a major keynote focusing on AI advancements, the foldable debut and Pro model refinements. Pre-orders typically sell out quickly for high-storage variants, so early preparation is advised.

As Apple refines its roadmap amid competition from Samsung, Google and Chinese brands, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max represent a bridge to the company’s 20th-anniversary redesign in 2027. With powerful silicon, massive batteries, innovative cameras and a potential foldable companion, the 2026 Pro lineup aims to maintain Apple’s premium dominance.

Stay tuned to Apple announcements expected in early September 2026 for official confirmation.

MEXICO CITY — Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as “El Mencho,” during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday, February 21, 2026, according to multiple government sources and Mexican media reports.

The 59-year-old Oseguera, one of the world’s most wanted drug lords, was gunned down in a targeted raid in the mountainous region near Tapalpa, a small town in Jalisco where the CJNG was founded and remains deeply entrenched. A federal official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation, confirmed the death to several outlets including Reuters, CNN and El País. The Mexican Defense Ministry and Attorney General’s office have not yet issued an official statement, but local newspapers and government insiders cited by EL PAÍS and The Guardian reported the killing occurred during a clash with troops.

Oseguera had evaded capture for more than a decade, operating from hidden mountain strongholds while directing the CJNG’s expansion into fentanyl trafficking, methamphetamine production and extortion across Mexico and into the United States. The cartel, formed in 2010 from a splinter of the Sinaloa Cartel, grew into Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal group, surpassing rivals through aggressive tactics, corruption of officials and control of key ports like Manzanillo.

The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest, one of the highest bounties ever placed on a drug trafficker. Mexico’s government offered 300 million pesos (about $15 million). Oseguera was indicted in the U.S. on charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and murder, with federal prosecutors in Chicago and Washington labeling him a top priority.

His death comes amid heightened U.S.-Mexico tensions over fentanyl flows and cartel violence. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military strikes inside Mexico and designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, increasing pressure on the Mexican government to act decisively. The operation may ease some bilateral friction, though experts warn it could spark violent succession battles within the CJNG, potentially escalating turf wars in Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato.

Oseguera, born July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Michoacán, began his criminal career in the 1990s as a police officer before joining the Milenio Cartel. He rose through the ranks after the group fragmented, founding the CJNG with his brother-in-law and cousins. Known for his low profile — rarely photographed and avoiding public appearances — he was dubbed “El Señor” or “El Mencho” (a nickname derived from “menchito,” meaning little mango). He was protected by layers of sicarios, encrypted communications and corrupt officials.

The CJNG under his command was responsible for thousands of homicides, mass graves and attacks on security forces. The cartel pioneered extreme violence, including public executions and attacks on military convoys, while dominating fentanyl precursor chemical imports from China.

If confirmed, Oseguera’s killing represents a major victory for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, which has emphasized intelligence-led operations over direct confrontation. However, experts caution that decapitation strategies rarely dismantle cartels long-term, often leading to fragmentation and increased violence as factions vie for control.

The operation unfolded in Tapalpa, a rural area in southern Jalisco, where Oseguera reportedly maintained safe houses. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro posted on social media urging residents to stay indoors during the action, signaling a significant military deployment. Details on casualties or whether other cartel members were killed remain limited, with authorities withholding full information pending forensic confirmation.

Reactions poured in quickly. U.S. officials expressed cautious optimism, with one source telling Reuters the death could disrupt CJNG supply chains. Mexican security analysts noted the timing aligns with intensified pressure from Washington and domestic demands to curb cartel influence.

Oseguera’s demise leaves a power vacuum in one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations. Potential successors include family members or top lieutenants, but internal rivalries could trigger bloodshed similar to past leadership transitions.

As investigations continue and the government prepares an official announcement, the killing of “El Mencho” marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s long war against drug cartels — one that may shift dynamics but is unlikely to end the violence.