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Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ keynote on September 9 featured a distinct soundtrack for almost every major product reveal. Independent trackers reconstructed the music used during the event, with the full running order totaling 20 songs.
The event was also significant for Apple chief executive John Ternus, who took the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater for his first keynote as CEO, eight days after succeeding Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, 2026. The soundtrack added another layer to a presentation that introduced the iPhone 18 Pro series and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo.
Genesis Owusu’s STAMPEDE played during the reveal of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The track was released in February 2026 as the lead single from his album Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge.
The keynote’s opening film used RUMTUM’s Aspect of a Dream, introducing the iPhone as an "intelligent, personal hub". SMH’s Camera (data cluster Remix) accompanied the A20 Pro chip segment, while if I was a pony, this would be the last time played during the thermal management and battery life section.
The gaming segment, featuring Monster Hunter Outlanders, used Mike D’s True Colors.
The transition from the iPhone models to AirPods 5 was accompanied by DON’T LISTEN from Scottish trombonist and producer corto.alto, the stage name of Liam Shortall. Masego’s Hello then played during the AirPods 5 introduction.
Apple Watch health and fitness features were paired with horsegiirL’s rivers run free, while Marina Herlop’s Vas volant, featuring Adri Goor, accompanied the new Audio Intelligence feature. The track was released in August 2026.
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The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable phone, was revealed with Dylan Thom’s SAS. WILLOW’s Talk On The Hill accompanied the iOS 27 segment on the foldable, while Michigander’s Taxi played during the closing product film.
The full running order also included music from Barry Can’t Swim, Overmono, ANOTR, TOMORA, Sam Ewing, CRi, Airmow and Joy Anonymous. Apple’s September keynote soundtrack ultimately covered 20 songs from the opening walk-in music through the closing credits.
The soundtrack was reconstructed independently after the event, rather than being an official Apple-published playlist. Apple’s music team has previously curated keynote music, including the annual WWDC playlist.
