Apple Enters a New Era: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 Unveiled

Apple unveiled its next generation of products during the “Surprise and Shine” event held on September 9, 2026. The highlight of the Apple September Event 2026 was the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone. Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.

The new Apple products for 2026 focus on more powerful processors, advanced artificial intelligence, improved camera technology, longer battery life and expanded health-tracking capabilities.

iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable Smartphone

The most anticipated product of the event was the iPhone Duo. With this device, Apple has officially entered the rapidly developing foldable smartphone market.

The book-style iPhone Duo features an external display for everyday smartphone use. When unfolded, the device reveals a large 7.6-inch foldable display, delivering an experience close to that of a compact tablet.

The larger display has been optimised for multitasking, split-screen applications and productivity. Users can open multiple applications and windows simultaneously, watch videos on a larger screen and work with business applications more comfortably.

The main iPhone Duo specifications include:

• 7.6-inch foldable display;
• Apple A20 Pro processor;
• 12 GB of RAM;
• up to 2 TB of internal storage;
• 48 MP main camera;
• dual-battery system;
• Apple Pencil support;
• side-mounted Touch ID sensor;
• titanium hinge mechanism;
• multitasking and Split View support;
• Apple Intelligence and new Siri capabilities.

The redesigned titanium hinge allows the device to remain open at different angles. This makes the iPhone Duo convenient for watching videos, participating in video calls or using the device as a desktop clock.

The iPhone Duo price starts at $1,999 in the United States. Sales are expected to begin on October 23, 2026.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple also introduced its new flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max comes with a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display. Both smartphones feature a smaller Dynamic Island that can simultaneously display up to three Live Activities.

At the heart of the new models is the Apple A20 Pro, manufactured using an advanced 2 nm process. The new architecture improves performance and energy efficiency while accelerating artificial intelligence tasks directly on the device.

The cooling system has also been upgraded. A larger vapour chamber helps the iPhone 18 Pro models maintain stable performance during gaming, professional video editing and other demanding operations.

48 MP Camera with Variable Aperture

One of the most important iPhone 18 Pro camera upgrades is the 48 MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture.

A six-blade mechanism adjusts the aperture according to lighting conditions and the selected shooting scenario. This gives users more precise control over depth of field, improves low-light photography and preserves more detail in group photos.

The updated camera system offers:

• 48 MP Fusion main camera;
• variable aperture;
• improved low-light photography;
• advanced computational imaging;
• updated Photographic Styles;
• professional manual controls;
• Cinematic effects that can be applied after recording;
• technology for verifying the authenticity of photographs.

Apple has also introduced Reference Image, a new image-authentication feature designed to determine whether a photograph has been altered using artificial intelligence. The system attaches cryptographic data to supported images, making it possible to verify their authenticity.

Battery Life and Fast Charging

Apple says the battery performance of the new iPhone 18 Pro models has also been improved.

The iPhone 18 Pro can provide up to 24 hours of typical use, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 30 hours. In video playback scenarios, the Pro Max model can reportedly deliver up to 45 hours of battery life.

With a compatible power adapter, the iPhone 18 Pro can charge from zero to 50% in approximately 15 minutes.

The new Apple C2 modem is designed to provide faster 5G connectivity while improving energy efficiency.

iPhone 18 Pro Prices and Release Date

The announced starting prices in the United States are:

• iPhone 18 Pro — $1,199;
• iPhone 18 Pro Max — $1,299;
• iPhone Duo — $1,999.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max start with 256 GB of storage. For the first time, Apple is also offering a 2 TB storage option across the Pro lineup.

Pre-orders begin on September 12, while sales start on September 18, 2026. The new models will be available in Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue and Burgundy.

The standard iPhone 18 was not introduced during the event. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027.

Apple Watch Series 12

The new Apple Watch Series 12 introduces major improvements in health monitoring and artificial intelligence.

The smartwatch is powered by the Apple S11 processor. Updated optical and electrical heart sensors can measure heart-rate data more frequently and provide users with more detailed information about their health.

The main Apple Watch Series 12 features include:

• Apple S11 processor;
• continuous heart-rate monitoring;
• AI-powered health and longevity insights;
• Siri Recap;
• enhanced Cycle Tracking;
• aluminium, titanium and ceramic case options.

The Apple Watch Series 12 price starts at $399. Ceramic models start at $899. Pre-orders are already open, and sales begin on September 18.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Designed for professional athletes, outdoor activities and extreme conditions, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 has also received important hardware and software upgrades.

The new model offers a rugged titanium case, longer battery life, accurate navigation and next-generation health sensors. The Siri-powered summaries and health-analysis features introduced with the Series 12 will also be available on the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

Its durable construction and advanced sports features make the Ultra 4 particularly suitable for hiking, diving, cycling, running and other outdoor activities.

AirPods 5: Improved ANC and Adaptive Audio

Apple also introduced the new AirPods 5 wireless earphones. The model features a redesigned acoustic architecture and a more powerful active noise-cancellation system.

According to Apple, the new Active Noise Cancellation system can reduce external noise approximately 50% more effectively than the previous generation.

The main AirPods 5 features include:

• improved Active Noise Cancellation — ANC;
• Adaptive Audio;
• enhanced and more balanced sound;
• volume controls on the earbud stems;
• live translation capabilities;
• up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled;
• wireless charging case compatible with Qi and Apple Watch chargers.

The standard AirPods 5 price is $129, while the version with a wireless charging case costs $149. Sales begin on September 18, 2026.

A New Chapter for the Apple Ecosystem

Apple’s 2026 presentation was more than a routine product update. With the foldable iPhone Duo, the company has officially entered a new device category.

Meanwhile, the 2 nm A20 Pro processor, 48 MP variable-aperture camera and on-device artificial intelligence features are the key highlights of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Expanded health monitoring on the new Apple Watch models and stronger active noise cancellation on the AirPods 5 complete a significant update across the Apple ecosystem.

Despite its premium price, the iPhone Duo is expected to become a major competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and other flagship foldable smartphones.