Featured: Summary of Apple events with iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch and AirPods

Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone Duo is here, but that’s not all we saw at this week’s event, as Apple also revealed the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and AirPods 5.

You’ll have to wait a little over a month to get your hands on the foldable iPhone Duo, but the rest of the products will be released at the end of next week. And don’t forget iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and other software updates coming Monday!

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Everything Apple announced at this week’s event

We’ll cover the highlights below, but be sure to check out our recap video and full index of all our coverage of Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event that saw the introduction of several new iPhone models, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

The event saw John Ternus take the stage just days after officially becoming Apple’s CEO, making some of the biggest announcements of the day and assigning other Apple executives to present the details.

Apple announces foldable “iPhone Duo”

The star of Wednesday’s show was the “one more thing” unveiling of the iPhone Duo, Apple’s new compact foldable phone that features a more traditionally sized screen on the outside but folds out to a screen the size of a mini iPad on the inside.

In addition to a refined hardware design, iPhone Duo features numerous software enhancements to deliver a user experience optimized for the new form factor.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, with a launch following on October 23, and in the meantime, watch our hands-on video from the event.

Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple this week also revealed the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which look a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro models but feature several improvements.

As many rumors have it, both devices feature a smaller dynamic island that can display up to three live activities at a time. The A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro models features a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and 32-core Neural Engine, and thanks in part to a much larger vapor chamber cooling system, Apple says sustained performance is up to 40% faster compared to the A19 Pro chip.

Other updates include new camera features like a variable aperture on the main camera, longer battery life, and new color options, all of which we discussed in our hands-on video and first impressions. Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max began today, with a launch scheduled for September 18.

Apple announces Apple Watch Series 12 with S11 chip, improved health sensors and ceramic models

The Apple Watch Series 12 was also introduced this week, with a new S11 chip, a redesigned health detection system similar to that of the Ultra 4 and new aluminum, titanium and ceramic finishes.

The 12 Series is available in Space Gray, Black, Light Gold, and Dark Bronze aluminum finishes. The aluminum models benefit from the Ceramic Shield, which Apple says makes their screens 60% more durable. The polished titanium models are also available in Radiant Gold and Natural, while the ceramic models are available in Pearl White and Night Blue.

Pricing starts at $399, with pre-orders available now ahead of the September 18 launch.

Apple announces Apple Watch Ultra 4 with two-day battery life and improved health tracking

Apple this week announced the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which features a new S11 chip, a redesigned health detection system, and a larger battery that Apple says provides two days of battery life.

With improved power efficiency, Ultra 4 offers up to 18 hours of workout tracking with full GPS and heart rate monitoring, or 45 hours in maximum extended workout mode, according to Apple.

Pre-orders are available now ahead of the September 18 launch, with prices starting at $799.

AirPods 5 announced with improved noise cancellation, audio quality and more

Finally, Apple introduced the AirPods 5, offering active noise cancellation with its entry-level wireless earbuds at a starting price of $129. A $149 version with a wireless charging case adds slide-on volume controls and longer battery life.

Apple claims that AirPods 5 suppress up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. They also feature a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated adaptive EQ that promise richer, more detailed sound, as well as an improved transparency mode that makes nearby voices and sounds more natural.

AirPods 5 are available for pre-order now, starting Friday, September 18.

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