Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

The iPhone Duo Arrives

After seven years of rumors, Apple finally revealed its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, at its "Surprise and Shine" event. The device, which Apple calls the "thinnest iPhone ever" at 5.2mm when unfolded, is 0.4mm thinner than the iPhone Air. Early hands-on impressions note that the crease is still visible but barely noticeable, thanks to a complex 10-layer display structure that Apple says will hold up to wear and tear. The company has detailed the screen's inner workings, which include a nano-textured cover layer, and has addressed the crease directly, claiming it has been minimized through engineering. A gallery of hands-on shots shows the device in the wild, and size comparisons against the iPhone 18 Pro Max highlight its squat, compact form factor. The device's thinnest iPhone status only applies when it's open, a key nuance for potential buyers.

The iPhone Duo comes with several notable compromises and design decisions. It lacks an Action Button, according to its technical specifications page, and instead relies on volume buttons and a Touch ID sensor. For users who prefer not to use Touch ID, Apple Watch authentication will work automatically. The device also has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, beating Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, which only manages IP48. Battery life varies depending on which screen you use, thanks to a dual-battery system with one cell on each side. The device will ship with iOS 27.1 when it launches in October, hinting at the update's release timeline.

iPhone Duo vs. the Competition

Samsung was quick to mock the iPhone Duo on social media, but the comparison between Apple's first foldable and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra reveals a complex competitive landscape. The iPhone Duo's IP68 rating gives it a durability edge, while Samsung's device offers its own advantages in display and multitasking. A detailed breakdown of every key difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo shows that Apple's foldable is positioned as a premium alternative to its traditional flagship, not a replacement. The iPhone Duo's $1,999 price point puts it in direct competition with Samsung's premium foldables, though Apple's ecosystem integration and the new C2 modem give it distinct appeal.

Apple Pencil Support and Accessories

The iPhone Duo supports the Apple Pencil with USB-C on both displays, but support is limited to the $79 USB-C model — the Apple Pencil Pro is not compatible. This brings basic Apple Pencil functions to iOS for the first time, though advanced features like pressure sensitivity and hover remain unavailable. Apple has also launched a new $129 folio case specifically for the iPhone Duo, alongside a refreshed lineup of cases and wallets for the iPhone 18 Pro. Third-party accessory maker Spigen has built protective cases for both new devices, bringing its nearly two decades of iPhone protection experience to the foldable form factor.

Developer Resources and App Compatibility

Apple has launched a new set of developer resources ahead of the iPhone Duo's October release, including a YouTube playlist aimed at helping developers prepare their apps. The company warns that apps will look terrible unless they are updated for the foldable's unique aspect ratio, and has produced videos showing how unmodified apps will render. Apple has also updated its Design Resources portal with new product bezels for both the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, giving designers the tools they need to create compatible interfaces.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive with the A20 Pro chip and a new AI push, along with refreshed color options. Both models feature Apple's new C2 modem, though the Pro and Pro Max may use different modem variants according to Apple's technical specifications. The devices are eSIM-only in select countries, continuing Apple's gradual phase-out of the physical SIM tray. A redesigned vapor chamber triples the cooling surface area, addressing thermal concerns with the new chip. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is heavier than its predecessor but maintains the same physical dimensions, meaning existing iPhone 17 Pro cases will fit the new models. The announcement was part of a broader event recap covering all new products.

Camera and Battery Improvements

The iPhone 18 Pro gains manual aperture and shutter speed controls through a new customizable interface called Pro Controls. New texture and grain controls have been added to Photographic Styles, giving photographers more creative flexibility. Battery life sees significant improvements, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max achieving the "longest battery life in an iPhone" at up to 45 hours. Apple has confirmed battery capacities for both Pro models, and a comparison of battery life across the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, and iPhone 17 Pro shows this generation represents the biggest jump yet. The Pro Max also offers two exclusive features not found on the smaller Pro, though details remain sparse. RAM has been confirmed at 12GB for both Pro models via Xcode.

Pricing and Value

The iPhone 18 Pro's base price has increased by $100, but the 1TB storage tier costs $300 more than last year. Apple has also raised prices on the entire iPhone 17 lineup by $100, including older models like the iPhone. The Apple Upgrade program won't make the maxed-out 2TB iPhone 18 Pro Max or iPhone Duo easier to swallow, with payment plans stretching the cost over time. A detailed comparison of the iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro shows what the extra money buys: the A20 Pro chip, camera refinements, and the new C2 modem. Apple has also updated trade-in values following the event, lowering iPhone payouts while increasing values for other products. Buyers of the new iPhone 18 Pro can get a free trial of Apple One with their purchase.

iOS 27 and Software Updates

iOS 27 will arrive on September 14, bringing with it a new iPhone Handoff feature that lets users share the same phone number across two iPhones — though it's limited to T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom at launch. The update also introduces tap-to-redeem Apple Gift Cards by tapping them on the back of a compatible iPhone. mac OS 27 Golden Gate will also release on September 14, with full release notes now available. New wallpapers for the iPhone 18 Pro are available for download for those who want the look without buying the hardware.

Siri AI and Apple Intelligence

Apple confirmed that Siri AI launches in English this month, with five additional languages arriving in October. The assistant will launch in beta, and Apple has revealed daily usage caps that will complicate the experience for heavy users. The fine print confirms that expanded access will come for a fee in the future, and Apple has published a support article detailing usage limits and terms for Apple Intelligence more broadly.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 feature a refreshed band lineup with new colors and materials, leaning into a more subdued color palette of burgundy, olive, and other muted shades. The Series 12 comes in new finishes including ceramic, with pricing varying by case type and material. Both devices introduce eight new health and fitness features, including a new "Health" app revamp that extends beyond the Apple Watch to other Apple devices. The headline addition is Audio Intelligence, a suite of Apple Intelligence-powered features that use the built-in microphone to help users catch important sounds. A privacy paper details how Audio Intelligence works, with on-device processing and user controls. watch OS 27 also introduces Siri Modular, a new watch face with more customization options on Ultra models.

Air Pods 5 and Other Announcements

Air Pods 5 include Active Noise Cancellation as standard at the $129 price point, with the pricier variant now gatekeeping wireless charging instead. A comparison of AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 4 shows what's new in the entry-level earbuds. Apple also introduced AppleCare One Family, a new $49.99/month plan that extends coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group of up to six people.

Key Details and Missed Features

A roundup of little details you might have missed from the iPhone Duo announcement covers everything from the lack of an Action Button to the dual-battery system. The iPhone Duo's battery life depends on which screen you use, with different ratings for the inner and outer displays. Apple's technical specifications page confirms the device's dimensions and features, while the developer video series shows what apps will look like on the foldable's unique aspect ratio.