Last updated: September 9, 2026, 11:10 PM ET
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" Event
Apple's September event kicked off with CEO John Ternus, who opened his first product event as CEO at the Steve Jobs Theater. The "Surprise and Shine" event delivered on months of speculation, headlined by the foldable iPhone Duo. Ternus's reveal drew a crowd reaction reminiscent of the Steve Jobs era, a moment captured in detail by our coverage at the event. The event skipped the anticipated iPhone 18 non-Pro, a decision that has been analyzed in this follow-up report.
The iPhone Duo Foldable
The main event was the iPhone Duo announcement, a device with two screens including a foldable inner display. Real-world hands-on impressions suggest the crease is still visible but barely discernible, a major achievement for a first-generation foldable. The device uses a 10-layer ultra-thin structure, including a nano-textured cover layer, which Apple says will hold up to wear and tear; the company detailed the folding screen's construction. Apple also acknowledged the crease directly in its materials, a rare move documented in this analysis. When closed, the device is 5.2mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone ever — though only in one form, as noted in size comparisons.
The iPhone Duo costs $1,999 for the base model, and in a markup that extends across the lineup, every other iPhone also became $100 more expensive, effectively raising the entry price of the entire iPhone range. Pre-orders open Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific, with a release later that month. The company has already confirmed the October ship date. The dual-battery system provides different lifespans depending on which screen is active; the report on battery life by screen breaks down the figures. The device handles apps not optimized for the foldable display in two modes, as explained by Apple's dev resources.
Unexpectedly, the iPhone Duo lacks an Action Button. A closer look at the spec sheet shows only volume and power buttons, a notable omission. Authentication is via Touch ID rather than Face ID, and an Apple Watch is the backup way to authenticate when Touch ID isn't ideal. Instead of the Apple Pencil Pro, the Duo works with the $79 USB-C Apple Pencil; the compatibility detail is a significant one for sketch artist users. The phone charges with Mag Safe, confirming a feature that had been a rumor on a loop; that confirmation came via a hands-on. A new $99 folio with a kickstand was also announced for the device, alongside a standard case; both cases have been listed. The device is also dust-tight with an IP68 rating, a superior seal to Samsung's Z Fold8's IP48 rating; the comparison shows Apple's advantage.
Samsung mocked the foldable on social media in a tone of confidence. An earlier opinion piece suggested Samsung's mocking stance masks real concern regarding Apple's build quality. The Duo will ship with iOS 27.1, and that reveals the update's likely release timeline; the shipping config is a telling hint.
Crucially, Apple updated its design resources for apps to look good on the Duo. A new developer video series also goes deep on apps on dual screen displays. Additionally, design resources include new product bezels for both Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, available in official download resources. Apple has also launched a new set of developer resources ahead of the October release. The company published a developer video series to help prepare apps for the foldable. Apps that aren't updated will look terrible, as this analysis warns.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Alongside the Duo, Apple revealed the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The phones feature the new A20 Pro chip, which runs 40% faster with a 2nm design. The cellular modem has also been updated to Apple's C2 chip, confirmed for the 18 Pro and Duo, and there's the possibility the 18 Pro vs Duo modem setup is different as this report speculates.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max now achieves up to 45 hours of video playback — the longest battery life in iPhone history with its largest battery. Battery sizes were confirmed by Apple for both Pro models, listed here. The 18 Pro's thermal system with a redesigned vapor chamber triples the surface area, and its performance improvements come from broad upgrades outlined in this comparison.
Both 18 Pro models have 12GB of RAM across the entire lineup, confirmed in Xcode 27. The Pro uses a smaller Dynamic Island that shows up to 3 Live Activities at once; we spotted that peak and a separate look at the changing island. Additional camera control including manual aperture, shutter speed, and Pro Controls added to the camera interface — important for photographers, outlined here. The camera system also introduces a variable aperture, which is incredible but potentially fragile, as one of our hands-on pieces noted. A new "Reference Image" digital signature feature guarantees photo authenticity against AI editing, an industry-first capability explained in detail.
The camera also adds Texture and Grain controls for Photographic Styles, a new creative layer. The Dynamic Island in the 18 Pro now supports three Live Activities, with a leaked activation video showing the feature in action pre-launch. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is heavier than the 17 Pro Max, but physical dimensions don't change otherwise. Comparisons by weight vs prior generation show this.
Pro models start at $100 higher than the previous generation — a record-setting start at $1,199/$1,319 when upgraded to 1TB; upgraded 1TB will cost $1,599 — that is three times the official upsell, as breaking down the costs. Apple, alternatively, doesn't make the pill easy to swallow for maxed-out models. Preorders begin this Saturday, September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, widely covered. The decided date avoids the 9/11 date, a detail that has significant implications. The iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in select countries, with the full list available. Your old iPhone 17 Pro case will fit the new model, as dimensions remain identical. The 18 Pro Max has two exclusive features over the standard Pro, detailed here.
Apple Watch & Air Pods
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 come with an upgraded health tracking system. The Series 12 includes the return of Ceramic as a case finish, a much-requested vintage look; this is a standard feature. The Ultra 4 gets the S11 chip and improved battery stamina; this review shot points at it.
Health implementations include a "Readiness" app and a full suite of eight additional health and fitness features. All features are listed in this article. The Health app revamp isn't just watch — it extends to iPhone and includes a series of Apple Intelligence features, as explained. Series 12 also has a slimmer new Siri Modular watch face that appears in watch OS. This face on the Ultra has an additional option; Hands-on coverage is available.
A new series of Audio Intelligence features using the built-in microphone is coming to both new Apple Watch models; there are three such features in total; find details. An on-device Siri Recap feature records audio all day but simultaneously forgets what it hears, insights on the privacy-first approach. A privacy paper from Apple goes into greater depth on how the watch handles it, available here. The day summary function will track activities like meetings and meals while retaining sound; an early tracker listed the details. The new Apple Watch band lineup includes muted choices like burgundy and olive for the entire lineup, a color refresh. The bands have colors that are also available in specialty materials, with all-new Sport Band etc.
Air Pods 5 come in two models, get ANC standard, start at $129, while a more expensive pair adds wireless charging. Headline details are available. They come with new battery life improvements: five hours of listening, 50% better than previous generations, and new live translation features. These are on a new pair that starts at $129. The noise cancellation upgrade is better. A detailed spec versus AirPods 4 is also covered. At the same event, Apple confirmed that the previously rumored camera-toting Air Pods are delayed to 2027, according to Bloomberg's report.
Software (Apple Intelligence, Siri, iOS 27)
iOS 27 and mac OS 27 both are officially announced September 14th. iPad OS 27 date confirmed and compatible. vision OS 27 will also arrive the same day, as announced; the compatibility list for Apple Vision Pro is available. The release candidates for iOS 27 and iPad OS 27 are now out, the details. Same for mac OS 27: new release candidate is out and how to install it. Read more. The RC drop includes full details of the macOS release. The iOS 27 release notes are available here.
Apple Intelligence, specifically the much-delayed new Siri AI, will launch in English before expanding to five other languages in October. The English version arrives this September 14. Apple has outlined Siri's usage limitations; daily usage caps for Siri are already in fine print. Details of the limits are documented. Apple confirmed the Siri AI rollout timeline during the event. The fine print also includes daily usage limits and paid expanded access coming later.
Apple's also announced Apple Care One Family for up to six members of a family at $49.99 per month, which extends coverage to every eligible device. Apple's terms for Apple Intelligence includes restrictions such as usage limits. These, plus the meaning of the fine print in a new support document, explain details on this.
Accessories, Cases & Deals
Spigen has released a wide lineup of accessories for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, mentioned in this hands-on. First-party Apple accessories include Silicone (with Mag Safe) and Clear Case for iPhone 18 Pro. Apple also debuted new accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro and Air Pods Pro, listed here. A $129 folio for iPhone Duo is among the new first-party cases, detailed in this lineup.
An OWC $130 USB4 Hub adds four ports including HDMI 2.1 to any Mac, tested here. MacBook Pro M5 Pro 48GB with $500 discount through a B&H flash deal, the deal detail is available. More MacBook discounts are chronicled in this report.
Apple has also updated its trade-in values after the Apple event; iPhone valuations drop but other devices trade in higher. Trade-in details are available. Additionally, iPhone 18 Pro purchases include a three-month Apple One trial, as mentioned here. Apple is also offering better trade-in pricing for minor cosmetic damage, reported here.
Software and OS
Apple seeded the release candidates for watch OS, vision OS, and tv OS — RCs — and a fourth RC for mac OS Tahoe 26.7 and others. RC list. Apple TV gets random features, mostly minor in the TV RC here. Apple also seeds the necessary iOS 27 RC on iPhone and the iPad OS 27 RC, and is usable with this guide. The first release candidates of iOS 27 and mac OS 27 arrived as release nears, covered here.
iPhone Handoff and Phones
The iOS 27 'iPhone Handoff' feature — which allows the same phone number on two iPhones — will be limited to certain carriers at launch, specifically T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom. A contract article breaks down the limitation. Also new is via NFC: iOS 27 Tap to Redeem will let you bring an Apple Gift-card to the back of the phone for redemption. The fine print is in the release candidate.
Apple also updated trade-in values after the intro of the 18 Pro and Duo. It also offers an incentive for cracked phones, and trade-in deal details can be found here. For something older, a change in price for old models. Specifically iPhone, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e come with a $100 higher price, and the still-selling iPhone 16 goes up too. That fact is covered in a detailed price snapshot. More detailed breakdown: iPhone 17 lineup $100 more expensive. Apple also discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, confirmed here. Apple extended free satellite access for iPhone, and 16 users by an additional year, announced here.
iPhone 18 Pro vs Previous Models
For the ubiquitous pre- versus post-event analysis of iPhone 18 versus iPhone 17 Pro variations, here's the complete dive: iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro. You can also compare with the more clean breakdown. The iPhone 18 Pro offers three times the cooling performance, detailed here. Battery life comparisons between the 18 Pro, Duo, and 17 Pro are available here. The A20 Pro chip's 2nm design and performance gains are explained here.
Other
Apple goes full circle with the new Mac mini vs Mac Studio comparison buyer's guide — 20 core differences are right here. Apple falls behind Samsung in brand intimacy for the first time in 16 years, per this report. The Apple Lakeside store reopens on Saturday with a new sustainable design, covered here. The online Apple Store went down ahead of the event, as usual. You can download the new iPhone 18 Pro wallpapers right here.