Apple announced a suite of new hardware on September 9, highlighted by the company’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. Priced at $1,999, the Duo folds into a compact 5.4‑inch form factor—about the size of a U.S. passport—and opens to a 7.6‑inch OLED display, the largest screen Apple has ever placed on an iPhone.
When folded, the Duo functions like a traditional iPhone, but the larger opened screen lets users run two apps side‑by‑side, such as watching a video while checking email. The device also supports the Apple Pencil, allowing it to serve as its own stand for video calls, media playback, or group photos. Apple says the outside screen shows a preview of any photo being taken, giving subjects a chance to see how they’ll appear.
Technical specs and options
The iPhone Duo runs Apple’s new A20 Pro processor and features dual 48‑megapixel rear cameras. It is offered in Star White and Night Sky, with storage choices of 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB. Apple also claims the phone meets an IP68 water‑ and dust‑resistance rating. Pre‑orders start on October 16, with retail availability slated for October 23.
New iPhone 18 Pro models
Alongside the Duo, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299, both beginning with 256 GB of storage and powered by the same A20 Pro chip. A key camera upgrade is a 48‑megapixel main sensor with a variable aperture that adjusts light intake. Apple also promises better sustained performance and longer battery life, with the Pro Max receiving the greatest battery‑life boost.
Pre‑orders for the Pro models begin September 12, and the phones will ship on September 18.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
The event also featured the Apple Watch Series 12, starting at $399, which adds a health‑sensing system that measures heart‑rate and heart‑rate‑variability more frequently. A new “readiness” score helps users gauge how prepared their bodies are for exercise. The Apple Watch Ultra 4, priced at $799, includes the same health features plus an extended battery that can track outdoor workouts for up to 45 hours.
Both watches are available for pre‑order now and will be on sale September 18.
AirPods 5
Apple’s latest AirPods, the AirPods 5, launch at $129 and include Active Noise Cancellation for the first time at that price point. Apple claims the new design blocks up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4. A $149 version adds a wireless‑charging case, longer battery life, and volume controls on the stems. Both versions support Live Translation when paired with a compatible iPhone and Apple Intelligence.
Leadership change
The product rollout was the first major Apple event under new CEO John Ternus. Former CEO Tim Cook made a brief cameo before handing the stage to Ternus, signaling a shift in leadership as Apple takes a bold step into the foldable‑phone market—a segment previously dominated by Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers.
Analysts note the Duo’s starting price is nearly double that of many premium smartphones, raising the question of whether enough consumers will find the convenience of a foldable device worth the cost. Apple’s strategy appears to bet that its loyal customer base is ready for a premium, multifunctional device that bridges the gap between a phone and a small tablet.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
