Apple has announced its first foldable iPhone, plus a new pair of AirPods, at its “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, September 9th. The company saved its biggest reveal for last: the iPhone Duo, a book-style foldable that opens like an iPad mini.
The iPhone Duo Folds Out Like a Book
The iPhone Duo arrives seven years after Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold. Its outer screen is roughly the size of a passport, but it opens to a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display. The device carries an IP68 rating for dust protection and water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
The dual-screen experience depends on third-party apps being optimized for it. Apple showed off support for Zoom, Slack, and Netflix, so buyers can watch Stranger Things or Bridgerton while on calls.
“one more thing”
iPhone Duo Pricing and Pre-Orders
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256 GB of storage. That is $800 more than the comparable iPhone 18 Pro model. Pre-orders open on October 16th, with release on October 23rd.
AirPods 5 Cost Less and Quiet More
AirPods 5 bring “best-in-class open-ear active noise cancellation,” with 50% better noise reduction than the AirPods 4. The entry-level model costs $129, which undercuts the AirPods Pro 3, now available for $199 on Amazon.
| Model | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 (entry) | $129 | 50% better noise reduction than AirPods 4 |
| AirPods 5 ($149 tier) | $149 | Wireless charging case, 5-hour battery with noise cancellation, on-stem volume control |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $199 (Amazon) | Premium tier, higher price |
The $149 AirPods 5 add a wireless charging case, up to five hours of battery life with noise cancellation, and on-stem volume control like the AirPods Pro 3. Pre-orders for both AirPods 5 models are open now, ahead of a September 18th launch.
iPhone 18 Pro Lineup Gets Adaptive Cameras
Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both feature a faster chip, a new adaptive camera lens, and purported all-day battery life of up to 30 and 45 hours, respectively.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for 256 GB. The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the same storage. Pre-orders begin September 12th, with availability on September 18th.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 were also announced, both more powerful to support the improved, AI-powered Siri. Each model adds health upgrades, including new optical and electrical heart sensors for improved heart monitoring.
Pre-orders are now open for the Series 12, starting at $399, and the Ultra 4, at $799. Both launch on September 18th.
iOS 27 Arrives With Siri AI and Liquid Glass
iOS 27 launches on September 14th with improved Siri AI, a Liquid Glass slider, and extra-large widgets.
What the Event Means for Buyers
The event leaned on iterative improvements across the lineup, all designed with the updated Siri in mind. But the foldable iPhone Duo is the headline act, and it carries a headline price.
Cupertino is betting that a passport-sized phone that opens into a tablet will justify the premium. Pre-orders open next month.
Source: consequence.net
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