Apple’s September 2026 showcase gave smartphone fans plenty to consider, from camera upgrades on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to an entirely new way of using an iPhone.
The iPhone Duo marks Apple’s debut in foldable phones, pairing a pocket-sized outer display with a larger screen inside. Alongside the handsets, Apple revealed two new watches and refreshed its AirPods earbuds.
Here’s a closer look at the devices unveiled at Apple’s Surprise and Shine event, starting with the new iPhone line-up.
Apple’s September launches at a glance
- iPhone Duo - A folding design brings two screens, side-by-side apps and new photography options to the iPhone family.
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max - Apple’s latest premium handsets combine variable-aperture photography with A20 Pro performance and improved endurance.
- Apple Watch Series 12 - New sensors, a Readiness score and expanded Siri capabilities update the everyday smartwatch.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 - The outdoor-focused model gains longer battery life and extended workout tracking.
- AirPods 5 - Both versions now include noise cancellation, with additional controls and battery life on the wireless-charging option.
iPhone Duo brings a folding screen to the iPhone family
For iPhone owners curious about foldables, the Duo offers a new option within Apple’s line-up. Its titanium body folds shut around a 7.6-inch inner display, leaving a 5.4-inch outer screen available for messages, calls and quick browsing.
Opening it provides more room for videos and games, but multitasking is a major part of the appeal. You can run two apps alongside each other, keeping directions visible while checking a message, for example, or opening separate Safari windows to compare information.
Apple has also addressed one of the familiar drawbacks of folding displays. According to the company, a nano-texture finish helps limit glare and makes the crease less visible. USB-C Apple Pencil support, coming later this year, will add scope for handwritten notes and drawing.
The A20 Pro processor handles the extra screen space and demanding apps. Two 48MP rear cameras provide the main photography setup, while Duo Preview lets your subject check their framing using the outside screen. There’s also a camera beneath the inner display for video calls, and a fingerprint reader built into the side button for Touch ID.
Battery endurance depends on which screen you use. Apple quotes up to 31 hours of video playback unfolded, compared with 44 hours on the outer display. With a suitable wired charger, a 50% top-up takes around 20 minutes.
The Duo will be available in Star White and Night Sky. Pre-orders begin on 16th October, followed by its release on 23rd October.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max give photographers more control
Apple’s new Pro phones share a camera upgrade that could be useful well beyond professional photography: a 48MP main camera with variable aperture.
The lens can change its opening to suit the scene, admitting more light in darker conditions or increasing the depth of field to keep more of a group photograph sharp. New Pro controls let users adjust aperture, shutter speed and white balance themselves, directly within the Camera app.
Video tools expand too, with 4K Dolby Vision time-lapse recording and the ability to apply Cinematic effects to footage after recording.
The A20 Pro chip powers both handsets, bringing improvements to graphics and AI processing. Updated vapour-chamber cooling helps dissipate heat under heavier workloads, while the smaller Dynamic Island can show three Live Activities at once.
Screen size remains a key difference between the pair. The iPhone 18 Pro offers a 6.3-inch display, with the Pro Max providing a larger 6.9-inch screen. The Max also has the stronger battery claim: up to 43 hours of video playback on the UK model, compared with 34 hours for the Pro. Both can reach 50% charge in around 15 minutes with a suitable wired adapter.
Software includes Siri AI, launching in beta with iOS 27, with support for assistance based on personal context and information on your screen.
Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy finishes are available, alongside 256GB to 2TB storage options. Pre-orders begin on 12th September, with both phones arriving on 18th September.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 add health insights and endurance
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new S11 chip and upgraded health sensors, taking heart-rate measurements every five seconds. Their Readiness score draws together sleep, activity and other readings to suggest how prepared you are for the day’s demands.
Both also gain optional tools for recalling conversations. Live Rewind shows the last 15 seconds as text, while Siri Recap produces short summaries. These features are due in beta later this year and require a compatible iPhone.
For everyday wear, the Series 12 offers new ceramic finishes and tougher Ceramic Shield 2 protection on aluminium versions. Its battery is rated for up to 24 hours, with a 15-minute charge supplying up to 12 hours of use.
The titanium Ultra 4 places greater emphasis on extended use outdoors. Apple claims up to 50 hours between charges, increasing to 84 hours in Low Power Mode. Extended Workout mode allows up to 25 hours of tracking with full GPS and heart-rate readings, useful for longer activities.
The choice largely comes down to everyday wear versus greater endurance for outdoor pursuits. Both models go on sale on 18th September.
AirPods 5 offer quieter listening and easier controls
Apple’s new AirPods 5 retain their open-ear design while introducing Active Noise Cancellation across both versions. Apple says they remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, alongside improvements to sound quality.
Adaptive Audio responds to your surroundings, and Live Translation supports conversations in compatible languages when connected to a suitable iPhone.
Choose the Wireless Charging Case version and you also get stem-swipe volume controls. This model offers up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled, or 22 hours including the case.
Both AirPods 5 versions launch on 18th September.
