John Ternus didn’t waste time making his mark as Apple’s new CEO. At the “Surprise and Shine” event, he unveiled the iPhone Duo, the company’s long-awaited entry into the foldable market. This isn’t a tentative experiment; it’s a premium device with a $1,999 starting price. The phone opens to reveal a 7.6-inch Retina display, inspired by the iPad’s versatility, while the outer screen measures 5.4 inches. Apple claims the hinge, built from Grade 5 aluminum with over 100 engineered components, ensures durability. Battery life is split between the screens: up to 31 hours on the inner display and 44 hours on the outer one. It ships October 23.
The standard flagship line got its usual iterative bump, but the camera upgrades are specific enough to matter to pros. The iPhone 18 Pro introduces a variable aperture controlled by six thin blades, a mechanical change designed to improve low-light performance and shooting speed. You get manual controls for white balance and shutter speed, plus a histogram for real-time exposure data. Video shooters can now record in Dolby HDR Vision and apply cinematic effects post-capture. However, this power comes at a cost. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the Max model hits $1,299, a $100 increase from last year’s pricing. Pre-orders start Saturday for a September 18 release.
Wearables are finally getting smart about context, not just notifications. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce “Audio Intelligence,” including a Live Rewind feature that transcribes the last 15 seconds of conversation. It’s a practical solution for those moments when you zone out during a meeting. Siri Recap then summarizes key takeaways from daily interactions. These models also add Sound Recognition for alerts like sirens or crying babies, aiding users who are hard of hearing. Prices remain steady at $399 for the Series 12 and $499 for the Ultra 4.
Even the entry-level audio gear got a significant spec boost. AirPods 5 now offer volume control on the stem, a feature previously reserved for the Pro line. Active noise cancellation is 50% more effective than the previous generation, and transparency mode sounds more natural. With five hours of listening time on a single charge, they’re a solid update at $129. Apple is clearly pushing AI deeper into health, too. The revamped Health app will soon offer a “Health Age” metric and a “Readiness” score, attempting to turn raw data into actionable longevity advice. The question isn’t whether Apple can build these products, but whether users will pay the premium for features that competitors have offered for years.
