Apple unveiled its latest hardware lineup at its Event 2026 held on September 9. The event marked the company’s first fall launch under CEO John Ternus. The biggest announcement was the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The company also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5.
Apple Event 2026 focused heavily on performance, cameras, health tracking, audio intelligence, and AI across the new products. Notably, the products come with significantly higher prices than the predecessors. It will be interesting to observe whether users find the products more useful and worth the price.
Here are the key announcements to know:
iPhone Duo:
The iPhone Duo became the headline launch of Apple Event 2026. It is the company’s first foldable iPhone and features two displays. The inner display measures 7.6 inches, while the outer display measures 5.4 inches.
According to Apple, the Duo is its thinnest iPhone when opened. A nano-texture finish reduces glare and makes the display crease less noticeable. Both displays support ProMotion, Always-On functionality, and up to 3,000 nits of brightness.
The device uses Apple’s A20 Pro chip and a custom vapor chamber. Apple says this combination improves sustained performance during demanding workloads. The phone also supports multitasking through Split View. The Duo features a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a 2x optical-quality Telephoto option. Its folding design enables new camera experiences, including rear-camera selfies.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 with pre-orders beginning October 16, with availability starting October 23.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max:
Apple also launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both models use the A20 Pro chip and feature a redesigned camera system. The 48MP Fusion Main camera now includes variable aperture, giving users greater control over depth of field and low-light photography.
Additionally, Apple added new Pro camera controls, including adjustments for white balance, shutter speed, aperture, and histogram settings. The phones can record 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
Both models also feature a smaller Dynamic Island and improved thermal management. Apple says the Pro Max delivers its biggest battery-life increase ever. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199. The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Pre-orders for the models begin September 12, with availability from September 18.
Apple Watch Series 12:
The Apple Watch Series 12 brings a new Health Sensing System. Apple says it enables more frequent heart-rate variability measurements. The watch introduces a new readiness score that helps users understand their body’s capacity for the day.
Apple also added Audio Intelligence features. Live Rewind can surface the previous 15 seconds of conversation as text. Siri Recap can summarize important moments from conversations. Series 12 starts at $399, and it will be available from September 18.
Apple Watch Ultra 4:
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 receives the same new Health Sensing System. It also adds higher-frequency HRV measurements and a readiness experience. The Ultra 4 uses the S11 chip and supports Audio Intelligence and Siri AI.
According to Apple, Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of normal use. It can also provide up to 45 hours of Max Extended Workout tracking. The watch starts at $799, and its availability begins September 18.
AirPods 5:
Apple introduced AirPods 5 with stronger Active Noise Cancellation. Apple says the new earbuds reduce external noise by up to 50% more than AirPods 4 with ANC. The earbuds feature an open-ear design and improved Adaptive EQ, alongside adding hands-free Siri AI access and Live Translation.
A Wireless Charging Case variant adds on-stem volume controls. AirPods 5 start at $129 while the Wireless Charging Case version costs $149. Both will be available from September 18.
Overall, Apple Event 2026 combined a significant hardware shift with broader AI integration. The iPhone Duo represents its biggest design change, while the Pro iPhones focus on camera performance. While the new watches push health and audio intelligence further, AirPods 5 brings ANC and translation to a more affordable tier.
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