Quick answer: Apple announced its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. The event also focused on health features, camera upgrades, Apple Intelligence, and a new approach to image authenticity.
Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event delivered one of its most significant product lineups in years. The headline announcement was the company’s first foldable iPhone, but Apple also refreshed its Pro phones, smartwatches, and AirPods.
iPhone Duo: Apple’s first foldable iPhone
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable phone. It uses a book-style design with an outer display and a larger inner screen. Apple says the device uses titanium, high-strength glass, and a hinge built from more than 100 components.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States, with preorders scheduled for October 16 and availability on October 23, according to post-event reporting.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bring faster processing, camera improvements, new colours, and Apple’s latest Pro hardware. Reported US starting prices are $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max.
The Pro Max appears to target buyers who prioritise screen size and battery life, while the standard Pro is the more compact option. Read our existing iPhone 18 Pro price rumours article for the pre-event expectations and how they changed after the announcement.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The new generation focuses on health sensing, fitness, recovery, battery life, and intelligent summaries. Apple also introduced a Hermès partnership with custom watch faces and bands.
The Ultra 4 is the more durable and expensive model, while Series 12 remains the more practical option for most iPhone owners.
AirPods 5
Apple also introduced AirPods 5, with active noise cancellation now available across the range, according to post-event coverage. The reported US starting price is $129.2.
Apple Reference Image and AI Features
Apple introduced a feature called Apple Reference Image, designed to help establish whether an image is authentic or has been edited. Apple also said it would support the emerging SynthID standard for identifying AI-created or altered images.
The company also highlighted new Siri AI capabilities arriving with its next software updates.
What Apple did not announce
The standard iPhone 18 and more affordable models were not the main focus of this event. Reports indicate that Apple is pursuing a split release strategy, with some standard models expected later.
Final verdict
Apple’s September 2026 event was defined by the iPhone Duo, but the broader story is Apple expanding its premium ecosystem. The foldable is the most important new product, while the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch updates, AirPods 5, and image-authenticity tools make the event relevant to a much wider audience.
