Apple's Surprise and Shine event did not disappoint. From a new kind of iPhone to upgraded Apple Watches and AirPods, there were plenty of exciting announcements. It was also the first keynote fronted by new CEO John Ternus!
In this TechTalk, we'll walk you through everything Apple unveiled, break down what's actually new, and help you figure out which device might be worth the upgrade. So, let's get into it…
What is the iPhone Duo?
The headline act of the whole event was the iPhone Duo, Apple's first ever foldable iPhone. It's a book-style foldable that opens up from a 5.4-inch outer display into a spacious 7.6-inch inner screen, so you get a phone in your pocket and something closer to a mini tablet once it's unfolded.
Once unfolded, you can use Split View to use two apps side-by-side for the most immersive iPhone experience yet. You can set it down for an ideal viewing angle for videos or a hands-free FaceTime or put it in standing mode to use as a bedside clock.
It's built with a Grade 5 titanium frame, a Ceramic Shield back and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, and it carries an IP68 rating, so it's every bit as tough as you'd want a premium foldable to be. It also supports Apple Pencil, which is a first for any iPhone.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Sitting alongside the Duo are the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometre process for a genuine bump in speed and efficiency. Batteries are bigger too, so you should get noticeably more screen time out of them than last year's models with up to 34 hours video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and 43 hours on the iPhone Pro Max.
The Pro Max also gets an exclusive: a variable aperture camera, which gives you proper control over how much light hits the sensor, similar to a traditional camera lens. Handy if you're into your photography or just want sharper low-light shots without relying on software tricks.
What’s the difference between each iPhone?
Trying to work out which new device is worth your money? Here's a quick snapshot of the headline specs:
| Features | iPhone Duo | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.4" outer / 7.6" inner | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A20 Pro | A20 Pro |
| Standout feature | Foldable design, Apple Pencil support | 2nm chip efficiency | Variable aperture camera |
Still deciding? If you love the idea of a phone that becomes a mini tablet, the Duo is unlike anything Apple's made before. If you'd rather stick with a familiar shape but want the sharpest camera going, the Pro Max is the one to watch.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple's wearables got a refresh too. The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces some genuinely new features, including Live Rewind, which lets you replay the last 15 seconds of a conversation with a double press of the Digital Crown, and Siri Recap, which generates an AI summary of what was just said. The biggest highlight though was the all new Health Sensing System, which gives you a personal readiness score, optical heart rate sensor, your health age and all-day high-frequency heart rate tracking.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 keeps its focus on the outdoors, with improved battery life of up to 50 hours of normal use and upgraded Health Sensing System and sensors for anyone who wants their watch to keep up with serious adventures.
AirPods 5
Last but not least, the AirPods 5 bring Active Noise Cancellation to Apple's more affordable earbuds for the first time, with up to 50% better noise reduction than the AirPods 4. You'll also get Live Translation and hands-free access to the new Siri AI.
There are two versions to pick from: one with a standard charging case, and one that adds a wireless charging case plus swipe-based volume controls on the stems.
Excited about the new Apple products? Pre-order is coming soon.
FAQs
When can I get the new iPhones?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available from 18 September. The iPhone Duo arrives later, on 23 October.
Does the iPhone Duo support Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPhone Duo is the first iPhone to support Apple Pencil, making the most of that larger unfolded display.
Do the new AirPods have noise cancellation?
Yes, for the first time the standard AirPods line gets Active Noise Cancellation, with up to 50% better noise reduction than the AirPods 4.
What's new on the Apple Watch Series 12?
Alongside the health and fitness upgrades, the Apple Watch Series 12 introduces Live Rewind and Siri Recap, both powered by Apple's new Siri AI.
