It looks like Apple didn't come to play at its September event, dubbed "Surprise and shine."
Under the new leadership of John Ternus, Apple unveiled some of its biggest hardware upgrades in years, including its first foldable iPhone and a new generation of AI-powered devices.
The company also showcased new software and AI features, reminding everyone it's still very much in the AI race. Here are the announcements that stood out the most.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
/1. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple unveiled only the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, marking the first time it skipped launching its base iPhone model at a September event. The standard iPhone 18 is now rumoured to arrive in spring 2027, allowing Apple to put the spotlight on its premium lineup.
The Pro models arrive in Deep Black, Glacier, and Burgundy and bring some of the biggest hardware upgrades yet. They are powered by Apple's first 2nm A20 Pro chip, feature a new variable-aperture camera, and promise up to 36 hours of battery life on the Pro and 45 hours on the Pro Max.
Apple says the A20 Pro delivers up to 20% faster performance, alongside a 7-core GPU that offers 40% faster graphics. The new chip also powers Apple's revamped AI features.
Pre-orders open on September 12, with retail availability beginning September 18. Due to rising memory costs, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299.
/2. iPhone Duo
After years of rumours, Apple's first foldable iPhone is finally here, and it's called the iPhone Duo.
Previously referred to as the "iPhone Fold" or "iPhone Ultra" in leaks, the Duo adopts a book-style foldable design, similar to devices from Google, Xiaomi, and Oppo.
It features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, runs on the A20 Pro chip, includes a 48MP main camera, and uses Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of Face ID.
The Duo measures 5.2mm thick when unfolded and 11.3mm when folded, weighs 254g, and carries an IP68 water-resistance rating. It's available in Star White and Night Sky.
Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and goes up to $3,199 for the 2TB version. Pre-orders begin on October 16, with shipping starting October 23. Apple has also removed the physical SIM tray globally, making the Duo eSIM-only.
/3. Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
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