Like clockwork, Apple used its September event to show off a new iPhone generation – except 2026 took a break from the norm by focusing entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro and all-new iPhone Duo foldable phone, leaving the regular iPhone to stick around a little longer than expected.
The biggest news was of course the iPhone Duo, but we also got a more in-depth look at Siri AI; AirPods 5 brought active noise cancellation to the firm’s open fit in-ears; and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 went hard on fitness improvements.
While the event took place in person at Apple Park in Cupertino, you can watch the full reveal video on YouTube – or save yourself an hour and read our recap right here.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
This year’s Pro iPhone duo bring a densely-packed A20 Pro chipset, add a variable aperture lens to their 48MP main cameras, and promise the best battery life of any iPhone to date. Wired and wireless charging speeds have improved, too.
They’re landing in Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy colours, in your choice of 6.3in iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9in iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pre-orders open today and devices start shipping on September 18.
AirPods 5
The latest generation open-fit AirPods add active noise cancellation, meaning every single pair of earphones in Apple’s lineup now includes ANC. Adaptive EQ has been tweaked for a richer sound, while Siri is more tightly integrated for live translation. Durability has also taken a step up. A second model brings on-stem volume controls, better battery life and a wireless charging case.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4
Both versions of Apple’s wearable get an uprated health sensing system, for more accurate and more regular heart rate monitoring. Apple Intelligence has taken over the health app, putting fitness and lifestyle insights on the main screen. A new readiness score will also give Garmin’s executive team another reason to worry.
iPhone Duo
The “one more thing” (which we were all expecting anyway thanks to extensive leaks) was Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone. The passport-sized handset has a short yet wide outer display that opens out into a 7.6in screen shaped like an iPad. A titanium frame and hinge, Ceramic Shield glass and IP68 rating should keep it sturdy, while the software has been overhauled with a vertical layout that suits the new shape a bit better.
All our coverage from the Apple Event is here
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