Apple is gearing up for its September 9 event, where it is expected to unveil the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has detailed the products Apple is expected to announce, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and updated AirPods.
Apple iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo is expected to start at around $2,000, with 256GB storage on the base model and higher-capacity versions costing up to roughly $3,000. This would make it more expensive than rival foldables from Samsung and others. Apple reportedly exceeded its cost targets due to the memory shortage but plans to absorb some of the added expense to keep the starting price near $2,000, while passing more of the cost to higher-capacity models.
Foldable phones have traditionally seen limited sales due to issues such as shorter battery life, inferior cameras, durability concerns and a visible crease. However, advances in technology and supply chains have helped address some of these limitations, including durability and the crease.
The Duo is expected to feature a short-and-wide design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with side-by-side apps and iPad-like multitasking.
Key reported features:
- Processor: A20 Pro
- Modem: In-house C2 modem
- Rear cameras: Dual 48MP
- Videoconferencing camera: 12MP
- Hinge: Magnetic
- Stylus: Apple Pencil support
- Colors: White, dark blue
Apple could start selling the iPhone Duo as early as October.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will retain the candy-bar design and look nearly identical to last year’s models, with burgundy red replacing orange as a color option. The camera system will get new lenses and pro-level software, while at least the larger model could feature a mechanical aperture for depth-of-field control and improved low-light photography.
Other reported upgrades:
- Processor: A20 Pro
- Battery: Longer battery life
- Cooling: Revamped vapor chamber
- Dynamic Island: Smaller design
- Live tasks: Up to three, versus two live activities currently
The Pro models are expected to cost $100 more each. Apple had kept iPhone pricing unchanged when it raised prices for Macs, iPads and home devices in June amid the memory-chip shortage. Earlier this year, Apple also announced its US Apple Upgrade plan, which lets users pay monthly and exchange their iPhone annually, while carriers could further offset the higher prices through installment plans and trade-in incentives.
The regular iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are reportedly not due until next year.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to bring new colors and changes to their cases and bands. The Series 12 could also bring back a ceramic case, while the Ultra 4 should offer improved battery life.
For health and fitness, the watches will use sensor data including heart rate and blood oxygen. Apple is also expected to introduce a Readiness app, a Vitals-based feature with some similarities to Oura and Whoop, alongside a revamped iPhone Health app.
Another privacy-focused feature could analyze the user’s day and provide a summary, including conversations, without showing a transcript or recording and storing audio.
AirPods 5
Apple is expected to introduce lower-end AirPods 5 with or without a wireless charging case and improved noise cancellation, while higher-end in-ear AirPods with built-in camera sensors for analyzing the surrounding environment have reportedly been delayed until next year.
John Ternus’ first event as CEO
The event will be John Ternus’ first Apple product launch as CEO. He has served as Apple’s hardware chief since 2021 and has previously hosted product launch events.
Ternus became CEO on September 1, taking over from Tim Cook, who is now executive chairman. Cook will be in the audience rather than presenting.
The Apple event begins at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST) on September 9 from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park and will be streamed online through Apple’s events page.