Apple’s Latest Innovations Unveiled at iPhone Launch Event
Apple just wrapped up its first iPhone launch event with CEO John Ternus at the helm, and it did not disappoint. We got a look at Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone Duo, along with the next generation of AirPods and the Apple Watch.
Here’s a roundup of all the biggest announcements from the event.
Image: Apple
The iPhone Duo: A Bold New Direction
Apple’s “one more thing” at this year’s event was the iPhone Duo — a passport-shaped foldable that lays flat when opened. The device is Apple’s “thinnest iPhone yet,” coming with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. It will also support Apple Pencil “later this year” and comes with Touch ID on the side button.
The iPhone Duo maintains the same aspect ratio across both displays, alongside changes to iOS 27 that enable users to view two apps side by side, pin videos, and use the device in “any orientation.” Popular apps, including Netflix, Zoom, and Slack, have already launched updates to take advantage of the iPhone Duo’s features.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone Duo comes with Apple’s upgraded A20 Pro chip, the company’s in-house C2 cellular modem, a 48-megapixel camera, and a nanotexture finish on its display to reduce glare and reflections. The iPhone Duo offers dual batteries that can provide up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours when using the outer display.
The iPhone Duo will start at an impressive $1,999 and will be available in star white and night sky options, beginning October 23rd.
Image: Apple
The iPhone 18: Pro Models Only
In a surprising move, Apple is skipping the base iPhone 18 at this year’s launch event, introducing instead two Pro-level models that the company claims come with “the biggest camera improvement in years.” These new devices feature a 48-megapixel main camera with variable aperture, along with new “Pro controls” that offer users more creative freedom with their photography.
The iPhone 18 Pro also houses the A20 chip, boasting significant performance gains, and a battery life that can last up to 36 hours of video playback on the Pro version, with 45 hours on the Pro Max. Notably, the new Dynamic Island can showcase up to three live activities simultaneously.
Both phones are equipped with Apple’s “most advanced” on-device AI model to date, with Siri intelligently supporting over 300,000 apps. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max begins at $1,299, featuring a new 2TB option. Available colors include black, silver, burgundy, and glacier, launching on September 18th.
Image: Apple
New Features in AirPods
Apple is finally bringing active noise cancellation (ANC) to its lowest-priced AirPods model. The AirPods 5 are designed to be more durable and promise 50 percent more noise reduction compared to previous generations. Priced at $129, they offer up to four hours of listening time with ANC activated, or up to 20 hours with the charging case.
Additionally, a premium model priced at $149 will feature on-stem volume control, enhance battery life up to five hours while using ANC, and comes equipped with a wireless charging case. Both models will be available starting September 18th.
Image: Apple
Apple Watch Innovations
One of the standout features from the event is the new “Siri Recap” functionality introduced in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4. This feature utilizes built-in microphones to take notes on daily conversations. Users can inquire further about transcripts and save notes directly within the Siri app. Additionally, the new “Audio Intelligence” feature employs on-device AI to detect sounds like sirens or doorbells.
The upgraded Watch Series 12 is designed to measure heart rate every five seconds, powered by a sensor that uses larger, energy-efficient green LEDs. The device will also sample heart rate variability every five minutes. Users can access “personalized guidance” via the redesigned Health app, featuring a new “Longevity” tab to assess health metrics including sleep, movement, and heart health.
Apple claims the Watch Series 12 will offer up to 24 hours of battery life, while the Ultra can last over two days without a charge. The starting price for the Series 12 is $399 (or $899 for a ceramic option), while the Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 and both will launch on September 18th.
Photo: David Imel / The Verge
iOS 27: A New Era of Features
Apple’s big iOS 27 update is on the horizon, introducing Siri AI in beta for devices set to English, which allows for a more conversational assistant that can perform actions across various apps. Noteworthy enhancements include a way to adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass, new icon designs, extra-large widgets, and refined volume settings for ringtones, alarms, timers, and alerts.
For a more detailed look at all these announcements, visit Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
