Apple Event 2026: Folding a New Chapter
by Yamil Risi
On Sept. 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. EST, Apple began its annual September event. This year, Tim Cook is transitioning to the role of executive chairman of Apple's board, while John Ternus has stepped into the position of chief executive officer, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Ternus has been with Apple since 2001, but this marks his first time in the CEO role.
iPhone Duo
For the first time in iPhone history, Apple introduces a multi-screen iPhone: the iPhone Duo. This device features a 7.6-inch foldable nano-texture screen with a 5.4-inch screen on the back. The nano-texture screen significantly reduces glare, and the inner screen folds along a crease designed to be less visible than earlier foldable models from other manufacturers. The frame and hinge of the phone are constructed with titanium, enhancing both durability and lightness.
The iPhone Duo incorporates a dual-battery system that dramatically improves battery life. When using the inner screen, the phone can last up to 31 hours during video playback. Utilizing only the outer screen extends battery life to 44 hours.
The device features an under-display camera on the inner screen, which conceals the camera during use but may reduce camera quality. The outer screen is equipped with a 12MP Center Stage selfie camera. The main camera system includes a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and supports 4K video recording at 120 frames per second.
The iPhone Duo is available in two colors: Star White and Night Sky. Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 256GB base model and reaches $3,199 for the 2TB configuration. This marks Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. While the pricing may appear high, it is comparable to competing foldable devices such as the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, both of which start at $1,899. The iPhone Duo will not ship alongside the rest of the lineup; preorders begin on October 16, with availability starting on October 23.
iPhone 18 Pros
Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Notably, this event does not include the base model iPhone 18, which is expected to launch in the spring of 2027.
This year's Pro models feature a new A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2-nanometer process.
The Neural Engine's processing power has doubled, now featuring dual 16-core configurations. The RAM has been increased to 12 GB, which is significant given the ongoing memory crisis. This increase in RAM allows for more advanced AI models to be run on-device.
As a result of the decrease in transistor size, battery life has been improved.
iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro |
Up to 33 hours of video playback | Up to 36 hours of video playback |
iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
Up to 39 hours of video playback | Up to 45 hours of video playback |
Shrinking the process lets Apple fit more transistors in the same space and run each one on less power. The chip gets more done for every watt it draws, which is where the battery gains come from.
Apple has relocated one Face ID component beneath the display, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the size of the Dynamic Island. The 48MP main camera now features a variable aperture, allowing it to adjust from f/1.48 to f/4, which enhances depth control and improves low-light performance.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are equipped with a larger vapor chamber that covers most of the back's surface area. This design helps the phone dissipate heat more efficiently through the chassis, directing heat away from the chip.
This year, the iPhone Pro models have experienced a $100 price increase, likely due to rising memory costs. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299.
Some analysts suggest that the upgrades to this year’s iPhone Pro models may appear less significant as anticipation builds for the rumored iPhone XX (20), which is expected to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone next year.
What do you think of the iPhone Duo?
I want an iPhone Duo
Not really a phone for me
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