Apple’s biggest event of the year happened today and there are a lot of exciting new releases.
What Did Apple Announce Today?
Apple just released a new foldable iPhone, updated iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5, and free iOS 27 and macOS 27 upgrades. Here’s what each one actually means for you.
iPhone Duo
This passport-sized iPhone opens up to something much bigger: a 5.4″ screen on the outside and a 7.6″ display inside — similar in size to an iPad mini. It’s taken eight years to solve the one thing that’s held every foldable back — a visible crease down the middle. Unfolded, it’s thinner than anything Apple’s ever made, yet still roomy enough for real multitasking, comfortable reading, browsing, and email side by side. iOS 27’s interface has even been redesigned to take advantage of the new proportions. If you’re even vaguely curious, check out Apple’s website to see all the insanely clever things they’ve done with this new form factor.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max
A20 Pro chip with up to 20% faster 6-core CPU, dual 16-core neural engine for incredible AI performance, 48MP main camera with variable aperture that gives you real optical control over your photos, smaller dynamic island, and the longest battery life ever with a 50% recharge possible in around 15 minutes.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
All-new Health Sensing System delivers the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable. More frequent heart rate variability, or HRV, readings combined with a personal readiness tracker provide insights on stress and recovery in a completely redesigned Health app. S11 chip with brand-new Audio Intelligence features includes Live Rewind that transcribes what was said in the last 15 seconds, and Siri Recap that transforms conversations into high-level notes. Series 12 provides 24-hour battery life with 15-minute fast charging giving up to 12 additional hours of battery life. Ultra 4 has battery life up to 50 hours of normal use and can fast-charge in just 15 minutes for up to 18 hours of use.
AirPods 5
New multi-port acoustic architecture with next-generation adaptive EQ for better sound quality. 50% improvement in Active Noise Cancellation. More durable design. AirPods 5 start at $129, while $149 adds on-stem volume control, longer battery life, and a wireless charging case.
macOS 27 Golden Gate and iOS 27
The headline feature across both is Siri AI — a completely rebuilt Siri that holds real conversations instead of one-shot commands, understands what’s on your screen, and can pull answers from the web. Add smarter Spotlight, upgraded Writing Tools, improved connectivity, and Visual Intelligence baked into more apps.
When Will The Standard iPhone 18 Arrive?
Apple is now splitting its iPhone release schedule. iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2 will not be released until Spring 2027.
What Are The Pre-Order and Release Dates?
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max – Pre-Orders start on Saturday, September 12th at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Release date is Friday, September 18th.
iPhone Duo – Pre-Orders start on Friday, October 16th at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Release date is Friday, October 23rd. Expect extremely high demand. If you don’t pre-order, you may have to wait weeks or months to get one.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 – Pre-Order now. Release date is Friday, September 18th.
AirPods 5 – Pre-Order now. Release date is Friday, September 18th.
macOS 27 Golden Gate and iOS 27 – Both free upgrades are available on September 14th — macOS 27 requires an Apple Silicon Mac. I don’t recommend upgrading right away — new operating systems typically have bugs that take Apple a few updates to iron out.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re on anything older than an iPhone 15 Pro — including a regular iPhone 15 — none of this year’s AI features are available to you. No software update will change that. If you’re already on an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, you’ll get almost all the AI features when you install the free upgrade to iOS 27; the new Pro phones mainly offer faster chips and better cameras, not the AI itself. It’s worth pointing out that the iPhone Duo is a completely new form factor that you might really enjoy.
Beyond the features, Apple’s prices have gone up — and with three genuinely different iPhones this year, it’s worth taking some time to consider what you actually use on a day-to-day basis. If you mostly text, browse, and take photos, the Pro likely covers everything you need. If you’re constantly juggling apps, reading long documents, or want an ipad-like screen in your pocket, the Duo’s size might be worth the jump. And if last year’s phone still does everything you need, there’s no rule that says you have to upgrade at all.
