Apple launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the ‘Surprise and Shine’ event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on Wednesday. The event marked the first major iPhone launch under CEO John Ternus, following Tim Cook’s departure.
The iPhone Duo starts at USD 1,999, while the price in India starts at Rs. 2,99,900. Apple describes it as its thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded and the biggest design change to its flagship product.
Ternus said other foldable phones “just feel like two phones awkwardly stuck together”. Apple aimed for a display “that feels as natural and intuitive as (the) iPad.” The hinge plays a key role in ergonomics and robustness.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at USD 1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at USD 1299. In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs. 1,64,900 and the Pro Max at Rs. 1,79,900. Both models offer 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black.
Apple introduced a mechanical variable aperture for the main camera, allowing the lens opening to adjust the amount of light reaching the sensor. The Camera app also gets ‘Pro controls’ for photography and videos, including shutter speed for more motion blur.
Also Read: Apple’s Foldable iPhone Name: Why ‘Duo’ Could Beat ‘Ultra,’ ‘Fold’
Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 receive three Health Sensing System additions: increased electrode surface area for ECG, more efficient photodiodes, and background heart-rate readings every 5 seconds, 60x more than before. Apple said this is the most accurate heart-rate sensor in any wearable.
AirPods 5 feature improved noise cancellation through new acoustic architecture, with 50% more noise cancellation. Customers can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case for Rs. 17,900, with stores receiving them on Friday, September 18.
Apple also introduced Apple Reference Image to prove the authenticity of images taken with the new iPhone 18 Pro cameras. The company said it will support SynthID for identifying AI-created or edited images. Apple Reference Image will not be available in the EU or China. The event also focused on privacy and Apple Intelligence.