Apple Introduces iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo and AirPods 5
Apple introduced its latest generation of devices at its September 2026 launch event, headlined by the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, the first-ever foldable iPhone Duo, and AirPods 5.
The new products bring major updates across performance, cameras, battery life, AI features, and audio. The biggest surprise is iPhone Duo, which introduces an entirely new foldable form factor to the iPhone lineup, while iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max focus on camera control, performance, and longer battery life. AirPods 5 also receive a significant upgrade, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to both models for the first time.
1. New Apple Devices at a Glance
| Model | Starting Price (U.S.) | Key Experience |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | Pro camera system, A20 Pro performance, AI features |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 | Larger display and the longest battery life in an iPhone |
| iPhone Duo | $1,999 | Apple’s first foldable iPhone with dual displays |
| AirPods 5 | $129 | Open-ear ANC and improved audio |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | $149 | Longer battery life, wireless charging and volume control |
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available beginning September 18, with preorders starting September 12. AirPods 5 will also be available beginning September 18. iPhone Duo arrives later, with preorders beginning October 16 and availability starting October 23.
2. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: What’s New?
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup focuses its biggest improvements on camera performance, battery life, processing power, and Apple Intelligence.
Both iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are powered by the new A20 Pro chip and feature an upgraded thermal system with a next-generation vapor chamber. Apple says the combination delivers the highest sustained performance ever in an iPhone. Both models also feature a smaller Dynamic Island and are available in four finishes: Black, Silver, Glacier, and the new Burgundy.
A20 Pro Performance
At the center of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is A20 Pro, Apple’s new 2-nanometer chip.
The chip features a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to support demanding graphics and on-device AI workloads. Apple has also paired A20 Pro with improved thermal management to help maintain performance during gaming, content creation, and other intensive tasks.
Apple is putting a greater focus on AI with iOS 27 as well. Siri AI is designed to work with personal context and perform actions across supported apps, making the iPhone an increasingly personalized AI device.
A New Variable Aperture Camera
One of the most notable upgrades to iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture.
For the first time on iPhone, users can adjust the physical aperture of the main camera to provide more control over depth of field and low-light photography. The available aperture settings include ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8, and ƒ/4.0.
The Pro camera system also includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto camera with up to 8x optical-quality zoom. An 18MP Center Stage front camera handles selfies and video calls.
For photographers and creators, this makes the iPhone 18 Pro lineup one of Apple’s most significant camera upgrades in recent generations.
Improved Battery Life
Battery life is another major focus this year.
Apple says iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the longest battery life ever in an iPhone, with up to 43 hours of video playback. Improvements to Apple silicon, internal efficiency, and battery capacity contribute to the increase.
The Pro Max remains the choice for users who prioritize maximum screen size and battery life, while the smaller iPhone 18 Pro provides most of the same performance and camera capabilities in a more compact form.
iPhone 18 Pro Pricing
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 in the U.S.
Both are available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options. Preorders begin September 12, with availability beginning September 18.
3. iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
The biggest change to the iPhone lineup this year is not another traditional smartphone.
iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone and introduces the largest display ever offered on an iPhone.
When closed, iPhone Duo uses a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR outer display designed for one-handed everyday use. Open the device and it expands into a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR foldable display — around 50 percent larger than the display on iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On display functionality, and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness.
The inner display also features a nano-texture finish designed to reduce reflections and make the fold less visually distracting.
Built for Different Ways to Use an iPhone
Unlike a traditional iPhone, Duo can be used folded, fully opened, or positioned at different angles.
Apple redesigned parts of iOS 27 around the new form factor. Users can place apps side by side for multitasking, adjust the device for hands-free FaceTime calls and media viewing, and take advantage of different viewing positions without holding the phone.
Apple Pencil with USB-C support is also planned for iPhone Duo, adding another option for taking notes, sketching, and marking up documents on the larger display.
Instead of Face ID, iPhone Duo uses Touch ID integrated into the side button, allowing fingerprint authentication whether the device is open or closed.
Performance and Cameras
Despite its different form factor, iPhone Duo uses the same A20 Pro chip found in iPhone 18 Pro.
It also features a custom vapor chamber and dual-battery architecture to help balance performance, thermal management, and battery life within the foldable design.
The camera setup includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, along with a 12MP Center Stage front camera and an under-display FaceTime camera.
Its foldable design also enables features that are unique to Duo, such as using the outer display as a live camera preview while taking photos with the main camera.
Design and Durability
iPhone Duo uses a Grade 5 titanium frame and precision hinge built from more than 100 components. Ceramic Shield protects the rear of the device, while Ceramic Shield 2 protects the outer display.
Apple also gives iPhone Duo an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance. When opened, the device measures just 5.2mm thick.
It is available in two finishes: Star White and Night Sky.
iPhone Duo Pricing and Release Date
iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S. for 256GB of storage, with 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations also available.
Preorders begin October 16, and the device will be available starting October 23.
4. iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between the new models mainly comes down to how you plan to use your iPhone.
iPhone 18 Pro is the better fit for users who want flagship performance and Apple’s new camera system without moving to a larger device.
iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the same core Pro experience with a larger display and Apple’s longest iPhone battery life, making it particularly suited for heavy users, mobile creators, gaming, and media consumption.
iPhone Duo is built for users looking for something fundamentally different. Its 7.6-inch foldable display provides significantly more room for multitasking, gaming, reading, and content viewing, while still folding into a compact form for carrying.
At $1,999, however, Duo sits firmly above the Pro lineup as Apple’s new premium foldable option.
5. AirPods 5: Active Noise Cancellation Comes Standard
Apple also introduced AirPods 5 with substantial upgrades to its open-ear wireless earbuds.
The biggest change is Active Noise Cancellation. Unlike the previous generation, both AirPods 5 models include ANC, making noise cancellation available at the new $129 starting price.
Apple says AirPods 5 can remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. They also feature an improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Spatial Audio.
Sound quality has also been updated with a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ designed to provide richer, more detailed audio across different ear shapes.
Siri AI and Live Translation
When paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, AirPods 5 can access Siri AI hands-free.
Users can ask questions using information from their messages, emails, photos, and supported apps without taking out their iPhone. Live Translation is also supported, allowing AirPods and a compatible iPhone to help facilitate conversations across supported languages.
Two AirPods 5 Options
Apple is offering two versions of AirPods 5.
The standard AirPods 5 costs $129 and includes Active Noise Cancellation with a USB-C charging case.
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case costs $149 and adds wireless charging, longer battery life, and a Force sensor that lets users adjust volume directly by swiping on the stem.
The wireless charging version provides up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled on a single charge and up to 22 hours with the charging case. The case works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible wireless chargers, and USB-C.
Both models will be available beginning September 18.
6. Protect Your New iPhone 18 Pro with elago
A new iPhone is also a good reason to make sure it is protected from everyday drops, scratches, and wear.
elago already offers a full selection of cases and protective accessories for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with many designs also compatible with the corresponding iPhone 17 Pro models.
The classic MagSafe Silicone Case is available in more than 30 colors, combining a soft-touch silicone finish with built-in magnets for easy use with MagSafe chargers and accessories.
For those who want to show off their iPhone’s original color, the MagSafe Hybrid Clear Case combines a rigid polycarbonate back with a shock-absorbing TPU bumper and built-in magnets for MagSafe-compatible charging, wallets, battery packs, and mounts.
Other options include the MagSafe Pebble Case, MagSafe Ridge Silicone Case, MagSafe Leather Case, and MagSafe Urban Clear Case, giving users different choices in texture, color, and everyday protection.
And because protecting a new iPhone goes beyond the case itself, elago also offers Tempered Glass+ Screen Protectors, Privacy Glass+ Screen Protectors, and Camera Lens Protectors designed to help protect the areas most exposed to scratches and everyday damage.
7. Complete Your AirPods 5 Setup with elago
AirPods go almost everywhere with you, making the charging case especially easy to scratch, drop, or misplace.
elago’s AirPods 5 case collection adds protection while giving the minimal white charging case a completely different look.
The Silicone Hang Case is available in multiple colors and uses shock-absorbing silicone to help protect against everyday drops and scratches. An included carabiner makes it easy to attach AirPods to a backpack, purse, or bag. The case is compatible with both AirPods 5 and AirPods 4.
For something with more personality, the AW5 Hang Case turns the AirPods charging case into a retro handheld-game-inspired design while using durable silicone for added protection. It is also compatible with AirPods 5 and AirPods 4.
Whether you choose the camera-focused iPhone 18 Pro, the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple’s completely new iPhone Duo, or the upgraded AirPods 5, protecting your new device from day one can help keep it looking and working its best.
Explore elago’s latest cases and accessories to find protection designed around your new Apple setup.