At its first fall event with CEO John Ternus, Apple launched its highly anticipated foldable iPhone Duo alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, upgraded AirPods, and smartwatches incorporating AI-driven audio intelligence.
- Apple's foldable iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and under-display camera.
- iPhone 18 Pro lineup highlights a variable aperture 48MP camera with advanced video capabilities.
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 add AI-powered audio features like live conversation rewind.
What happened
Apple revealed multiple new products at its fall event, led by the launch of its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. This device boasts a 7.6-inch Retina inner display complemented by a 5.4-inch outer screen, with an under-display camera designed to maximize screen real estate. The Duo features a sophisticated hinge made of Grade 5 aluminum and offers up to 44 hours of video playback using the outer display.
Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro series with enhanced 48-megapixel camera sensors featuring a variable aperture mechanism for improved low-light photography. Additionally, Apple announced the AirPods 5, which provide stronger active noise cancellation and volume controls on the stem. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 were updated with AI-powered audio intelligence capabilities, including conversation rewind and sound recognition features.
Why it matters
The introduction of the iPhone Duo marks Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone category, a space that has been developing rapidly but where Apple has notably lagged behind some competitors. With a large inner display and refined hardware engineering, Apple is positioning this device as a premium and versatile smartphone that could redefine user expectations around foldables.
The improvements in camera technology in the iPhone 18 Pro also emphasize Apple's continued focus on professional-grade photography and videography capabilities on mobile devices. The integration of AI-driven audio features in its smartwatch lineup reflects Apple's effort to push the wearable market forward by leveraging AI to enhance everyday user interactions and assistive technologies, especially for people with hearing impairments.
What to watch next
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo open on October 16, with availability starting on October 23. Consumer response to Apple's foldable phone pricing and performance will be pivotal to understanding the broader market potential for Apple's foldable category. Observers should also monitor how the iPhone 18 Pro's new camera functionalities impact mobile photography trends and content creation.
The implementation of AI features in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, such as live rewind and sound recognition, sets the stage for more sophisticated wearable experiences. Future software updates and competitive responses from other brands will be key indicators of how AI-enhanced audio functionalities evolve in smartwatches and other audio devices.