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Tech News
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first folding phone, at a recent event, drawing comparisons to both Microsoft's 2020 dual-screen Duo and Apple's own iPad Mini. The device supports Apple Pencil input and some split-screen app functionality reminiscent of iPad multitasking, though Apple describes it only as 'inspired by' the iPad rather than a replacement for it. Pricing is expected to start around $2,000.
Apple used its latest launch event, led by new CEO John Ternus, to unveil the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, alongside updated iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture camera and new Apple Watches featuring an expanded sensor array. The Watches also gain an always-on microphone capable of summarizing conversations, a feature The Verge's team discussed at length on this week's Vergecast alongside a segment on running local AI models on Mac.
Apple's event introduced a feature called Reference Image, which creates an unalterable digital record of a photo so users can check whether it's been altered with AI, alongside an AppleCare One Family plan and a new foldable device called iPhone Duo. The writer, a longtime Android user, says these announcements impressed them despite Android often introducing similar concepts first.
Apple's iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff, letting users share one eSIM number across two iPhones, switching which device is active at any time while calls, texts, and data sync automatically. T-Mobile confirmed it will charge customers an extra $5 per month to use this feature when it launches with iOS 27 on September 14. The feature will also be available through Deutsche Telekom in Germany, though pricing details there weren't specified.
Apple has started taking preorders for its new AirPods 5 earbuds ahead of a September 18th launch, the same day as the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The lineup includes a $129 standard model that now includes active noise cancellation, a feature previously reserved for pricier variants, and a $149 upgraded version with wireless charging, longer battery life, and stem-based touch controls for volume.
Apple and Google have each released premium foldable phones—the iPhone Duo and Pixel 11 Pro Fold—that carry IP68 durability ratings, a first for foldables in terms of dust and water protection. The Duo starts at $1,999 with preorders opening Oct. 16 ahead of an Oct. 23 launch, while the $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold is already on sale. The two differ mainly in form factor: the Pixel uses a book-style fold with a standard-size cover screen, while the Duo has a shorter, wider passport-style design.
A veteran smart-home reviewer argues that Apple's next major hardware push should be a dedicated home computer that processes data locally rather than another cloud-connected screen. She notes that new CEO John Ternus described the iPhone using language—an 'intelligent personal hub' focused on local processing and privacy—that better fits a smart home hub than a phone. The piece also points to Anker's Eufy MindBase, shown at IFA Berlin, as an early example of this 'super hub' category supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, Zigbee and Matter.
Samsung released a new commercial for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starring a man named 'Tim Cook from Palmerston North,' timed to coincide with Apple's iPhone Duo announcement. The ad parodies Apple's cinematic product-launch style, with this Tim Cook declaring 'the future is here,' and includes a jab referencing Apple CEO Tim Cook's recently updated profile picture.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its Sept. 9 event, both running WatchOS 27 with features that work independently of a paired iPhone. Unlike this year's iPhones, which saw price increases, both watches kept their previous starting prices—$400 for the Series 12 and $800 for the Ultra 4—with preorders open now and shipping Sept. 18.
In a joint interview, new Apple CEO John Ternus and marketing chief Greg Joswiak explained why Apple chose now to launch its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Ternus said the device only moved forward once hardware, software and design met Apple's quality bar, while Joswiak criticized rival foldables as feeling cheap and flimsy.
In a special episode of Happy Hour, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller share hands-on impressions of Apple's newly unveiled iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5, including reporting from Apple Park. The episode also examines how John Ternus handled his first product event as Apple's CEO.
Apple's new CEO John Ternus and marketing chief Greg Joswiak told TechRadar and Tom's Guide that competitors like Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi announced similarly proportioned foldable phones before Apple's iPhone Duo, due to shared suppliers leaking design details. Joswiak said Apple did manage to keep the phone's unique folding nano-texture display a secret through extra security measures.