Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro both pack triple rear-camera systems with roughly 48-50MP sensors and telephoto lenses reaching high zoom levels, but their approaches differ sharply. Google leans on AI to automate exposure, night shots, and zoom via features like Instant Night Sight and Pro Zoom, while Apple adds a variable-aperture lens and manual controls for shutter speed and white balance alongside a new anti-fakery Reference Image tool.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-11
Apple has begun selling accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in its stores, a week before the phones launch and a day before pre-orders open. The lineup includes a $49 Silicone Case, a redesigned Clear Case with MagSafe, a $59 TechWoven Case, updated FineWoven Wallets, and a new $29 Wrist Strap made from recycled polyester with embedded magnets.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
Apple opens iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pre-orders Saturday at 8 a.m. ET, a day later than usual due to the date falling on 9/11. Customers can use Apple's 'Get Ready' feature in the Apple Store app or website to pre-select their model, accessories, financing and trade-in details ahead of time, speeding up checkout once orders go live. That setup window closes Friday night at 9 p.m. PT, despite a press release typo listing the cutoff as 9 a.m.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
Apple quietly confirmed in a footnote to its iPhone 18 Pro announcement that existing iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users will keep free access to its satellite connectivity features for an extra year beyond the standard two-year trial. The extension applies automatically to anyone who activated their device before midnight PT on September 9 in a supported country, marking the third time Apple has prolonged this free trial.
zdnet.com
· 2026-09-11
A photography guide explains that Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro has a slightly wider variable aperture (f/1.48 vs f/1.78) than its predecessor, theoretically producing shallower depth of field. However, it outlines four techniques—Portrait mode, Macro mode, shooting close to a subject, and using the telephoto lens—that let owners of older iPhones create similar background-blur effects without upgrading.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
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.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-11
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.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-11
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.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
Apple confirmed in a footnote to its iPhone 18 Pro press release that it is once again extending free access to its satellite features, this time covering iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users for an additional year. The offer applies to devices activated in supported countries before midnight PT on September 9, and includes Emergency SOS, Find My, Roadside Assistance, and Messages via satellite.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
A comparison of the flagship-sized iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra shows both share a 6.9-inch screen but differ in build: Apple mixes aluminum and glass while Samsung uses an all-glass back. Samsung's phone is lighter and thinner, has a marginally higher-resolution AMOLED display, and retains the S Pen stylus, while Apple's OLED screen edges ahead on peak brightness at 3,000 nits versus 2,600 nits.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-10
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro Max debuted at $1,299, a $100 jump from last year's model, putting its 256GB version near the price of Samsung's $1,300 Galaxy S26 Ultra. The two flagships now compete closely on battery life and cameras, despite differing designs: the 18 Pro Max uses an aluminum unibody with a 6.8-inch OLED screen, while the lighter S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a unique Privacy Display mode.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-10
Apple released a condensed 95-second highlight video summarizing its 'Surprise and Shine' event, which ran nearly 80 minutes and introduced the foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Alongside the short recap, Apple posted individual segment videos for each product announcement on its YouTube channel.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-10
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