The 2026 portfolio includes the foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5
Apple has unveiled its 2026 device portfolio, led by the company’s first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, two new Apple Watch models and AirPods 5.
The announcements introduce Apple’s A20 Pro processor, new AI and camera capabilities, advanced health sensing, and an expanded range of devices powered by iOS 27 and watchOS 27.
Apple enters foldable market with iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo marks Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone category. The device features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, with both screens sharing the same aspect ratio to maintain visual continuity when switching between them.
Apple said the inner Super Retina XDR display is 50 per cent larger than the display on iPhone 18 Pro Max, while a nano-texture finish is designed to reduce glare and make the screen crease less visible. Both displays support ProMotion, Always-On technology and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness.
“iPhone Duo is the most transformational change to iPhone since the original. With an entirely new design and intuitive experiences, it shows what’s possible when hardware and software are engineered together and redefines what it means to use a foldable phone,” said John Ternus, CEO, Apple.
The device is constructed from grade 5 titanium and incorporates a precision hinge containing more than 100 components. Ceramic Shield protects the rear, while Ceramic Shield 2 on the front is claimed to offer three times greater scratch resistance than the previous generation. The handset carries an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.
A 48MP Fusion Main camera and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera support new functions enabled by the foldable design. These include Smart Take, which uses on-device AI to detect when subjects are posing; Duo Preview, which displays the camera view on the outer screen; and the ability to take selfies using the rear cameras.
The handset supports 4K video recording at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision and allows Cinematic effects to be applied after capture at up to 60 frames per second.
Apple has adapted iOS 27 for the folding format, including Split View for running two applications side by side. Apple applications have been optimised for the device, while third-party services including Netflix, Zoom and Slack are already supporting the larger display and multitasking capabilities.
Powered by the A20 Pro processor, iPhone Duo also features a custom vapour chamber and dual-battery architecture. Apple claims up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner screen or 44 hours through the outer display.
The eSIM-only device will be available in star white and night sky, starting at Dh8,499. Pre-orders begin on October 16, with availability from October 23.
iPhone 18 Pro introduces variable-aperture camera
Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture.
Six aperture blades allow the camera to adjust depth of field and light intake, either automatically or through four manual aperture settings in the Camera application. New Pro controls also provide access to shutter speed, white balance and exposure information.
The camera system adds upgraded Photographic Styles, new texture and grain controls, 4K Dolby Vision HDR time-lapse recording and the ability to apply Cinematic effects after capture.
Apple Reference Image, meanwhile, is designed to help users verify the authenticity of photographs. When Reference mode is selected, the camera captures signed sensor data to create a reference version that can be compared with the final image to identify edits. Apple said image metadata and planned support for Google’s SynthID standard will also help identify AI-generated or edited images.
Both Pro models run on the 2-nanometre A20 Pro chip, which provides 50 per cent more memory bandwidth than A19 Pro. Its dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers twice the AI processing capability of the previous generation, according to Apple.
The devices also incorporate Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, together with the C2 cellular modem system.
Battery life reaches up to 36 hours of video playback on the eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The models are available in black, silver, glacier and burgundy, with storage capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
iPhone 18 Pro starts at Dh5,099, while iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Dh5,499. Pre-orders begin on September 12, followed by retail availability on September 18.
Apple Watch gains new health sensing system
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduce Apple’s Health Sensing System, powered by the new S11 chip.
The system includes redesigned optical and electrical heart sensors and measures heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. Heart rate variability can be measured up to 24 times more frequently, supporting separate recovery and overall HRV readings.
A new readiness feature analyses activity, training load, vital signs and sleep data to generate a daily score from zero to 10. Recommendations include Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready and Go For It, with the score updating when new health and activity data becomes available.
“Apple Watch Series 12 is the most advanced health and fitness companion we’ve ever created,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing.
Apple Watch Series 12 provides up to 24 hours of everyday battery life and up to 10 hours during an outdoor workout. Fifteen minutes of charging can add up to 12 hours of battery life.
The Series 12 starts at Dh1,599 and will be available in 42mm and 46mm sizes across aluminium, titanium and ceramic options.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 extends everyday battery life to 50 hours or up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode. Its Max Extended Workout mode supports outdoor workout tracking for up to 45 hours while continuing to record GPS data every second.
Available in natural and black titanium, Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at Dh3,199. Both watches are available for pre-order, with in-store availability beginning September 18.
watchOS 27 introduces a dynamic application grid, new one-handed tap gesture, Smart Stack suggestions and support for perimenopause and menopause within Cycle Tracking. Sound Recognition will also alert deaf or hard-of-hearing users to sounds such as alarms, sirens, doorbells or a baby crying.
AirPods 5 improve open-ear noise cancellation
The new AirPods 5 introduce a multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ to improve sound quality across different ear shapes.
Apple claims the open-ear Active Noise Cancellation system removes up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. The earbuds also include an improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, which lowers media volume when the wearer begins speaking.
“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation, one of our most beloved features, to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering.
AirPods 5 are priced at Dh539. A version with a Wireless Charging Case, longer battery life and on-stem volume control costs Dh629.
The wireless charging model provides up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 22 hours when used with the case. It supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers and USB-C.
AirPods 5 can be pre-ordered immediately, with retail availability beginning September 18.
Source: Tahawul Tech
