New Apple chief Ternus debuts foldable iPhone and Pro phones
Developing story first seen 38 minutes ago
Apple has confirmed further details from its first product launch under new chief executive John Ternus, expanding beyond the previously reported iPhone Duo foldable to include updated iPhone 18 Pro models, refreshed AirPods, and new Apple Watch devices. Alongside the Duo, which remains Apple's headline foldable device, the company has skipped a standard iPhone 18 in favour of two Pro-tier handsets built around what it calls its biggest camera upgrade in years, while also bringing active noise cancellation to its entry-level AirPods for the first time.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a 48-megapixel main camera with variable aperture, a new A20 chip, and a Dynamic Island capable of showing three live activities at once; they start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively and go on sale on 18 September. The base AirPods 5 now include active noise cancellation and cost $129, while a pricier $149 version adds on-stem volume control and wireless charging, both arriving the same day. Apple also introduced Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 with a new "Siri Recap" feature that transcribes and summarises conversations, complementing the iPhone Duo detailed in earlier coverage, which starts at $1,999 and ships from 23 October.
- Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, AirPods 5 and new Apple Watches
- New AirPods 5 gain active noise cancellation for the first time
- iPhone Duo foldable, from $1,999, remains headline launch, ships 23 October
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Apple's iPhone Duo, a folding handset, marks its first big product launch under John Ternus, who took over as chief executive from Tim Cook. Rather than releasing a standard iPhone 18 alongside it, Apple has focused its regular phone range on two higher-end "Pro" models, positioning the fold as a separate, premium addition to the line-up.
The wider announcement also covers new AirPods and Apple Watch models, released at the same time as the phones. These updates matter because Apple is one of the world's biggest technology companies, and changes to its product strategy and leadership can influence pricing, design trends and competition across the smartphone and wearable tech industry.
Foldable phones remain a relatively new category, with rivals such as Samsung already selling similar devices. Apple's entry into this market, alongside a change in its usual line-up structure, is being watched as an early signal of direction under its new chief executive.
Coverage
- The Guardian — Apple unveils foldable iPhone as new CEO Ternus makes debut
- The Verge — Hands-on with the foldable iPhone Duo
- The Verge — Apple iPhone Duo launch event: The 5 biggest announcements