The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max took centre stage at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event, held in September 2026, alongside the company’s first foldable handset, the iPhone Duo. While the foldable served as the headline attraction, the Pro models emerged as the practical highlight of the launch, despite a price increase applied across much of the range.
The event marked the debut of John Ternus as chief executive, following a cinematic opening that promoted the new variable-aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Tim Cook introduced Ternus, who came up through product design, a background that showed during the presentation. Attendees were offered notably specific hardware detail on chips, device construction and cooling systems, more so than in many earlier launches.
Much of the presentation recapped software capabilities. Apple demonstrated iOS 27 and WatchOS 27, both announced at WWDC in June, running on the new hardware. The event also featured video filmed across numerous locations around Los Angeles, reinforcing the association between Apple and professional-grade cameras.
What the iPhone Duo brings back
Beyond being Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo reintroduces Touch ID, a feature that disappeared alongside the iPhone’s Home button. The last handset to carry it was the iPhone SE, discontinued in 2022. On the Duo, Touch ID replaces Face ID rather than supplementing it, and users can register multiple fingerprints.
The foldable also automatically adjusts its display to its orientation. Priced at roughly £1,570, the Duo is positioned as the premium centrepiece of this year’s line-up, though its cost has drawn considerable commentary online.
Preorders and shipping
Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and the new Apple Watches begin shortly, with shipping a week later. The iPhone Duo opens for preorder later, with shipping scheduled for the end of October. Cases for the new devices are also available.
Apple used the launch to raise prices across much of the rest of the iPhone line, a move set against a backdrop of elevated memory costs affecting the wider industry. The iPhone Duo is available to preorder from later in the launch window and ships at the end of October 2026.
