Apple launches foldable iPhone Duo

The iPhone 18 Pro is more of the same (but pricier than ever)

Unlike previous Apple launches, the standard iPhone 18 model is due to be revealed at a later date. Reports indicate that it will release early next year.

The Wednesday showcase instead focused on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Aside from the price, the only difference between the two versions is size: the Pro has a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display.

Both phones have a smaller and less intrusive “Dynamic Island” selfie camera cutout at the top of the screen compared to older models. And like the iPhone Duo, they are powered by Apple’s latest A20 Pro chip, which should be up to 40 per cent faster than the previous iPhone 17 Pro.

The biggest change is with the camera system. The main camera now features a “variable aperture”, which allows you to manually adjust the amount of light passing through the lens, much like a regular camera. This means you should get better nighttime images with extra detail and more control.

Apple says that the 18 Pro Max has the longest-lasting battery life of any iPhone to date, thanks to a new internal heat management system, revamped battery design and efficiencies with the new A20 Pro chip. Battery life is quoted at 36 hours for the 18 Pro when playing video, and 45 hours for the 18 Pro Max. It also charges faster, providing 50 per cent charge after just 15 minutes plugged in.

Elsewhere, the colour-matched aluminium and back glass comes in two new colour choices: burgundy and blue, alongside black and silver.

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are more expensive than last year’s models. The 18 Pro costs £1,199 (a £100 increase), while the 18 Pro Max starts at £1,299. Rival smartphone firm Samsung raised the price of its Galaxy S26 Ultra by £30 earlier this year.

This change aligns with Apple recently raising prices of the iPad and MacBook by up to £300. At the time, CEO Tim Cook said that the price increases were due to the soaring costs of memory chips, which are in high demand thanks to the AI data centre boom.

New AirPods and Apple Watches

Apple also revealed new AirPods headphones. Called the AirPods 5, these headphones come with active noise-cancelling technology, which the company says has been improved by 50 per cent compared to the previous AirPods 4.

AirPods 5 now automatically adjust between noise-cancelling and transparency modes, depending on where you are, and support Apple Intelligence features, such as asking for restaurants nearby. Live translation is also supported.

Apple says the AirPods 5 are more durable than ever and now offer four hours of listening with noise cancellation switched on.

The AirPods 5 start at £129. A slightly more expensive model, which comes with a wireless charging case, an additional hour of battery life and on-device touch controls, costs £149.