Apple is set to host its ‘Surprise and shine’ event today, with several new hardware products expected to be unveiled. The biggest highlight could be the company’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. New Apple Watch models and AirPods are also expected.
iPhone Duo
Apple is reportedly planning to call its first foldable phone the iPhone Duo. Earlier reports had suggested the name iPhone Ultra. The device is expected to use a passport-sized, book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. When opened, it could have a short and wide form factor suited for video viewing and running multiple apps side by side. Its price is reportedly expected to start at around $2,000.
iPhone 18 Pro models
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain the familiar candy-bar design with minor visual changes. A key update could be a smaller Dynamic Island, which may support 3 live tasks at the top of the display instead of 2.
Both models are expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chipset and offer longer battery life. A redesigned vapour chamber could improve thermal management during demanding workloads.
The cameras are also expected to receive new lenses and software features for professional users. The Pro Max could additionally get a variable aperture system for greater depth-of-field control and improved low-light photography.
The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and 2nd-generation iPhone Air are reportedly not planned for this event and are expected next year.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 are not expected to receive major design changes. Updates could include new cases, bands and colours. The Series 12 may bring back a ceramic case, while the Watch Ultra 4 could offer improved battery life.
Health and fitness will reportedly remain a key focus. A new Readiness app could provide deeper insights using sensor data, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The feature was also spotted in watchOS 27 beta code.
A redesigned Health app for iPhone is expected alongside a privacy-focused system that can analyse a user’s day and create a summary, including conversation information. It reportedly will not record, store or provide transcripts of audio.
AirPods 5
AirPods 5 could arrive in 2 variants, with and without wireless charging, along with improved active noise cancellation (ANC).
Higher-end AirPods with camera sensors, originally planned for this event, are now reportedly delayed until next year. The cameras could help analyse the surrounding environment.
The ‘Surprise and shine’ event is scheduled to begin at 10:30 pm IST in India.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.