Apple has unveiled the biggest update to the iPhone since it first launched nearly two decades ago.
The company unveiled its first ever foldable iPhone, called the iPhone Duo, at an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, as well as a new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and updates to its Apple Watch and AirPods.
The new folding design has been years in the making, following similar devices from rivals like Samsung and Huawei, and will cost $2,000 when it goes on sale next month.
It was the first keynote hosted by new boss John Ternus, who took over as the head of the company at the start of September.
But it is the new device that was the main event, offering a glimpse at the future of the product that will decide the company’s future.
The event was live-streamed online but you can read about all the major announcements below.
Key Points
- What to know about Apple's first foldable phone
- Event also marks debut for company's new CEO
- iPhone Duo unveiled
iPhone Duo is complete redesign of Apple's most iconic device
19:06 , Anthony CuthbertsonApple has had to do a lot of redesigning to get all of its apps, cameras and other software and hardware to fit in the new foldable form.
You can read all about it here:
Here’s Apple’s most dramatic iPhone redesign ever
Full first impressions review of iPhone Duo
22:00 , Andrew GriffinHere are my more extended thoughts on what the iPhone Duo actually feels like. In short: very nice. I still don’t know why I want one, but I know now that I do.
This is how it actually feels to fold an iPhone for the first time
When will iOS 27 be released?
21:11 , Andrew GriffinApple also had an announcement for people with old phones, as well as those wanting new ones. As part of today’s launch, it revealed the release date for the upcoming iOS 27 update.
You can read all about it here.
Apple is about to bring a huge change to your iPhone
iPhone Duo first impressions
20:42 , Andrew GriffinI’ve just had a go with the iPhone Duo, here at Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater in California. First impressions are: it’s good. It’s really good.
Clicking it open and closed is so satisfying. And, perhaps more importantly, it feels really strong: you’re not going to be worrying about the hinge giving up over time, I don't think.
Once it is open, that unfolded screen is really nice. There’s no visible crease at all.
The software experience of using it is really nice. In the video – and, honestly, in watching other people try out the phone as I queued up in the scrum – it all looked a little complicated, but it isn’t.
Features like sticking two apps side-by-side on the big screen look a bit convoluted, for instance. But once you’ve tried the little flicks required to do it, it become second nature within seconds.
Overall, the whole hardware and software experience is so deeply integrated that it stops feeling strange very quickly. In a few minutes of using it, it just felt sort of inevitable (and like I wanted one).
Of course, there’s a bigger question of whether all this stuff is actually useful; how often are you really likely to need to use all that space? But that’s the sort of thing that only really becomes clear with use – so we’ll let you know in a full review, once those second, third and fourth impressions are in.
More to come later, as I write up all those thoughts from my first fold.
A better look of the iPhone Duo
20:42 , Anthony CuthbertsonApple has cut together this handy 3 minute vid of the new iPhone Duo, showing exactly how it works and what it can do:
Joz gives a round-up
20:28 , Anthony CuthbertsonApple CEO John Ternus has shared a round-up of all today’s announcements from Joz (real name Greg Joswiak), the company’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing.
“We’ve created something entirely new yet feels every bit an iPhone,” he says about the new iPhone Duo.
You can watch it here:
iPhone Duo
— John Ternus (@johnternus) September 9, 2026
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
AirPods 5
… and Joz pic.twitter.com/TWj3GjDSmk
Everything announced in 90 seconds
19:57 , Anthony CuthbertsonIf you missed the live stream of today’s Apple event, you can watch a condensed version right here. Everything that was unveiled in 90 seconds.
iShowSpeed gets hands-on with iPhone Duo
19:41 , Anthony CuthbertsonWe’re yet to get our hands on the iPhone Duo, but iShowSpeed is getting a first look with CEO John Ternus.
He followed that selfie up with a trademark backflip, while holding the phone.
Apple event wraps up
19:21 , Anthony CuthbertsonThat's all from today's Apple event, as John Ternus gives his farewells. There were no massive surprises, but plenty of new products. The headlines will be all about the iPhone Duo, but we’ll have to wait more than a month before it actually arrives.
We’ll see if we get a hands-on after the keynote...
Everything to know about the iPhone Duo
19:17 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere’s a snapshot of everything to know about the iPhone Duo.
Prices start at $1,999 and pre-orders open on 16 October. It will be available from 23 October.
iPhone Duo is 'thinnest iPhone ever'
19:02 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe iPhone Duo is the thinnest iPhone ever when open.
First look at iPhone Duo
18:57 , Anthony CuthbertsonThis is what Apple’s first foldable iPhone looks like:
'One more thing'
18:54 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere comes the foldable. New Apple CEO John Ternus echos Steve Jobs with a “one more thing...”
Apple Watch Ultra 4 fact sheet
18:52 , Anthony CuthbertsonAnd here’s the Apple Watch Ultra 4:
Apple Watch Series 12 fact sheet
18:50 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere’s a snapshot of everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 12.
Apple health app gets an update
18:46 , Anthony CuthbertsonA new update is coming to Apple’s health app, though it won’t be available until later this year.
Apple Watch gets 'Readiness' metric
18:44 , Anthony CuthbertsonThere are new metrics, most notably a ‘Readiness’ score. It’s a lot like what Google’s Fitbit and others offer, allowing wearers to know how ready they are for the day. I apparently have a readiness score of 57% today, according to my wearable, though I’ve never felt it really represents how I’m actually feeling - but can influence how I feel once I know it.
Onto the new Apple Watch
18:40 , Anthony CuthbertsonThey’re making us wait for this foldable. We’re now onto the new Apple Watch Series 12, which takes “health and fitness to the next level”.
Background heartrate reading are now taken every 5 seconds, which is 60 times more frequently than previous Apple Watches. They claim it is the most accurate heart sensing in a wearable.
“Accuracy of health data is critical for providing helpful insights”.
Everything you need to know about the AirPods 5
18:37 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere’s the Apple AirPods 5 fact sheet:
New AirPods
18:36 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe new AirPods, the AirPods 5, are now getting a showing. They look a lot like every other AirPods but they apparently work with “a wider range of ear geometries”.
The also have 50 per cent more noise reduction compared to the AirPods 4, while a transparency mode lets in voices and sounds around you.
There were rumours that they might include a camera to work with its Siri AI, though this might be saved for a future model (or ditched altogether given the controversy surrounding Meta’s ‘pervert glasses’).
They’ll cost $129. Another version will cost $149, because they have longer battery life, volume controls on the side, and come with a charging case.
Everything you need to know about the iPhone 18 Pro
18:31 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere’s the fact sheet for the new Apple iPhone 18 Pro.
It starts at $1,199, with the iPhone Pro Max starting at $1,299. Pre-orders open this Saturday and it will be available on 18 September.
Upgraded island
18:29 , Anthony CuthbertsonThis is what the front camera island on the new iPhone will look like. It’s a “big upgrade” apparently.
Image authenticity is 'vital'
18:27 , Anthony CuthbertsonApple is adding ‘Apple Reference Image’ to its sensors to ensure that people know when an image has been edited in any way. It’s described as a “digital negative” that is kept alongside any edited versions of the image.
'Most advanced camera we've ever made'
18:25 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe iPhone 18 camera is getting a huge upgrade, becoming the first to feature a variable aperture. This puts it up with the cameras from market pioneers like Xiaomi and Huawei.
Apple says it’s “ready for everything from professional film sets, to the things you shoot every day.”
Apple unveils most powerful new phone
18:21 , Anthony CuthbertsonHere’s the brand new iPhone 18 Pro
'Massive leap' in battery life
18:20 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe iPhone 18 Pro Max has “the largest increase in battery life ever for iPhones”, largely thanks to the energy efficiency of the new A20 Pro chip.
It also charges quickly, offering fiver hours of video playback from just five minutes of charge time.
Onto the chips...
18:18 , Anthony CuthbertsonThere’s a big chip shortage in the world right now, but Apple has still managed to build an impressive new engine for the iPhone.
We’re told the A20 Pro is “an exceptional chip that sets a new bar for mobile computing.”
New Siri AI can take actions in apps
18:17 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe new Siri AI will be able to “take actions in your apps, including third-party apps”. This will allow the familiar assistant to take on other AI agents like ChatGPT and Claude, which are increasingly autonomous.
There’s also some new voices. “Siri AI sounds incredible. That's because iPhone 18 Pro takes advantage of our most advanced on-device model ever, which powers expressive voices. You can pick from multiple options, then customize the pace and expressivity."
'Longest battery life in iPhone history'
18:10 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe new iPhone 18 Pro will feature the best battery life of any iPhone, while also featuring major camera upgrades.
It also comes in four colours: White, black, icy blue and burgundy.
John Ternus appears on stage to introduce keynote
18:07 , Andrew GriffinThe livestream has started – but here in the Steve Jobs Theater, it was introduced by Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus. Here’s what he had to say:
“First of all, thank you. It is great to be here. You know, when I first walked through those doors 25 years ago, I never could have imagined a moment like this.
“But what I did know even then that there's something really special about this place. I knew it was a place that cares deeply about making products that really matter to people, and it's a place where incredibly talented people come to change the world.
“I love the idea that the things we make help people be more creative, more productive, and maybe even do things they didn't think possible before. I love that we lead with our values and we infuse them into everything that we do. We obsess over the details.
“We care enormously about design and simplicity. We want our products to be incredibly powerful, but we also want them to be simple and natural and intuitive. And look, at the end of the day, we just want to make things that have a meaningful impact in people's lives.
“That's why we're here, and that's what we do. I've had the privilege of seeing this happen again and again over the last 25 years, and what's most exciting is that there's still so much more ahead of us. We're going to continue changing the world in ways we can't even imagine today.
“Now, with that said, we've been imagining quite a bit, and we're ready to share some of it with you today. I'm excited. The teams are excited, and I think you're going to like what you see. So thanks again for being here. Let's get into it.”
Apple event live stream underway
18:06 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe official Apple live stream is underway. It opens with various scenes discussing the best way to make an opening. Warring armies, car chases, or aerial shots over California with Tim Cook’s voice over. It’s the latter that introduces new CEO John Ternus to begin his opening keynote.
And it takes just a few sentences for him to bring up AI. He is debuting the new iPhone.
T-minus 5 minutes
17:56 , Anthony CuthbertsonLess than five minutes to go until we get underway. You can watch the live stream at the top of this page.
Tim Cook at event – in a suit
17:55 , Andrew GriffinTim Cook is here – in what looks to be a grey suit. It’s very unusual for him, and unusual for Apple, where people tend to wear fairly casual shirts even on formal days. Perhaps it’s a reflection of his new job of executive chairman.
Today's iPhone must follow record-breaking predecessor
17:42 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe iPhone 18 series has a tough act to follow. Figures shared with us from Counterpoint Research shows that its predecessor, the iPhone 17, generated a record-breaking $170 billion in wholesale revenue in its first year of sales. This is up 11 per cent from the iPhone 16 series, though strong sales for one model can sometimes see a dip the following year, as a lot of people are on two- or three-year upgrade cycles.
“The iPhone 17 series also benefited from a narrower price gap with Android flagship smartphones,” senior research Analyst Shilpi Jaintold The Independent. “While rising memory and component costs led many Android [makers] to raise prices for existing and new models and adjust specifications, Apple kept iPhone prices relatively stable. This was particularly notable given that memory prices have quadrupled since Q4 2025.”
Steve Jobs Theater opens ahead of event
17:42 , Andrew GriffinWe’re live on the ground at the Steve Jobs Theater, where Apple will be showing off the new phone. No clues yet – the screen is lit with the same light blue gradients that can be seen on the invitation.
'Nobody wants a stylus'
17:20 , Anthony Cuthbertson“Who wants a stylus?” Steve Jobs famously asked at the unveiling of the first iPhone. “You have to get them and put them away and you lose them... Yuk. Nobody wants a stylus.”
Despite launching a very stylus-like Apple Pencil in 2015, Apple has kept it well away from its phone lineup - until now. The new foldable iPhone, being referred to as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo, will apparently be the first to support the Apple Pencil, allowing you to draw and doodle on the device.
Any surprises at Apple's Surprise and Shine event?
17:12 , Anthony CuthbertsonThere’s less than an hour to go now until things get underway at Apple Park. Named ‘Surprise and shine’, the event might not have too many surprises in store given the amount of leaks and rumours that have circulated in the build-up.
There may even be less products unveiled than expected, with serial leaker Mark Gurman warning that the rumoured touchscreen MacBook, Apple TV 4K and HomePad smart home hub potentially being delayed. “Don’t worry,” he tweeted, “it’s only September.”
Gurman has previously reported that Apple is building an AI robot, which would be a surprise - but apparently we’ll have to wait until 2027 to see it.
IF you don't see the Apple TV, HomePod mini, home display and touch MacBook today, don't worry. It's only September.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 9, 2026
Apple Watch will use microphones and sensors to recap your day
15:58 , Andrew GriffinMuch of the focus is naturally on Apple’s foldable phone today. But there’s plenty of other products rumoured: a new iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods and updated Apple Watches.
The latter will include a new feature that relies on sensors in the Watch, including a microphone and location data, to generate an AI recap of what you have been up to at the end of the day, according to a late report from Bloomberg.
As well as letting people look back at what they’ve been up to, that data will presumably feed into the new Siri, which will be launched this September alongside the new phones. It’s easy to imagine a world where you can ask what restaurant you had a given conversation in, for instance.
Of course, this will all be done with Apple’s firm commitment to privacy. Users will opt in, the recordings won’t be stored, and the data will be processed on the device.
Some of this might also be an early hint at what Apple has planned for its other wearables, including rumoured AirPods with cameras and eventually smart glasses. Presumably, the ability to see what is happening would provide even more rich data for those memories.
(It’s also likely to kick off another wave of concern about always-listening and always-watching devices, especially given the concern about Meta’s smart glasses. Apple is alert to those concerns, and is reportedly hoping that it’s deep commitment to privacy will help allay them, though the controversy around the Meta glasses may already have changed what Apple has planned for its own.)
Will Apple change up today's event?
15:51 , Andrew GriffinThere have been a host of rumours about possible changes to the keynote itself, this year. Over the summer, for instance, some reports suggested that Apple could return to a live event, which it hasn’t done since before the pandemic. (Other reports then suggested it wouldn’t.)
It does seem likely that Apple will switch it up a little bit: it has a new chief executive, and will want to make a splash for its new foldable device. But a fully live event is likely a risk, and a reduction in spectacle, that might not make it worth it given that almost all of the audience is watching online anyway.
We’ll find out in a couple of hours. And we’ll be reporting from the ground in Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater, whatever happens.
Apple Store goes down ahead of event
15:46 , Andrew GriffinThe Apple Store has gone down ahead of today’s event. Anyone trying to buy anything, including an iPhone, will see a message telling them it’ll be back soon, and encouraging them to watch the event instead.
Apple usually takes the store offline ahead of big new reveals. Once it was though that was a technical necessity; nowadays, it’s not clear how much of it is requires versus using it to build anticipation. (I suppose it also helps avoid the problem of people buying an iPhone that goes out of date before it even arrives at their house.)
When will the keynote start?
15:40 , Andrew GriffinEverything kicks off at 10am local pacific time, or 6pm in the UK. It’s not clear exactly how long it will last, but it’s usually one or two hours.
Apple livestreams the event on a number of platforms, but YouTube tends to be the simplest, and also lets you set a reminder for when the event starts. You can find the video on Apple’s official channel, here.
New Apple CEO teases new iPhone
14:30 , Anthony CuthbertsonFor the past decade or so, it’s been customary for the CEO of Apple to post on Twitter/X in the hours before the company’s big September event.
John Ternus is new to the job but he’s keeping up with tradition with his own tweet teasing today’s iPhone launch.
It shows a spotlight panning down on what appears to be a phone camera. Could be a hint that there will be a big focus on the camera, which is set to have a variable aperture for the first time.
— John Ternus (@johnternus) September 9, 2026
What to know about Apple's first foldable phone
14:22 , Anthony CuthbertsonWhether it’s called the iPhone Ultra or the iPhone Duo, what’s almost certain is that Apple is about to unveil its first ever foldable phone. It comes seven years after Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, but the delay could help it avoid some of the issues that initially plagued its Korean rival.
Over at IndyBest, Alex Lee has taken a closer look at what to expect from the new device, which include an almost-square display and similar dimensions to the iPhone 13 mini when shut.
You can read it here.
Exclusive First Dummies of what the final size of the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will look like. pic.twitter.com/X9P9uBK12p
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) April 7, 2026
iPhone 17 prices tumble ahead of new lineup launch
14:05 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe launch of a new iPhone is usually the best time of the year to buy an old iPhone, with the arrival of a fresh flagship forcing retailers to adjust the prices of older models.
The iPhone 17 Pro has already dropped by £100 at various retailers, but rather than trawl through all the offers you can just check out our round-up of all the best discounts right now.
Retailers are slashing the price of iPhone 17 Pro as new model launches this week
How to watch today's 'Surprise and shine' Apple event
13:47 , Anthony CuthbertsonToday’s Apple event is set to kick off at 10am local time, which will be 1pm if you’re on the east coast, or 6pm if you’re in the UK.
The ‘Surprise and shine’ event will be live streamed on the Apple TV app, as well as Apple’s official YouTube channel.
You can watch it here.
Most expensive iPhone ever could rise in price
13:07 , Anthony CuthbertsonThe staggering price of the foldable iPhone may actually seem relatively modest in a few months, if recent trends continue.
The AI boom is causing 'chipflation', meaning gadgets are actually increasing in price after their launch. Apple has already announced price increases for existing products, including its Macs and iPads, and the new iPhones launching later may suffer the same fate.
Will 'iPhone Duo' be most expensive iPhone ever?
12:52 , Anthony CuthbertsonIf the rumours are to be believed, the foldable iPhone will be the most expensive smartphone Apple has ever released. Reports suggest the base model will start at around $2,000, with the top-end device reaching towards $3,000.
For context, the previous high-water mark for a top-tier iPhone was the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a 2TB storage option that cost $1,999.
Even if you have the money, it might still be difficult to buy the foldable phone due to supply issues.
Apple to unveil foldable ‘iPhone Duo’ in biggest redesign ever – but there’s a catch
Everything to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro
10:40 , Anthony CuthbertsonIt’s not just a foldable phone that Apple is unveiling today. The latest flagship, expected to be called the iPhone 18 Pro, will also get a showing.
Most major upgrades have focused on the camera in recent years, and 2026 looks like it will be no different.
Expected to receive the biggest camera upgrade ever, the iPhone 18 Pro is heavily tipped to introduce variable aperture for the first time, with the DSLR-like feature giving photographers more control over depth of field and background blur.
You can read all about it here:
Apple will launch iPhone 18 Pro today – here’s everything to expect
John Ternus's debut
06:01 , Andrew GriffinNew Apple chief executive John Ternus will be leading the keynote for the first ever time, after taking over at the start of September. He’s appeared in plenty of them before, and the handover has been long-planned and well-managed, but it still marks a decisive moment in his taking control of the company from Tim Cook.
It might be the first time we really get to see who he is. And it might bring with it other changes in the event itself – some rumours had suggested that Apple could return to a live format for the event, though those have got much quieter recently.
Home products on their way?
05:59 , Andrew GriffinSome rumours have suggested that Apple has been working on a load of different home devices – special screens that can stay in one place and work something like a combination of an iPad and a HomePod, for instance, or even more unusual ones such as a home camera system. We might not see them at this September event, but they are expected to be coming soon.
It would make sense with Apple’s keenness to stress its new chief executive John Ternus as being focused heavily on product. What better way would there to be show that than to launch a whole host of new products – even if they’re a little weird?
Everything Apple will – and won't – reveal at its launch event
05:58 , Andrew GriffinThe foldable iPhone will get much of the focus, alongside the new Pro models and updated Apple Watches. But there will be some notable omissions from this September event.
You can read about all of the products coming – and not – here.
What's the new, folding iPhone called?
05:56 , Andrew GriffinRecent rumours have consistently pointed to ‘iPhone Ultra’ as the name of the new foldable device. But a late entry from reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman suggests it could be called “iPhone Duo”.
The same report also suggests that it will cost $2,000, as rumoured – but that it could have been much more. The price of the memory required for the device has gone up dramatically, but Apple has opted to eat those costs itself to ensure the device’s price does not go up too high, he reported.
Hello and welcome...
05:50 , Andrew Griffin... to The Independent’s live coverage of Apple’s 2026 September event, widely rumoured to be bringing its first ever foldable phone, updated Pro models as well as AirPods and Apple Watches – and a whole new CEO.
