Apple’s September 2026 event – what’s new?
Apple’s latest product showcase was anything but routine. After a year of rumours, the company finally revealed a foldable iPhone, refreshed Pro‑level smartphones and a new generation of its wearables. All devices will start shipping in the UK on 18 September, and the major carriers have already confirmed they will be part of their contract and finance portfolios.
iPhone Duo – the first iOS foldable
The headline‑grabbing iPhone Duo is Apple’s answer to the Android foldable market. It sports a 7.2‑inch inner display that folds inward, protecting the screen when closed, and a 6.3‑inch outer panel for quick interactions. Apple positions the Duo as a premium device, pricing it at £1,999 (≈ $2,399) for the base configuration.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.2‑inch OLED (inner), 6.3‑inch OLED (outer) |
| Processor | A20 Pro (5 nm) |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256/512 GB, 1 TB |
| Cameras | Dual‑lens rear (12 MP wide, 12 MP ultra‑wide) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh, fast‑charge 30 W |
| OS | iOS 18 |
| Price | From £1,999 |
Apple compares the Duo to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, but stresses its tighter integration with iOS and a more “refined” hinge mechanism. Early hands‑on impressions suggest the folding action feels smoother than most Android rivals, though the device is noticeably heavier.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max – a camera‑centric upgrade
The iPhone 18 Pro line received its most significant hardware change in years: a main camera with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.5 to f/4.0. This allows the sensor to open wide for low‑light scenes and close down for bright daylight, delivering better dynamic range without relying on software tricks.
Both models are powered by the new A20 Pro chip, which Apple claims delivers a 20 % speed boost over the previous generation and improved AI processing for photography and AR.
| Model | Starting price | Key specs |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | £1,200 | 6.1‑inch display, A20 Pro, 48 MP main camera (variable aperture) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | £1,300 | 6.7‑inch display, A20 Pro, 48 MP main camera (variable aperture) |
Apple also trimmed the Dynamic Island to a slimmer profile and introduced a smaller notch‑free front‑camera module. Battery life is modestly improved, with the Pro Max promising up to 30 hours of video playback.
AirPods 5 – ANC becomes standard
Apple’s latest AirPods (5th generation) finally include active noise cancellation (ANC) across the entire lineup, a feature previously reserved for the Pro version. The base model retails for £129 (≈ $159), matching the price of the previous generation, while a version with a wireless‑charging case and touch‑control gestures costs £149.
Key improvements:
- Adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to ambient noise.
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Up to 6 hours of listening time per charge, 30 hours with the case.
Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 – health focus sharpened
Apple’s smartwatch portfolio also received a refresh. The Watch Series 12 and the rugged Watch Ultra 4 now run on the S11 system‑on‑chip, promising faster app launch times and smoother watch‑face animations.
Both watches feature a heart‑rate sensor that records every five seconds, a claim Apple backs with independent testing that positions the devices as the most accurate consumer‑grade heart‑rate trackers on the market.
| Model | Starting price | Notable features |
|---|---|---|
| Watch Series 12 | £399 | S11 chip, always‑on display, new health metrics |
| Watch Ultra 4 | £799 | S11 chip, titanium case, enhanced GPS, 5‑second HR sensor |
The Ultra 4 also adds a depth‑gauge for divers and a longer battery life of up to 80 hours.
What this means for UK contract shoppers
Both O2 and Three have confirmed they will offer the full Apple lineup on contract, with typical 24‑month plans starting at £40‑£45 per month for the iPhone 18 Pro and £55‑£60 for the iPhone Duo. Financing options through Klarna and Apple’s own iPhone Upgrade Programme are also expected to be available.
For budget‑conscious buyers, the iPhone 18 Pro sits competitively against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (starting at £1,150) and the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (from £1,099). However, Apple’s premium pricing for the Duo places it above the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (£1,799) and the Motorola Razr Fold (£1,699).
Bottom line
Apple’s 2026 launch shows the company finally entering the foldable arena while polishing its flagship iPhone line with a genuinely useful camera upgrade. The new AirPods bring ANC to the mass market, and the refreshed watches tighten Apple’s lead in consumer health tracking. For UK shoppers, the devices will be widely available through major carriers, meaning you can spread the cost over a contract or finance plan rather than paying the full upfront price.
If you’re hunting for a new phone on a contract, the iPhone 18 Pro offers the best blend of performance and camera versatility at a price that still undercuts most high‑end Android flagships. The iPhone Duo, while exciting, remains a niche premium device for early adopters willing to pay a premium for a foldable iOS experience.
All pricing is quoted in GBP and reflects Apple’s suggested retail price for the UK market. Availability dates are based on Apple’s official announcement and may vary slightly by carrier.
