Tim Cook has officially passed the baton to Apple's new CEO John Ternus. In Apple's fall event, led for the first time by Ternus, a groundbreaking new device premiered: the iPhone Duo. This large-screened, foldable iPhone combines the portability of an iPhone with the interface of an iPad, creating an intriguing hybrid. Other major debuts included the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, equipped with high-end camera hardware for higher-quality, more customizable photo options, and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, complete with a new Health Sensing System and new features to aid speech processing. Throw in the souped-up AirPods 5 complete with Pro-level features, and we're seeing almost an entire Apple overhaul! Add in new Apple Intelligence features throughout the whole line, and John Ternus is certainly starting his reign off with a bang. Let's go over everything announced at Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event.
The iPhone Duo
Apple just unveiled its most innovative iPhone since the original debuted nearly two decades ago. The iPhone Duo is Apple's latest enthusiast device. It's a foldable phone that can be used in up to five different configurations, giving you the experience of both an iPhone and an iPad in one device. While its 48 MP camera isn't as powerful as the iPhone 18 Pro, the vapor-cooled A20 Pro chip ensures it matches the Pro in performance. You can capture photos and videos from the front or the back or both at the same time. Plus, the foldable design means you always have your very own built-in iPhone stand. The iPhone Duo starts at $1999 and pre-orders open October 16. Read our full coverage of the iPhone Duo.
The iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max
Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and upgraded features include the most advanced camera yet in an iPhone. For the first time, Apple has added a variable aperture to the 48 MP Fusion Main camera, giving us more expanded photography options than ever.
In addition to the new camera features, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include Apple Reference Image, which allows users to see if edits have been made to any photo taken in the new Reference mode. The new models also include the A20 chip, which enables faster processing and better support for Apple Intelligence features. An improved thermal management system prevents overheating, while battery life lasts up to 36 hours on the Pro and 45 hours on the Pro Max. Improved fast-charging capabilities power up the 18 Pro and Pro Max up to 50% in 15 minutes. So, is the new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max for you? Read our full breakdown to find out.
The Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4
The newest lineup of Apple Watch models might not look too different on the outside, but they offer many many features never seen on an Apple wearable before. These two models now offer new health-tracking features you can't find on any other watches, including high-frequency background heart rate tracking, which means your watch will track your heart rate even when you're not working out. These two watch models will also be the only ones to have the new Readiness app, which rates your daily health to help you decide whether you are up for hitting the gym or would benefit from a day off.
These are also the first Apple Watches to include the long-awaited Steps complication, which shows your total step count on your watch face without forcing you to download a third-party app. Beyond health features, these powerful S11 chip-powered watches include brand-new Apple Intelligence features in the Audio Intelligence category. This means that your watch will be able to detect sounds and alert you to an alarm going off that you might not hear, and Siri will be able to take notes during a conversation so that you can focus on listening and discussing without worrying about forgetting what the other person said. Learn more about every new feature that makes the new line worth upgrading.
Pro-Level Features on the AirPods 5
The AirPods 5 brings many of Apple's most premium AirPods features to an affordable device. For the first time, the base model of the AirPods will offer Active Noise Cancellation, a feature previously reserved for the more expensive AirPods. Apple also claims the AirPods 5 will reduce up to 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4. Other features that were only reserved for the more expensive ANC version of the AirPods 4 that automatically come with the AirPods 5 are features like Adaptive Transparency and Live Translation, which translates certain spoken languages right in your ear. Apple also claims its new AirPods will offer better sound and fit more comfortably in more ears. Finally, the force sensor swipes you can find on the AirPods Pro 3 are now on the AirPods 5, so you can change the volume simply by swiping your finger up or down the stem. Add in the base price of $129 instead of $249 and the AirPods 5 might be giving the Pro a run for its money.
John Ternus Takes the Stage
It was a bittersweet moment for us Apple enthusiasts when, at the beginning of the announcement, Tim Cook took the screen only for a moment to announce John Ternus as the "main character" of this movie. Cook recently stepped down as Apple CEO, with Ternus taking his place. While Ternus doesn't have the same on-screen charisma as the late, great Steve Jobs, he made clear in his opening statement his love for the iPhone and all the convenience and innovation Apple brings. It very likely wasn't a coincidence that the first announcement with Ternus at the helm was an explosion of exciting new devices and features, but it's nice to be reassured that Apple continues to look forward and bring us its best.
