Apple just launched a folding iPhone — here’s what you need to know

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Today, Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, announced a handful of new iPhones , Apple Watches and AirPods . It was Ternus’ first big announcement since taking over for Tim Cook earlier this month. The most newsworthy addition to the lineup? A long-rumored foldable phone (more on that below). Below is everything you need to know about these new launches — including pre-order and in-store dates.

Apple announced three new iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro , the iPhone Pro Max and the all-new foldable iPhone Duo . Notably absent was a standard iPhone 18 — Apple may be holding that model, along with a new iPhone 18e, until spring 2027.

The Pro lineup keeps a familiar look but gains Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, along with a variable-aperture 48-megapixel main camera for better low-light and depth control. This phone is $100 more expensive than last year’s model, starting at $1,199.

Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which starts at $1,299. The major difference between the two is screen size and battery life. The Pro has a 6.3-inch screen compared to the Max’s 6.9-inch screen. As for battery, the Pro offers up to 24 hours, while the Max offers up to 30 hours. Pre-orders for these phones open Saturday, September 12, with devices in stores September 18.

This is the big one: Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone. It opens like a book into a roughly 7.8-inch interior display, with a smaller exterior screen for everyday use when it’s closed. Closed, it’s about the size of a passport. Apple built the Duo around its new in-house C2 modem — the company’s second-generation cellular chip, which Apple says is 50 percent faster than its predecessor while using 15 percent less power. The dual rear camera system can be used on both sides of the fold at once, so you can show someone what you’re seeing on a FaceTime call. Apple also packed in two separate battery cells, rating the Duo for up to 44 hours of use on the outer display alone, or about 24 hours using both screens.

The iPhone Duo will launch with two color options — white and dark blue. Pricing will start at $1,999 for 256GB of storage and the release is on a later schedule than the rest of the lineup: pre-orders begin October 16, with the device arriving in stores October 23.

Apple also refreshed its smartwatch lineup with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 — and, in a bit of good news, neither watch got a price increase. Both watches are available for pre-order now.