Apple has taken a different route with its 2026 iPhone launch. The company introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but skipped the standard iPhone 18 at its September event. The biggest announcement was the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and 5.4-inch outer screen. Apple also launched AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, while expanding Siri AI across its ecosystem. For a closer look at all the major announcements and what Apple has introduced this year, watch the Jagran HiTech video.
iPhone 18 Pro Price in India
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900. Both models offer 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. Pre-orders for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max open in India on September 12, with sales starting September 18. The Pro models are available in black, silver, glacier and the new burgundy finish.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the US and will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB versions. India is among the first-wave markets, with pre-orders beginning October 16 and availability from October 23. Apple has confirmed star white and night sky colour options.
iPhone 18 Pro Gets Apple's First Variable Aperture Camera
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, allowing better control over light and background blur. It offers four aperture settings, automatic adjustment and new Pro Controls for aperture, shutter speed and white balance.
They also get 48MP Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras, improved computational photography and video features. Apple Reference Image helps verify original photos, while SynthID supports identification of AI-generated or edited images, though these features are unavailable in the EU and China.
A20 Pro, Bigger Battery And iPhone Duo's Foldable Design
Both iPhone 18 Pro models feature the A20 Pro chip, next-gen vapor chamber, improved battery life and a smaller Dynamic Island, running iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.
The iPhone Duo folds into a 7.6-inch inner display with a 5.4-inch outer screen, both supporting 120Hz ProMotion and up to 3,000 nits brightness. It gets a titanium body, 100+ component hinge, IP68 rating, Touch ID, dual batteries and up to 44 hours of video playback. Apple Pencil support is also coming later this year.
iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Price in India: Apple Adds ₹30,000 What Do You Get for the Extra Money?
- iPhone 18 Pro: Starts at ₹1,64,900 for 256GB, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900.
- ₹30,000 price jump: The iPhone 18 Pro is ₹30,000 costlier than the iPhone 17 Pro's ₹1,34,900 starting price.
- What is new: The higher price brings the A20 Pro chip, 48MP variable-aperture main camera, improved battery life and new AI features.
- More storage: Both models are available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options.
- Is it worth it? The upgrade makes the most sense for users who want the new camera system, longer battery life and latest performance; iPhone 17 Pro owners may find the jump harder to justify.
AirPods 5 And Apple Watch Series 12 Also Arrive
Apple also launched AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its open ear AirPods design for the first time. Apple says the new model can reduce external noise by up to 50% more than AirPods 4 with ANC. It also adds improved Adaptive EQ, hands free Siri AI, head gestures and Live Translation. The standard model costs $129, while AirPods 5 with a Wireless Charging Case costs $149. Both go on sale September 18.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 bring a new Health Sensing System and S11 chip. The watches can take heart-rate and heart-rate-variability readings more frequently and introduce a new Readiness score. Apple is also adding a redesigned Health app with a Longevity tab and Health Age feature later this year.
The bigger takeaway from Apple's 2026 event is its shift towards a more premium iPhone lineup. The company has entered the foldable market with Duo while giving the Pro models a camera-focused upgrade, and is using AI to connect the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch more closely. The absence of the standard iPhone 18 is also a major change from Apple's usual September launch pattern.
Read More: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Launch Date and Time
