Apple fall event preview: iPhone Duo foldable and biggest product pipeline in years
APPSO · wechat · 2026-09-09
The event
- Apple holds its "Surprise and Shine" fall event on Sept 10 (1 a.m. Beijing time), the first under new CEO John Ternus, headlined by a foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, and new Apple Watch. Bloomberg reports Apple has prepared its largest-ever product roadmap through 2028.
Foldable iPhone (code V68, reportedly "iPhone Duo")
- Book-style fold: 5.5-inch cover display, 7.8-inch inner display, folds to passport size.
- A20 Pro chip, Apple's C2 modem, side-button Touch ID instead of Face ID, dual wide + ultra-wide cameras (no telephoto).
- New hinge design reduces crease visibility; starting around $2,000, up to $3,000 for a 2TB model — the priciest iPhone ever. Mainland China availability may lag due to eSIM.
iPhone 18 Pro
- A20 Pro + C2 modem, improved vapor chamber, smaller Dynamic Island, under-display Face ID in testing.
- Camera upgrades may include a mechanical variable aperture; iOS 27 code hints at pro features like exposure scopes, focus peaking, and manual focus. Prices rise $100. Standard models slip to spring 2027.
Rest of the roadmap
- Apple Watch Series 12 / Ultra 4 with continuous heart-rate sensing and a rumored "Readiness" app; AirPods 5 for the 10th anniversary; camera-equipped AirPods and smart glasses slated for 2027.
- 2026-2027: OLED iPad mini, M6 iMac and MacBook Pro, first OLED touch-screen MacBooks, and a 7-inch smart home hub.
- 2028+: home robot with a movable 9-inch display, AI pendant, AR glasses.
Takeaway
- Ternus must prove Apple can still define innovation in an AI-rewritten world; China users are watching for Apple Intelligence launch timing.
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