Apple's new foldable iPhone and Pro models arrive with AI focus
Apple has launched its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, and the iPhone 18 Pro series under CEO John Ternus, positioning the new hardware as an AI-centric intelligent hub. Early media reactions, including 9to5Mac's hands-on review, are now emerging with detailed first impressions of the devices and the new leadership's presentation style.
9to5Mac has published a special 'Happy Hour' episode where hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller share their initial hands-on impressions of the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, alongside commentary on how Apple managed the transition for new CEO John Ternus.
Source: 9to5MacMacRumors notes that Apple deliberately bypassed the widely rumored 'iPhone Ultra' moniker to avoid implying the device is the most feature-rich model in the lineup, instead opting for 'Duo' to highlight its dual-screen design.
Source: MacRumorsAccording to Fox Business, the iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch display that is 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max and utilizes AI-driven manufacturing for hinge precision. Leander Kahney of Cult of Mac praised the new CEO for highlighting the team behind the products, noting the device's strong potential for gaming and productivity.
Source: GN technics/ai (en-US)9to5Google notes that the iPhone Duo’s primary innovation lies in its software optimization rather than hardware superiority, highlighting improved iOS transitions and developer tools in iOS 27.1. The report also points out that the device remains heavier than competitors and lacks the advanced camera features of the Pro models.
Source: 9to5GoogleAccording to GN technics/mobile (en-US), the iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch internal screen, launching October 23 with a starting price of $1,999. The report highlights that CEO John Ternus, a mechanical engineer, used a Steve Jobs-esque "one more thing" moment to debut the device, signaling a strategic shift toward hardware innovation to revive the brand's former "wow factor."
Source: GN technics/mobile (en-US)Engadget reports that the iPhone Duo launches at a $1,999 starting price with pre-orders opening October 16, while the iPhone 18 Pro series sees a $100 price hike due to supply chain constraints, with availability beginning September 18. The event also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, both featuring a new Audio Intelligence capability for environmental sound detection and transcription.
Source: EngadgetCNET reports that the new foldable iPhone Duo will start at a premium price point of $1,999, with top-tier configurations reaching $3,199. The outlet attributes this significant price jump to 'RAMageddon,' a global chip shortage driven by massive AI infrastructure demands that has forced manufacturers to pass higher costs onto consumers.
Source: GN technics/ai (en-US)XDA Developers reports that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup pairs the new 2nm A20 Pro chip with a 48-megapixel variable-aperture camera system, while retaining the familiar aluminum design of its predecessor. The updated Dynamic Island now supports three simultaneous Live Activities, and the devices will launch on September 18th starting at $1,200.
Source: XDA DevelopersApple has unveiled its first foldable smartphone alongside new Pro models, betting heavily on integrated AI to redefine the user experience.
Source: Engadget
