Apple’s much-anticipated “Surprise and shine” event is just hours away. Leaks suggest a slate of new products—including the foldable iPhone Duo, upgraded iPhone 18 Pro models, fresh Apple Watch versions, and AirPods 5—will be unveiled. Here’s what has surfaced in the final stretch before the curtain lifts.
Pre-Order Timing & What’s New
Preorders for the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro line are expected to kick off on September 12. That’s slightly later than past Apple releases, likely out of respect for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. A respected Apple leaker known as ShrimpApplePro confirms the launch of preorders will happen “at the usual time,” which typically means 5 a.m. Pacific / 8 a.m. Eastern.
iPhone 18 Pro: Hardware & Speed Boosts
Insiders have shared several upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The Pro Max may come with a mechanical aperture—something the standard Pro may not include. Display improvements are on tap, including a more compact Dynamic Island feature capable of hosting three Live Activities simultaneously, up from the current limit of two.
Thermal engineering also gets attention in the leaks: a redesigned vapor chamber could improve heat management, and code in iOS 27 suggests a charging speed boost. Specifically, the Pro models may support charging rates about 33% faster than the iPhone 17 Pro family.
AirPods 5 & Delayed Camera Version
AirPods 5 are poised to launch with either a wireless charging case option or without, depending on the version. A major highlight will be significantly enhanced noise cancellation. Some earlier rumors about Apple introducing AirPods with built-in cameras have reportedly been shelved, pushing that capability into next year instead.
iPhone Duo (& Other Devices) in Focus
The foldable iPhone Duo is shaping up to be a high-end device. Rumors point to Apple Pencil support, a dual-app multitasking interface similar to iPadOS, and white and dark blue color choices. Price is expected to start around $2,000 with availability anticipated as early as October.
Feature expectations are high for the smartwatch models too, though rumors are thinner—look for new sensors and possibly enhancements in health-tracking or AI features, though specific leaks are still under wraps.
With the stage nearly set, the big question is which of these specs will make the final cut, and if any surprise reveals will shake up the rumors. Watch this space.
What this means: Apple is pushing into bold new territory—foldables, bigger price tags, and hardware calling cards like mechanical apertures and faster charging—to stay ahead in a competitive smartphone landscape. If the leaks are real, expect a shift in the value proposition of premium phones. Watch for confirmation of these specs during the event, and whether prices and capabilities align with what’s been rumored.
