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Apple Unveils New iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable Duo, AirPods 5 with ANC Standardized
Confirmed
In Short: Apple has introduced its latest iPhone models and AirPods, marking significant changes in the accessory lineup.
Apple has kicked off its hardware event with the unveiling of the new iPhone 18 Pro series, signaling a major shift in the smartphone market. According to reports, the company has also introduced a foldable iPhone, dubbed the Duo, which is the largest iPhone ever produced. This innovative device, inspired by the iPad, features a book-style format and is designed to be fluid and intuitive, reflecting years of development within Apple.
In addition to the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple has also launched the AirPods 5 series, which introduces active noise cancellation (ANC) as a standard feature across both models. This marks a departure from previous AirPods models, where ANC was an optional feature. The base AirPods 5 will now offer ANC at a price of $129, while the more premium model with on-device volume control will cost $149. Apple claims a 50% improvement in noise reduction compared to the previous generation, while maintaining a comfortable open-ear design.
Ben Wood, chief analyst at technology research firm FDM, commented on the significance of the event, stating, "It was likely Ternus's promotion was timed specifically to coincide with what will be arguably one of the biggest iPhone launches for many years." John Ternus, who recently took over as Apple's chief executive, was present at the event, highlighting the company's commitment to innovation.
The new iPhone 18 and 18 Pro models, starting at $1,200 (£885) and $1,300 (£959) respectively, are part of Apple's ongoing efforts to maintain its premium market position. However, critics have noted that Apple has not significantly changed the design of the iPhone since its initial release in 2007. Chatterjee, another analyst, suggested that the foldable iPhone could either follow the path of Apple's Vision Pro headset, which has not been well-received, or become the next Apple Watch, which, while not as popular as the iPhone, is still widely adopted.
Despite the introduction of these new devices, sales projections for the foldable iPhone are modest. FDM data and analytics firm predicts that sales will only reach 4% of the total market in the next decade. Ternus, who took on Apple's top job after Tim Cook stepped down, was present at the event, standing in front of large images of the new foldable iPhone. He emphasized the fluid and intuitive nature of the device, inspired by the iPad.
What's still developing
- Now it’s time to start getting into the accessories we’ll be using alongside those new handsets, as Apple unveils its new AirPods 5 series.
- Just like last time around, Apple’s sharing two distinct models, but this time it’s not one with ANC and one without — active noise cancelation is now standard across the AirPods 5 range.
- For $149, you can grab the AirPods 5 with this on-device volume control, as well as a wireless charging case.