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Apple Unveils HomePod Mini 2 for Preorder
Confirmed
In Short: Apple began accepting preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and unveiled several new home devices at its recent event.
Apple began taking preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 12, 2026, with both models set to arrive in stores on September 18, 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $399, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $799. Rajesh Pandey, a long-time tech writer, noted the significance of these new releases.
The iPhone Duo, a foldable model, will be available for preorder starting in October. Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, which are now available for preorder alongside the new AirPods 5. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, and the Ultra 4 starts at $799.
In Taiwan, major telecom operators like Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile reported that preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series sold out within two minutes of opening. The iPhone 18 Pro Max was the most popular model, with the 256GB version being the most sought after.
Taiwan Mobile reported a nearly 200 percent surge in preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series compared to the previous year. The operators expect these new iPhones to drive a wave of handset upgrades despite higher prices due to more expensive chips.
Apple also introduced a new Home Collection, co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, featuring a range of smart home devices. The collection includes a $399 outdoor camera with motion-activated floodlights, a $299 model without lights, and a $349 LG smart lock that supports Apple Home Key.
The LG smart lock allows users to unlock their doors hands-free using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Apple’s new video doorbell and thermostats were also part of the Home Collection, which was unveiled during the company’s 'Welcome Home' event.
Taiwan’s telecom operators, including Far EasTone Telecommunications, have begun or will soon begin taking preorders for the new iPhones, including the foldable iPhone Duo.
In the United States, prices for the new iPhone models are as follows: the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $399, the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $799, and the iPhone Duo will be available for preorder starting in October.
Google also announced the availability of its new AI-powered laptop, the Googlebook, for preorder at $899, following its unveiling in May.
In conclusion, Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro series and Home Collection devices have generated significant interest, with Taiwanese telecom operators reporting record preorders. The new Home Collection, featuring smart home devices from LG and Schneider Electric, highlights Apple’s expanding ecosystem and its focus on integrating smart home technology.
The surge in preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series and the introduction of the Home Collection underscore Apple’s continued innovation and its efforts to enhance user experiences across its product lines.
What this adds
Apple's HomePod Mini 2, featuring Siri AI and new colors, is now available for preorder starting at $149.
Background
Apple's HomePod Mini 2, featuring Siri AI and new colors, is now available for preorder starting at $149.
What's confirmed
- Apple began taking preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 12, 2026, with both models set to arrive in stores on September 18, 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $399, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $799. Rajesh Pandey, a long-time tech writer, noted the significance of these new releases.
- The iPhone Duo, a foldable model, will be available for preorder starting in October. Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, which are now available for preorder alongside the new AirPods 5. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, and the Ultra 4 starts at $799.
- In Taiwan, major telecom operators like Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile reported that preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series sold out within two minutes of opening. The iPhone 18 Pro Max was the most popular model, with the 256GB version being the most sought after.
- Taiwan Mobile reported a nearly 200 percent surge in preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series compared to the previous year. The operators expect these new iPhones to drive a wave of handset upgrades despite higher prices due to more expensive chips.
- Apple also introduced a new Home Collection, co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, featuring a range of smart home devices. The collection includes a $399 outdoor camera with motion-activated floodlights, a $299 model without lights, and a $349 LG smart lock that supports Apple Home Key.
- The LG smart lock allows users to unlock their doors hands-free using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Apple’s new video doorbell and thermostats were also part of the Home Collection, which was unveiled during the company’s 'Welcome Home' event.
- Taiwan’s telecom operators, including Far EasTone Telecommunications, have begun or will soon begin taking preorders for the new iPhones, including the foldable iPhone Duo.
- In the United States, prices for the new iPhone models are as follows: the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $399, the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $799, and the iPhone Duo will be available for preorder starting in October.
- Google also announced the availability of its new AI-powered laptop, the Googlebook, for preorder at $899, following its unveiling in May.
- In conclusion, Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro series and Home Collection devices have generated significant interest, with Taiwanese telecom operators reporting record preorders. The new Home Collection, featuring smart home devices from LG and Schneider Electric, highlights Apple’s expanding ecosystem and its focus on integrating smart home technology.
- The surge in preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series and the introduction of the Home Collection underscore Apple’s continued innovation and its efforts to enhance user experiences across its product lines.
What's still developing
- However, if you want the folding iPhone Duo, you’ll need to wait until October to place your preorder.
- The telecom operator said it has accepted preorder registrations since Thursday afternoon, with registrations more than double the level recorded last year.