Apple’s big reveal tonight
Good evening, tech enthusiasts!
In just a few hours, Apple is set to unveil a slew of new devices, including that long-rumoured foldable iPhone everyone’s been talking about. It’s a big one too: this marks the first major product event under John Ternus, who took the reins as Apple’s CEO earlier this month.
If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading this year, this is the event to watch. Stick with Khaleej Times as we bring you all the news live as Apple unveils its new lineup today.
The countdown is on for Apple’s ‘Surprise and shine’
Apple’s 2026 launch, billed as ‘Surprise and shine’, is expected to be the company’s biggest in years.
It kicks off at 9pm UAE time, streaming from Apple Park on apple.com, YouTube and the Apple TV app.
What’s on the cards tonight
Three iPhones lead the bill: the iPhone 18 Pro, the 18 Pro Max and a folding model widely tipped to be called iPhone Ultra. Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 are also expected, along with a possible smart home display.
If it is software you are waiting for, Apple should give release dates tonight for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 (Golden Gate), watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27.
A new name on the stage
Apple chief executive John Ternus at the company’s 50th anniversary event in April 2026
This is John Ternus’s first keynote as Apple chief executive, after Tim Cook moved to executive chairman. Ternus told staff in his first memo to expect a “huge launch”.
He ran Apple’s hardware engineering for years, so the folding iPhone expected tonight is a fitting way to open his tenure.
The Apple that Tim Cook hands over
Former Apple CEO Tim Cook at an Apple event
Cook ran Apple for 15 years before handing over to Ternus on September 3, and the record is hard to argue with. Apple was worth $347 billion when he took the job in 2011 and $4.7 trillion by the end of last month, the equivalent of creating $32 million of market value an hour, every hour, for 15 years.
Steve Jobs might remain the name most associated with Apple, but the Watch, AirPods, Apple Silicon and a services business now earning more than $30 billion a quarter are all Cook’s.
Foldable iPhone to finally become reality
The folding iPhone is the reason this event matters more than usual.
Apple has watched Samsung, Honor and Huawei sell folding phones in the Gulf for seven years without answering them. No more. The answer is expected in a little over two hours.
What to expect from the foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’
Reports point to a book-style design opening from a 5.5-inch outer screen to a 7.8-inch inner one, at roughly 4.5mm thick when unfolded. Touch ID in the side button is tipped to replace Face ID, with two rear cameras and no telephoto. Treat all of it as rumour until Ternus holds one up.
Brace for the iPhone 18 price
The 2026 memory shortage has pushed component costs up all year, and analysts expect the iPhone 18 Pro to land $100 to $300 (roughly Dh370 to Dh1,100) above the 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro launched starting at Dh4,699 in the UAE. If you are planning to buy one, start budgeting now.
Apple’s UAE store goes offline
The iPhone buy pages are down on Apple’s UAE site, and globally, ahead of tonight’s event. This is routine for Apple, as it takes last year’s Pro models, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, out of rotation to make space for the new ones.
How the foldable iPhone Ultra stacks up locally
Rumours put the folding iPhone at $2,000 or more, with higher configurations tipped to pass $2,500.
Apple prices its products in the UAE well above the official conversion rate, which would put the foldable near Dh8,500 at the entry point and above Dh10,600 at the top. That is roughly Dh1,300 more than its biggest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, which starts at Dh7,199 for 256GB and can often be found discounted.
iPhone 18 Pro expectations: Familiar on the outside
Do not expect a redesign. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are tipped to keep the 17 Pro’s shape closely enough that existing cases might still fit (not a guarantee), with a slightly thicker camera plateau.
New colours are rumoured as dark cherry, light blue and silver, with no black in the line-up.
iPhone 18 Pro: So, what are the real upgrades?
The changes are inside. The 2nm A20 Pro chip is said to run faster and cooler than the A19 Pro, paired with Apple’s own C2 modem and a more efficient LTPO+ display. The camera headline is a variable aperture on the main lens, which would bring the kind of depth control DSLR owners take for granted.
Apple would not be the first: Samsung tried it and dropped it, Huawei still uses it.
Don’t hold your breath for the base iPhone 18
The standard iPhone 18 is most likely not coming tonight. Apple has reportedly split its line-up in two, holding the non-Pro model back to spring 2027. So if you were waiting for the cheapest new iPhone, you are waiting another six months. No iPhone announced tonight is likely to start below $1,000.
Apple Watch Series 12, AirPods 5 also coming
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected with new processors rather than new designs, and a ceramic case option is tipped to return to the Series 12. Both are rumoured to add new health features, chiefly continuous heart rate monitoring.
AirPods 5 should bring an H3 chip, better sound and lower latency.
Wildcards to watch out for
Keep an eye on the smart home. A 7-inch Home Hub display with a built-in camera and Siri has been rumoured for months, alongside a refreshed Apple TV 4K and a faster HomePod mini.
Fifteen minutes to go!
The stream goes live at 9pm UAE time on apple.com, YouTube and the Apple TV app. Our coverage continues throughout the event, with every price, spec and UAE detail as it lands. Watch the livestream below:
Event begins — shot on iPhone
The event begins with an exciting short film, shot on iPhone — with different actors suggesting how the event should open.
Tim Cook says a cheeky goodbye
Towards the end of the short film introducing the camera, Tim Cook, who had been Apple’s CEO for nearly 15 years, hands over the reins to John Ternus by saying “not me”, as the camera zooms in on him.
John Ternus then steps into the frame and introduces the new products.
Tim Cook bids farewell
Apple CEO John Ternus
‘Intelligence Personal Hub’ is Apple’s new AI branding
Apple is updating its Apple Intelligence branding with a new pitch: the Intelligence Personal Hub.
The argument is that a personal AI hub needs chips, connectivity, battery, a microphone, a camera, a screen and an ecosystem to tie them together, and Apple is claiming it is the only company with all seven. The hub, it says, is the iPhone.
Introducing iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple promises the most powerful chip, the longest lasting battery, and burgundy as a new colour. Apple Intelligence is also back in focus.
Siri users make 2.5 billion requests per day
Really smart Siri is finally here. It understands context and can even work with third-party apps, 300,000 of them — according to Apple.
New and improved Siri
Siri now sounds better and works in camera. The new Siri supports 16 languages at launch, Arabic, however, is not included.
Apple new Photos AI features
The new Photos app has Apple Intelligence features to quickly edit photos with AI.
7-core GPU = faster graphics
Apple promises 40 per cent faster graphic performance and a twice as fast NPU with 32 cores.
New iPhone A20 Pro chip
The A20 Pro chip has a new, bigger vapour chamber for better thermal performance in the iPhone.
Similar battery life
Apple claims iPhone 18 Pro has similar battery life to the renowned iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Apple shows AR game to be available later this year
Apple shows off Monster Hunter on mobile, to be available later this year
The iPhone 18 Pro camera
The iPhone 18 Pro has variable aperture, a first for iPhone
New cinematic effects can be applied even after the video is shot
Apple gives photography fans what they have long asked for: manual Pro controls in the camera app
Apple has confirmed that the new iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture, alongside new cinematic effects that can be applied to video even after its been shot.
Apple introduces own standard for photo authentication
Apple announces its own standard for authentication of photos taken by the iPhone 18 Pro to shield against AI edits and fakes.
Dynamic Island shrinks
The Dynamic Island has really shrunk, and now supports 3 activities at once.
iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max prices announced
iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, a $100 price rise compared to last generation.
Apple launches AirPods 5
AirPods 5 are also announced, confirming earlier reports. Take a look at its features:
The new generation of AirPods 5 begin at $129, and cost $149 for AirPods 5 with a Wireless Charging Case.
New Health Sensing System
Health Sensing System is Apple’s new feature for Apple Watch Series 12 ands Apple Watch Ultra 4. New Apple Watches have continuous heart rate measuring, every 5 seconds.
Apple Watch takes shot at competitors
Apple is taking clear shots at its competitors, framing its Apple Watches as a better “more accurate” alternative to a popular, beloved fitness brand.
Apple Health app update
Now you can add your lab results to your data in Apple Health for a fuller picture.
Go back in time with Apple Watch
Apple is framing its Watches as a platform for a different type of AI, on-device AI.
Apple Watches can now recall 15 seconds back to help you recall things you might have missed without asking again. The audio, Apple said, is not recorded or stored.
Apple Watch Series 12 is now available in Ceramic
Apple Watch prices remain unchanged, with $399 for Series 12, and $799 for the Apple Watch Ultra.
How much will iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max cost in UAE?
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, iPhone 18 Pro starts at Dh5,099, and iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Dh5,499.
Apple releases new iPhone Duo — its first foldable phone
Both iPhone Duo screens have the same aspect ratio.
Apple, in fact, is adjusting its whole UI to better suit the new aspect ratio.
This phone will give users the largest-ever display on an iPhone. iPhone Duo also supports using two apps on the same screen, a first for iPhones.
iPhone Duo screen size, colours
Inner screen of iPhone Duo is 7.8”, outer display is 5.4”. Smaller than reports, but very close to competitors.
Apple has revealed that the new foldable iPhone Duo will only be available in two colours.
Look: Tent mode on iPhone Duo
Can’t see the crease? Here’s why
The iPhone Duo display has a nano texture cover to limit reflections and make the crease harder to spot.
Under display camera
The “under-display camera” is confirmed. iPhone Duo’s inner screen hides its camera behind the pixels.
Video playback on iPhone Duo
31 hours of video playback on the inner display, 44 hours on the outer display of the iPhone Duo.
No telephoto lens on iPhone Duo
48MP main camera, and a 48MP ultra-wide, the new iPhone Duo has no telephoto lens
New Apple Watch pre-orders in UAE begin today
Customers in the UAE and nearly 60 other countries and regions can pre-order Apple Watch Ultra 4 today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at Dh3,199.
iPhone Duo price revealed
The iPhone Duo starts at $1999, will be available on October 23.
Apple’s new iPhone Duo features
Quick look: New devices, prices in UAE
As Apple draws a curtain on its much-awaited launch event, here’s a quick look at the products the teh giant has launched and their prices in the UAE.
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iPhone 18 Pro at Dh5,099
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iPhone 18 Pro Max at Dh5,499
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AirPods 5 at Dh539
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Apple Watch Ultra 4 at DhDh3,199
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iPhone Duo at Dh8,499
True or false? Let’s take a look at some leaks
In the lead up to Apple’s annual launch event, several tech enthusiasts and experts reported leaks. Here are some of them:
– There will be no iPhone 18 at this time: True
– New iPhones will cost more their predecessors: True. The iPhone 18 Pro price starts at Dh5,099, iPhone 18 Pro Max price starts at Dh5,499, Dh400 higher than iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
– The new foldable iPhone to be called iPhone 18 Fold or iPhone Ultra: False, it is called the iPhone Duo
The night in numbers: everything Apple announced
John Ternus’s first event as chief executive ended with Apple finally entering the foldable market, under a name nobody had predicted: the iPhone Duo.
The foldable iPhone Duo starts at Dh8,499 and goes on sale from October 23.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Dh5,099 and the Pro Max at Dh5,499, both Dh400 above last year’s models, with a variable aperture camera and a design almost indistinguishable from last year’s.
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at Dh1,699 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at Dh3,199, with pre-orders open now and shop availability from Friday, September 18.
AirPods 5 start at Dh539.
Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for more details, specs and deeper dives into the new Apple devices from Khaleej Times.
Source: Khaleej Times