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Apple has unveiled their latest iPhone range along with new models of accessories in their high anticipated autumn launch. Though this happened at 1am Hong Kong time on the morning of September 10, we’re sure plenty of tech bros, new adopters, and Apple enthusiasts stayed up watching the livestream to get a first look at the new iPhone lineup. Here’s everything we know about the iPhone 18 Pro series and Apple’s first-ever foldable phone, the iPhone Duo.
When do Hong Kong pre-orders start for the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro models?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available to pre-order from 8pm on Saturday, September 12 in Hong Kong. Pre-orders come later for the iPhone Duo, opening at 8pm on Friday, October 16. As for the standard iPhone 18 and relatively economical iPhone 18e models, these models are expected to be announced in spring 2027.
When will the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro models be available in stores in Hong Kong?
Pickups and official sales in Apple stores for the iPhone Duo begin on Friday, October 23. The iPhone 18 Pro series will hit the stores next Friday, September 18. Each customer is limited to purchasing two iPhone 18 Pro and two iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Why would Apple stagger their releases instead of launching all the iPhones?
As this 2026 autumn launch marks Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, they likely want all the attention to be on the iPhone Duo, as well as the other premium models. Releasing their products this way allows the Pro series to dominate headlines this season, while another wave of momentum and interest will generate again for the spring release next year.
iPhone 18 Pro series: Colourways
The aluminium unibody of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro models comes in four colours: black, silvery white, light blue, and dark cherry. The berry shade is much more chic than what initially appeared in industry leaks, which looked like a purple-based deep fuschia – but Apple’s actual dark cherry colour turned out to be more of a brownish deep burgundy. This new colourway is definitely going to be the consumer favourite, replacing the hype of the Cosmic Orange shade from the iPhone 17 Pro range.
iPhone 18 Pro series: Specs, cameras, and new features
1. First-ever 48-megapixel main camera with variable aperture
The camera system is the highlight of this release, featuring the most significant hardware innovation in recent years. The iPhone 18 Pro’s 48-megapixel Fusion main camera introduces a variable aperture design for the first time in Apple history. Composed of six ultra-thin, laser-cut blades, the camera automatically adjusts the aperture size based on the shooting environment. In low-light conditions, the aperture opens automatically to increase light intake by approximately 50%. Combined with optimised f/1.8 parameters, higher quality images can be captured at faster speeds, meaning better photos for even night mode and astrophotography.
2. Powered by the A20 Pro chip
The A20 Pro chip sets a new standard for mobile computing with the latest two-nanometre system-on-a-chip. Compared to the A19 Pro, the new six-core CPU increases memory bandwidth by up to 50 percent and features integrated neural network accelerators. The new seven-core GPU is also up to 40 percent faster than the A19 Pro, significantly accelerating rendering speeds. The A20 Pro is also equipped with a new dual 16-core Neural Engine to efficiently handle on-device AI models and professional photography.
3. Record-breaking battery life
The new iPhone 18 Pro series features an updated thermal management system, delivering the best battery life ever in an Apple device. According to video playback tests (on eSIM-only models), the iPhone 18 Pro supports up to 36 hours of video playback, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches an impressive 45 hours. Paired with advanced wired fast-charging technology, the iPhone 18 Pro can reach a 50-percent charge in about 15 minutes, so no more panicking about a dying phone when you’re out and about.
4. Dynamic Island functions
The upgraded Dynamic Island is smaller and more refined, with greatly enhanced practicality. It can simultaneously display up to three Live Activities, allowing users to track multiple daily updates at a single glance, like flight status, map navigation, and alarms.
iPhone Duo: Specs, camera, colourways, and more
Needless to say, the major highlight of this year’s launch is Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. When open, this passport-sized device is also the thinnest iPhone released. This will come in two classic colours of black and white. Here are some feature highlights for the iPhone Duo:
1. Immersive viewing experience
The iPhone Duo’s 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display maintains a consistent aspect ratio across both the inner and outer screens. The inner screen is constructed from 10 ultra-thin layers with a custom nano-texture surface to reduce glare. The phone’s internal FaceTime camera is seamlessly hidden beneath the screen and appears only when needed, providing an undisturbed, exceptionally smooth screen usage experience.
2. Mirror-polished Grade 5 titanium frame
The Duo is equipped with a hinge cover, a scratch-resistant coating on the inner screen, Ceramic Shield on both the front and back of the body, and an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.
3. One-handed thumb operation
With a foldable device, there are obviously going to be some changes in how users interact with iPhone’s familiar features. Key components on the iPhone Duo have been shifted to the side to make way for the hinge. There’s also a vertical Dock for more intuitive and smooth multitasking gestures. A compact status bar rests discreetly in the corner to maximise the field of vision. Combined with Live Activities integration, the display seamlessly transitions and extends across the folded, unfolded, inner, and outer screens, delivering a fluid large-screen experience.
4. Dual-screen iOS
The new system supports side-by-side app running, app pairing, operating while half folded, and adaptive speakers. Equipped with an eSIM-only C2 cellular chip, network speeds have been increased by 50 percent and sustained performance boosted by 35 percent. An innovative dual-battery that’s split between the left and right sides of the iPhone Duo provides all-day 24-hour average battery life, up to 44 hours of video playback on the outer screen, and fast charging to 50 percent in about 20 minutes.
How much will the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro series cost in Hong Kong?
iPhone 18 Pro
256GB: From $10,499
512GB: From $12,299
1TB: From $15,799
2TB: From $20,999
iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB: $11,499
512GB: $13,299
1TB: $16,799
2TB: $21,999
iPhone Duo
256GB: $17,499
512GB: $19,299
1TB: $22,799
2TB: $27,999
New Apple products 2026: AirPods and Apple Watches
In addition to the new iPhones, Apple has also announced three new products: AirPods 5, the Apple Watch Series 12, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. All three are available for pre-order starting today and will go on sale from September 18.
AirPods 5 features an open-ear design centered on Active Noise Cancellation. Equipped with a new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, it claims to eliminate up to 50 percent of external noise, offers a more natural Transparency mode, and supports head gestures for Siri responses as well as real-time translation. Priced at HK$1,099, or HK$1,249 for the model with the wireless charging case, the AirPods 5 features a longer battery life, along with dust, sweat, and water resistance. Honestly, we’re just glad they’re not in-ear!
The Apple Watch Series 12 features a new health sensor system and the S11 chip, purportedly delivering the most precise heart rate sensing in a wearable device, higher-frequency HRV measurements, and a new personal health status scoring system. It also supports sleep apnea notifications, ECG, fall detection, and other features. This model is available in aluminum, titanium, and precision ceramic cases, with prices starting at HK$3,199.
Lastly, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 serves as the ultimate sports and adventure watch, also equipped with the new health sensor system and S11 chip. It offers up to 45 hours of tracking for outdoor workouts, features the most accurate built-in GPS in a sports watch, and supports safety features such as satellite communications. Available in natural and black titanium cases, this model’s prices start at HK$6,499.
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