Apple iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12 & AirPods 5 Launched: Price, Specifications and Global Comparison

Apple has unveiled its biggest product refresh of 2026, introducing the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first foldable iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the new AirPods 5.

The September 2026 Apple event marks a major change in the company's product strategy. Along with upgrading its flagship iPhones, Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market for the first time with the iPhone Duo.

The company has also strengthened its wearable and audio portfolio with the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.

For Indian consumers, the launch is particularly significant because the new iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900. Apple's first foldable iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 in India, making it one of the company's most expensive products.

Apple 2026 Launch: What's New?

Apple's latest lineup includes:

iPhone 18 Pro

iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone Duo – Apple's first foldable iPhone

Apple Watch Series 12

Apple Watch Ultra 4

AirPods 5

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available from September 18, 2026, while the foldable iPhone Duo will arrive later, with availability scheduled for October 23. AirPods 5 and the new Apple Watch models also go on sale on September 18.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro series is the centrepiece of Apple's 2026 smartphone lineup.

Both models are powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip and run iOS 27. Apple is placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, photography, battery life and a more capable Siri.

The biggest camera change is the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, giving users greater control over light and depth of field. The phones also feature an 18MP Center Stage front camera designed to improve framing for selfies, video calls and group shots.

iPhone 18 Pro – Key Specifications

Chip: Apple A20 Pro

CPU: 6-core CPU

Display: 6.3-inch-class Pro display

Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz

Main camera: 48MP Fusion with variable aperture

Front camera: 18MP Center Stage

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB

OS: iOS 27

AI: Apple Intelligence and Siri AI

Charging: Up to 50% in approximately 15 minutes with a compatible adapter

Colours: Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy

iPhone 18 Pro Max – Key Specifications

The Pro Max offers the larger display and improved battery performance.

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max can deliver significantly longer video playback than the previous generation, while the A20 Pro chip provides a substantial performance boost.

Chip: Apple A20 Pro

Display: 6.9-inch-class Pro display

Main camera: 48MP Fusion with variable aperture

Front camera: 18MP Center Stage

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB

OS: iOS 27

AI: Apple Intelligence and Siri AI

Fast charging: Up to 50% in around 15 minutes

Colours: Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy

iPhone 18 Pro Price in India

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 for 256GB, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900.

The 2TB models reach ₹3,14,900 for the Pro and ₹3,29,900 for the Pro Max. Pre-orders in India begin September 12, with sales beginning September 18.

iPhone Duo: Apple's First Foldable iPhone

The biggest surprise of Apple's 2026 event is undoubtedly the iPhone Duo, the company's first foldable smartphone.

When folded, the Duo has a 5.4-inch external display. When opened, it expands into a 7.6-inch internal display, giving users a much larger workspace in a pocket-sized device.

Apple is targeting productivity as well as entertainment with the Duo. The device supports multitasking and Apple Pencil functionality, making it more similar to a small tablet when unfolded.

The phone uses the A20 Pro chip, a custom hinge and a titanium body. Apple has also focused heavily on privacy and AI features.

iPhone Duo Key Specifications

Form factor: Foldable smartphone

Outer display: 5.4 inches

Inner display: 7.6 inches

Processor: A20 Pro

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB

Camera: 48MP Dual Fusion camera system

Apple Pencil: Supported

Multitasking: Split-screen functionality

Body: Titanium construction

Starting price in US: $1,999

Starting price in India: ₹2,99,900

India 2TB price: ₹4,49,900

Availability: October 23, 2026

Apple's regional Store pricing shows that the 256GB Duo starts at $1,999 in the US, £1,999 in the UK, ¥364,800 in Japan, AED 8,499 in the UAE and ₹2,99,900 in India.

Apple Watch Series 12

Apple Watch Series 12 focuses more heavily on health, fitness and personalised insights.

The new model introduces Apple's Health Sensing System, powered by the S11 chip. Apple says the system enables more frequent heart-rate and heart-rate variability measurements.

Another major feature is Readiness, which combines recent activity, training load, sleep and other health information to provide users with an indication of how prepared they may be for the day.

Apple has also upgraded durability, with aluminium models featuring Ceramic Shield 2.

Apple Watch Series 12 Highlights

Processor: S11

Health: New Health Sensing System

Heart-rate monitoring: More frequent measurements

Health insight: Readiness score

Display protection: Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminium models

AI: Siri AI features

Starting US price: $399

Starting India price: ₹56,900

Starting Japan price: ¥71,800

Starting UAE price: AED 1,599

Availability: September 18, 2026

The UK price for Series 12 had not been published by Apple in an official source available at the time of this article's preparation, so it is better not to publish an estimated pound price as an official figure.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

For professional athletes, outdoor users and adventure enthusiasts, Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

The Ultra 4 also uses the S11 chip and the new Health Sensing System. Apple says it offers the longest battery life of any Apple Watch, with up to 45 hours of Max Extended Workout tracking.

The starting price is $799 in the US, ₹1,09,900 in India, AED 3,199 in the UAE and ¥142,800 in Japan.

AirPods 5: ANC Comes to the Standard AirPods

One of the most interesting announcements is the AirPods 5.

Importantly, Apple did not launch AirPods Pro 3 as part of this September 2026 event. The new mainstream earbuds are called AirPods 5.

For the first time, Apple's standard AirPods lineup gets Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Apple says AirPods 5 deliver up to 1.5 times more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, while maintaining an open-ear design.

AirPods 5 Features

Open-ear design

Active Noise Cancellation

Adaptive EQ

Personalised Spatial Audio

Live Translation

Siri AI integration

Improved dust, sweat and water resistance

USB-C charging

Optional wireless charging case

There are two versions.

AirPods 5

US: $129
India: ₹14,900
UAE: AED 539
Japan: ¥23,800

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

US: $149
India: ₹17,900
UAE: AED 629
Japan: ¥27,800

The upgraded model adds wireless charging, longer battery life and on-stem volume control. Apple says it can provide up to five hours of listening with ANC and up to 22 hours with the charging case.

Apple 2026 Products: Global Price Comparison

The following table compares the starting prices in India, USA, Dubai/UAE, UK and Japan.

*UK AirPods pricing is reported by current regional price tracking; Apple's UK newsroom had not published an official launch-price announcement for the AirPods 5 when checked. The safest editorial approach is to label it as a store price rather than an Apple newsroom-confirmed launch price.

The iPhone prices are Apple regional Store prices. The US figures should be treated differently because Apple's advertised US prices generally exclude applicable state and local sales tax, whereas many international prices include local taxes.

Where Is the iPhone 18 Pro Cheapest?

For Indian consumers, one of the most interesting aspects of Apple's 2026 launch is the huge difference between regional prices.

The 256GB iPhone 18 Pro costs:

US: $1,199

UAE: AED 5,099

Japan: ¥219,800

UK: £1,199

India: ₹1,64,900

Using September 2026 exchange rates, the US price works out to approximately ₹1.14 lakh, the UAE price to about ₹1.32 lakh, Japan to approximately ₹1.36 lakh, and the UK to around ₹1.54 lakh. These conversions are approximate and can change with currency movements.

This means India is among the more expensive markets for the iPhone 18 Pro at launch.

However, international buyers should not look only at currency conversion. US prices exclude sales tax, while other markets may include VAT, GST or consumption taxes. Warranty terms, cellular-band compatibility, customs duties and after-sales service can also affect the real cost of importing an iPhone.

iPhone Duo Price Difference Is Even Bigger

The price gap becomes more dramatic with Apple's foldable iPhone.

The 256GB iPhone Duo starts at:

US: $1,999
UAE: AED 8,499
Japan: ¥364,800
UK: £1,999
India: ₹2,99,900

Based on current exchange-rate comparisons, the US price is roughly ₹1.90 lakh, UAE approximately ₹2.20 lakh, Japan around ₹2.27 lakh and UK around ₹2.57 lakh, compared with ₹2.99 lakh in India.

For buyers considering purchasing abroad, however, the headline difference should not automatically be interpreted as a guaranteed saving. Taxes, travel expenses, customs rules, warranty coverage and local network compatibility can change the final economics.

Why Apple's 2026 Launch Matters

Apple's 2026 launch is significant for three reasons.

1. Apple enters the foldable market

The iPhone Duo represents Apple's first major entry into the foldable smartphone category. Apple is betting that its combination of hardware design, software integration and ecosystem can attract customers who have so far considered foldables from Samsung and Chinese manufacturers.

2. AI becomes more central

Apple is integrating AI across the iPhone, Watch and AirPods ecosystem. Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, Live Translation and AI-powered contextual features are becoming increasingly important parts of Apple's product strategy.

3. Health remains a major Apple priority

The new Health Sensing System in Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 demonstrates Apple's continuing focus on health, fitness, sleep and recovery tracking.

Apple 2026 Launch: Final Verdict

Apple's September 2026 event is more than a routine iPhone upgrade.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bring a new A20 Pro processor, upgraded cameras, variable aperture photography, improved battery performance and enhanced AI capabilities.

The iPhone Duo is the headline innovation. Apple's first foldable iPhone introduces a 7.6-inch internal display, multitasking and Apple Pencil support, giving the iPhone a new role as a hybrid smartphone and productivity device.

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 strengthen Apple's health and fitness ecosystem, while AirPods 5 bring Active Noise Cancellation to Apple's standard open-ear AirPods category.

For Indian buyers, however, price remains the biggest talking point. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone Duo begins at ₹2,99,900—substantially higher than the equivalent starting prices in the US and several other major markets.

Overall, Apple's 2026 lineup shows a clear strategy: premium hardware, deeper AI integration, health technology and a new foldable form factor. The iPhone Duo may become the most important product of the launch in the long term, while the iPhone 18 Pro series remains the more practical choice for customers looking for Apple's most powerful conventional smartphone.

Note: Prices are launch/list prices and may change because of currency movements, taxes, promotions, exchange offers and regional Apple pricing. US prices generally exclude applicable sales tax. Readers should check their local Apple Store before purchasing.