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Top Stories: Apple Event Recap With iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods

Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone Duo is here, but that wasn't all we saw at this week's event, as Apple also took the wraps off of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and the AirPods 5. We'll have to wait a little over a month to get our hands on the foldable iPhone Duo, but the rest of the products will be out at the end of next week. And don't forget iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and other software updates that will be dropping on Monday! Top Stories Everything Apple Announced at This Week's Event We'll pull out the highlights below, but be sure to check out our recap video and complete index to all of our coverage of Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event that saw the introduction of several new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods models. The event saw John Ternus taking the stage just days after officially becoming Apple CEO, making some of the bigger announcements of the day and handing off to other Apple executives to present the details. Apple Announces Foldable 'iPhone Duo' The star of Wednesday's show was a "one more thing" unveiling of the iPhone Duo , Apple's new compact foldable phone featuring a more traditional-sized screen on the outside but unfolding into a nearly iPad mini-sized screen on the inside. In addition to a refined hardware design, the iPhone Duo features numerous software refinements to deliver a user experience optimized for the new form factor. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, with a launch to follow on October 23, and in the meantime, check out our hands-on video from the event . Apple Announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Apple this week also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max , which look very similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models but have several upgrades. As was widely rumored, both devices have a smaller Dynamic Island that can show up to three Live Activities at once. The A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro models has a 6-core CPU, a 7-core GPU, and a 32-core Neural Engine, and thanks in part to a much larger vapor chamber cooling system, Apple says sustained performance is up to 40% faster compared to the A19 Pro chip. Other updates include new camera features such as a variable aperture on the Main camera, longer battery life, and new color options, all of which we discussed in our hands-on and early impressions video . Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max kicked off today , with a launch coming on September 18. Apple Announces Apple Watch Series 12 With S11 Chip, Upgraded Health Sensors and Ceramic Models The Apple Watch Series 12 was also introduced this week , featuring a new S11 chip, a similar redesigned health sensing system as on the Ultra 4, and new aluminum, titanium, and ceramic finishes. Series 12 comes in Space Gray, Black, Light Gold, and Dark Bronze aluminum finishes. The aluminum models gain Ceramic Shield, which Apple says makes their screens 60% tougher. Polished titanium models are also available in Radiant Gold and Natural, while ceramic models come in Pearl White and Night Blue. Pricing starts at $399, with pre-orders available now ahead of a September 18 launch. Apple Announces Apple Watch Ultra 4 With Two-Day Battery Life and Upgraded Health Tracking Apple this week announced the Apple Watch Ultra 4 , which features a new S11 chip, a redesigned health sensing system, and a larger battery that Apple says delivers two days of battery life. With improved power efficiency, Ultra 4 offers up to 18 hours of workout tracking with full GPS and heart rate monitoring, or 45 hours in its maximum extended workout mode, according to Apple. Pre-orders are available now ahead of a September 18 launch, with prices starting at $799. AirPods 5 Announced With Improved Noise Cancellation, Audio Quality, and More Finally, Apple introduced AirPods 5 , offering Active Noise Cancellation with its entry-level wireless earbuds at a starting price of $129. A $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case adds swipe-based volume controls on the stems and longer battery life. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. They also boast a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated Adaptive EQ which promise richer, more detailed sound, and an improved Transparency mode that makes nearby voices and sounds more natural. AirPods 5 are available to pre-order now, with availability beginning Friday, September 18. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter ! Tag: Top Stories This article, " Top Stories: Apple Event Recap With iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•MacRumors Staff12 Sept

Didn't Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro Yet? Here's How Long the Wait is Now

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders began today in the U.S. and many other countries. If you have yet to place a pre-order on Apple's online store, you might face a longer wait now, depending on your desired configuration. The first customers who pre-ordered right when pre-orders began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time today will have their device delivered on Friday, September 18 launch day. As of 6:45 a.m. Pacific Time, though, select iPhone 18 Pro Max configurations on Apple's online store in the U.S. are now showing delivery estimates into October for new orders. iPhone 18 Pro Max / Black / 256GB: October 6-13 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Black / 512GB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Black / 1TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Black / 2TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Silver / 256GB: October 6-13 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Silver / 512GB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Silver / 1TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Silver / 2TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Glacier / 256GB: October 6-13 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Glacier / 512GB: September 24-29 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Glacier / 1TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Glacier / 2TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Burgundy / 256GB: October 6-13 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Burgundy / 512GB: October 6-13 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Burgundy / 1TB: September 18 iPhone 18 Pro Max / Burgundy / 2TB: September 18 All configurations of the smaller iPhone 18 Pro are still available for September 18 delivery as of 6:45 a.m. Pacific Time, but that could soon change. Apple Store pickup may still be an option for launch day depending on the model. Inventory will likely continue to tighten for both delivery and Apple Store pickup as the day progresses, so order quickly if you are planning to. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Buy Now) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " Didn't Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro Yet? Here's How Long the Wait is Now " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Joe Rossignol12 Sept

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Now Available to Pre-Order

Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max through its online storefront and the Apple Store app. If you don't see the option to order, make sure to refresh until the store comes up. The app is often a quicker way to get a pre-order in. Pre-orders for the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models are available in more than 65 countries and regions around the world. If you used "Get Ready" ahead of time, you'll be able to place an order with just a couple of taps. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max are Apple's latest flagship iPhones, featuring a new variable aperture Main camera, a faster A20 Pro chip, improved vapor chamber cooling, upgraded 5G modems, longer battery life, faster charging, and a smaller Dynamic Island . The new iPhones come in silver, black, glacier, and burgundy. Pricing on the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ begins at $1,199 for the 256GB model, and the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max is priced starting at $1,299. Up to 2TB of storage is available at higher prices. Apple is not offering the lower-cost iPhone 18 at this time, and the iPhone Duo won't launch until October 23, so there may be high demand for the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models. It's always a good idea to pre-order early because popular colors and capacities often sell out. In addition to Apple, carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are accepting pre-orders, as are retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Carriers are offering trade-in deals and discounts for customers, while Apple has the Apple Upgrade program available with monthly payment options. Customers who pre-order an ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ or an ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max today will start receiving their iPhones on Friday, September 18. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Now Available to Pre-Order " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Juli Clover12 Sept

Here Are The Best Carrier Deals You Can Get When Pre-Ordering iPhone 18 Pro Today

Apple today launched pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max . If you're looking to place a pre-order on one of these models at a cellular carrier, we've rounded up all of the best deals and offers you can find from the major carriers in the United States. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. AT&T iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max : Up to $1,200 off with eligible trade-in Starting with AT&T , you can get the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to $1,200 off with an iPhone trade-in in any condition. You'll need to upgrade with AT&T Next Up Anytime or switch to get this offer, and AT&T says it will be available for iPhone Duo orders in October as well. UP TO $1,200 OFF iPhone 18 Pro at AT&T If you switch to AT&T from a different carrier, AT&T will pay off your phone balance at up to $800 off per line. With the $1,200 offer, AT&T is offering the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro at no cost. T-Mobile iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max : Up to $1,200 off with eligible trade-in Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Get $300 off second model when adding a new line T-Mobile's offers are nearly identical to AT&T. You can get the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to $1,200 off you trade in an old device (in any condition) and purchase the new device on an eligible unlimited plan. You can also get this offer if you switch a line to Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next. UP TO $1,200 OFF iPhone 18 Pro at T-Mobile Additionally, you can get up to $930 off any iPhone 18 Pro model when trading in an eligible device, or switching a line to T-Mobile on Experience More 2.0, Experience More, or Go5G Plus. For Apple Watches at T-Mobile, if you buy any new Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 device, you can get $300 off a second model when you add a watch line on the Watch Plan 2.0. Verizon iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max : Up to $1,200 off with eligible trade-in Apple Watch Series 12: No cost when bundled with a new iPhone Similar to the other carriers, Verizon is offering up to $1,200 off the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with an eligible smartphone trade-in. You'll need to purchase the new iPhone on a 36-month payment plan and you'll receive the discount in the form of monthly promo credits over the course of your plan. UP TO $1,200 OFF iPhone 18 Pro at Verizon Verizon is also offering the Apple Watch Series 12 at no cost when you purchase it alongside a new iPhone. You just need to buy the iPhone on Simplicity, Simplicity Plus, Pro, or myPlan, and purchase the Apple Watch on a 36-month payment plan. Visible Visible is offering $480 off the iPhone 18 Pro when you purchase it on the Visible+ Pro plan. To get this deal, you'll need to join or switch to the Visible+ Pro monthly plan and purchase the iPhone 18 Pro at full retail price, and then you'll see the $480 off in terms of monthly service credits. $480 OFF iPhone 18 Pro at Visible Visible's offer differs from other carriers due to requiring the full retail purchase of the new iPhone, compared to AT&T and others, which are offering discounts on monthly financing options. If you're interested, new members can get 50% off one year of the Visible+ Pro annual plan with SAVEHALF at checkout. Visible offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $19/month on the Visible plan, $29/month on the Visible+ plan, or $39/month on the Visible+ Pro plan (prices include $6 discount with current promo code SAVE6). If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " Here Are The Best Carrier Deals You Can Get When Pre-Ordering iPhone 18 Pro Today " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Mitchel Broussard12 Sept

Apple Store Down Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders

Apple's online store is down ahead of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders, which begin at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12. Screenshot "We love that early energy," reads the Apple Store's message when visiting the U.S. website. "Almost ready for you. Pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PT. See you soon." Apple has been opening pre-orders at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time for several years, rather than the 12:01 a.m. start time it previously used. Today the store went down especially early. Customers in more than 65 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S., will be able to pre-order both models when the store comes back online. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max come in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black. Both models are available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities, bringing the 2TB option to the smaller Pro model for the first time. Here's When iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders Begin in Every Time Zone How to Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro From Apple and Get the Model You Want on Launch Day What Upgrading to iPhone 18 Pro From iPhone 17 Pro Gets You iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro: 35+ Upgrades Compared In the United States, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both models launch on Friday, September 18, when deliveries to customers and in-store availability begin. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Tag: Apple Store Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " Apple Store Down Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Tim Hardwick12 Sept

How to Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro From Apple and Get the Model You Want on Launch Day

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9 at its "Surprise and shine" event . If you're keen to be among the first to get your hands on one, here are some tips on how to give yourself the best chance. If you're looking to grab a foldable iPhone Duo, check out our separate guide . Apple says pre-orders for the new iPhone 18 Pro models open on Saturday, September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time ahead of a launch on Friday, September 18. We have a guide to when pre-orders go live in every time zone . Going on previous fall iPhone launches, shipping estimates for popular iPhone Pro configurations tend to slip by several weeks within hours of Apple's pre-orders opening, which tends to happen the week of the announcement. Ordering quickly therefore can make the difference between a launch-day delivery and an extended wait. These tips should help give you the best chance of grabbing one. Get Ready for your iPhone 18 Pro pre-order: Before pre-orders go live, you have a short time window to set up a " Get Ready " feature in the Apple Store app or on Apple's online store . This allows you to prepare your purchase by selecting your preferred model, confirming carrier status, adding accessories, choosing an AppleCare+ plan, and setting up payment methods. Afterwards, when pre-orders begin, you'll be able to complete your purchase with just a tap. Apple says it is giving customers until 9 p.m. Pacific Time today to get their pre-order ready ahead of the morning rush. This deadline has now passed, but the option still appears to be available for some customers, so act now if you want a quicker checkout on Saturday. Check your Apple Account details now: Do the necessary checks that confirm your payment method hasn't expired, your billing address matches your card, and your shipping address is the place you actually want your iPhone sent to. Get your trade-in quote in advance: Getting a trade-in valuation on your current iPhone adds more screens to the checkout process, so get it done before pre-orders go live. After a trade-in estimate is generated, Apple has to receive your old device within 14 days (15 days in Canada) to ensure you get the estimated value. But this countdown only comes into effect after you receive your iPhone 18 Pro – not before. If you financed your current phone through the old iPhone Upgrade Program, check your status and your replacement financing options now: Apple discontinued the old program in the US in July 2026. Eligible existing members can move to Apple Upgrade , Apple Card Monthly Installments, carrier financing, or a one-time purchase. Note that in the UK, Apple is in the process of transitioning former Upgrade Program customers to its Flexible Finance Account . Open the Apple Store app ahead of time: Ensure you have the app up-to-date, open, and with your saved configuration on screen several minutes before pre-orders go live. The store does not always become accessible to every customer at exactly the advertised second. In fact, it's more likely to open up a few minutes later than that. Also: keep Apple's online store open in a browser on another device. Going on previous pre-orders, which of the two comes back first can vary by launch. Don't change your configuration selection at checkout: Every change you make to your basket likely re-queries Apple's inventory. If your saved specification is available, take it all the way to payment. This includes which color you prefer – the more last-minute changes you make, the greater the risk becomes that availability will change before you check out. Choose in-store pickup if it's offered: There's every reason to believe that Apple's pickup inventory will be allocated separately from its delivery stock, so a store slot can still be available after delivery estimates have slipped. Opting for in-store pickup also removes any potential ambiguity surrounding your estimated delivery window. Launch day walk-in stock is a genuine alternative: Apple could conceivably hold back some inventory for in-store purchases on launch morning. Brick-and-mortar stocks are also allocated per store rather than nationally. Apple's pickup availability checker updates through the morning and is likely to be more efficient and reliable than calling the store. That being said, don't assume you'll be able to walk into a store and pick up an iPhone 18 Pro. For all the details about the new iPhone 18 Pro models, be sure to check out our dedicated roundup . Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " How to Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro From Apple and Get the Model You Want on Launch Day " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Tim Hardwick12 Sept

How to Pre-Order Your iPhone 18 Pro From Apple

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9 at its "Surprise and shine" event . If you're keen to be among the first to get your hands on one, here are some tips on how to give yourself the best chance. If you're looking to grab a foldable iPhone Duo, check out our separate guide . Apple says pre-orders for the new iPhone 18 Pro models open on Saturday, September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time ahead of a launch on Friday, September 18. We have a guide to when pre-orders go live in every time zone . Going on previous fall iPhone launches, shipping estimates for popular iPhone Pro configurations tend to slip by several weeks within hours of Apple's pre-orders opening, which tends to happen the week of the announcement. Ordering quickly therefore can make the difference between a launch-day delivery and an extended wait. These tips should help give you the best chance of grabbing one. Get Ready for your iPhone 18 Pro pre-order: Before pre-orders go live, you have a short time window to set up a " Get Ready " feature in the Apple Store app. This allows you to prepare your purchase by selecting your preferred model, confirming carrier status, adding accessories, choosing an AppleCare+ plan, and setting up payment methods. Afterwards, when pre-orders begin, you'll be able to complete your purchase with just a tap. Apple is giving customers until 9 p.m. Pacific Time today to get their pre-order ready ahead of the morning rush, so act now if you want a quicker checkout tomorrow. Check your Apple Account details now: Do the necessary checks that confirm your payment method hasn't expired, your billing address matches your card, and your shipping address is the place you actually want your iPhone sent to. Get your trade-in quote in advance: Getting a trade-in valuation on your current iPhone adds more screens to the checkout process, so get it done before pre-orders go live. After a trade-in estimate is generated, Apple has to receive your old device within 14 days (15 days in Canada) to ensure you get the estimated value. But this countdown only comes into effect after you receive your iPhone 18 Pro – not before. If you financed your current phone through the old iPhone Upgrade Program, check your status and your replacement financing options now: Apple discontinued the old program in the US in July 2026. Eligible existing members can move to Apple Upgrade , Apple Card Monthly Installments, carrier financing, or a one-time purchase. Note that in the UK, Apple is in the process of transitioning former Upgrade Program customers to its Flexible Finance Account . Open the Apple Store app ahead of time: Ensure you have the app up-to-date, open, and with your saved configuration on screen several minutes before pre-orders go live. The store does not always become accessible to every customer at exactly the advertised second. In fact, it's more likely to open up a few minutes later than that. Also: keep Apple's online store open in a browser on another device. Going on previous pre-orders, which of the two comes back first can vary by launch. Don't change your configuration selection at checkout: Every change you make to your basket likely re-queries Apple's inventory. If your saved specification is available, take it all the way to payment. This includes which color you prefer – the more last-minute changes you make, the greater the risk becomes that availability will change before you check out. Choose in-store pickup if it's offered: There's every reason to believe that Apple's pickup inventory will be allocated separately from its delivery stock, so a store slot can still be available after delivery estimates have slipped. Opting for in-store pickup also removes any potential ambiguity surrounding your estimated delivery window. Launch day walk-in stock is a genuine alternative: Apple could conceivably hold back some inventory for in-store purchases on launch morning. Brick-and-mortar stocks are also allocated per store rather than nationally. Apple's pickup availability checker updates through the morning and is likely to be more efficient and reliable than calling the store. That being said, don't assume you'll be able to walk into a store and pick up an iPhone 18 Pro. For all the details about the new iPhone 18 Pro models, be sure to check out our dedicated roundup . Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " How to Pre-Order Your iPhone 18 Pro From Apple " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Tim Hardwick12 Sept

Two iOS 27 Features Won't Be Ready for Monday's Launch

Two iOS 27 features need a little more time in testing and won't be shipping until a future update, even though they were present during the beta period. Suggestions in Messages conversations and the option to automatically fix compromised passwords with a tap will not be in the initial version of ‌iOS 27‌, and will instead launch in a later version of ‌iOS 27‌. Apple noted the delays on its iOS 27 page , as well as its iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate pages as these are cross-platform features. For the password update feature, the Passwords app uses Apple Intelligence and Safari to fix compromised passwords in the background without the user needing to do so manually In the Messages app, ‌Apple Intelligence‌ surfaces one-tap suggestions based on what's being discussed in a conversation. If someone you're talking to asks you to send a photo or complete a task, Messages recognizes the request and suggests action on the information with the relevant apps. We already know that an iOS 27.1 update will be coming before October 23 because the iPhone Duo comes out on that date and ships with it pre-installed. We could potentially get the new features as soon as iOS 27.1. ‌iOS 27‌ and ‌iPadOS 27‌ will launch to the public on Monday, September 14. Related Roundups: iOS 27 , iPadOS 27 Related Forum: iOS 27 This article, " Two iOS 27 Features Won't Be Ready for Monday's Launch " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Juli Clover11 Sept
9

Pixelated 116: How dynamic is this Duo?

Welcome to Pixelated episode 116. This week, we’re talking about Apple’s entry into the foldable market. What does the iPhone Duo take from Android foldables, where does it look to improve on efforts from the likes of Samsung and Google, and what can those brands learn from Apple for their next-gen hardware? Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month. Sponsored by Bitwarden : Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link , and check out the Open Source Security Summit on September 17th. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring! Sponsored by Proton Unlimited : Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link . Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast. Subscribe YouTube Podcasts Pocket Casts Spotify Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Overcast more…

9to5Google9to5Google•Will Sattelberg11 Sept

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Upgrades Compared

The Apple Watch Series 12 is now available for pre-order, and unlike last year's model, it brings a substantial list of changes over its predecessor. Here's everything that's new. Last year, the Series 11 introduced just four changes over the Series 10, making it perhaps the smallest generational upgrade in the device's history. The Series 12 is a far more meaningful refresh, even though it essentially retains the same design for a third consecutive year. It launches on Friday, September 18, at the same $399 starting price as the Series 11, which Apple has now discontinued. This guide lists all of the differences between the Series 11 and Series 12 models to help you understand the changes: Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 12 S10 chip (2024) S11 chip (2026) 2GB RAM 4GB RAM Electrical heart sensor "Health Sensing System" with second-generation electrical heart sensor Third-generation optical heart sensor Fourth-generation, always-on optical heart sensor Heart rate tracking High-frequency background heart rate tracking (every five seconds) HRV Recovery HRV and overall HRV (measured up to 24x more often) Vitals app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration Vitals app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and HRV, plus daytime vitals view Readiness app More accurate step tracking Steps complication Audio Intelligence (Live Rewind, Siri Recap, Sound Recognition, and Shazam) Ion-X glass with 2x scratch resistance (aluminum models) Ceramic Shield 2, 60% tougher than Ion-X (aluminum models) Metal and sapphire crystal back Aluminum or titanium and zirconia back Aluminum or titanium case Aluminum, titanium, or ceramic case Aluminum : Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray Aluminum : Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, and Space Gray Titanium : Slate, Gold, and Natural Titanium : Radiant Gold and Natural Ceramic : Pearl White and Night Blue Hermès : Silver titanium Hermès : Silver and Radiant Gold titanium 15 minutes of charging for up to 8 hours of normal use 15 minutes of charging for up to 12 hours of normal use 5 minutes of charging for up to 8 hours of sleep tracking 5 minutes of charging for up to 10 hours of sleep tracking Now discontinued From $399 The new ceramic case marks the first ceramic Apple Watch since the Series 5 Edition in 2019, but it is slightly larger than the other models and weighs up to 52.9 grams in its 46mm Night Blue configuration. Even the aluminum and titanium models are now 1mm wider and around 2 grams heavier than their predecessors. At the same time, the display appears to have shrunk slightly , even though its resolution is unchanged. Apple lists the 46mm Series 12 with 1,196 sq mm of display area, 2% less than the 1,220 sq mm of the Series 11, while the 42mm model drops 1.9% from 989 sq mm to 970 sq mm. A marginally smaller screen in a wider case means thicker borders, and Apple also appears to have pulled the case back slightly around a larger front glass, which could make them look even more prominent. The Series 10 went through a similar change in 2024, when its visible aluminum edge shrank compared to the Series 9 but its overall bezel, including the black border under the glass, actually grew. The shift is less dramatic this time around, since the Series 12 keeps the same basic case design. Here's how the two generations compare in size, weight, and display area: 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 12 Dimensions 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm 46mm x 40mm x 9.7mm Display area 1,220 sq mm 1,196 sq mm Aluminum (GPS) 37.8 grams 39.5 grams Aluminum (Cellular) 36.9 grams 38.6 grams Titanium 43.1 grams 44.9 grams 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 12 Dimensions 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm 42mm x 37mm x 9.7mm Display area 989 sq mm 970 sq mm Aluminum (GPS) 30.3 grams 32.2 grams Aluminum (Cellular) 29.7 grams 31.5 grams Titanium 34.6 grams 36.5 grams The new ceramic models, which have no Series 11 equivalent, are larger and considerably heavier still: Ceramic 46mm 42mm Dimensions 47mm x 41mm x 9.85mm 43mm x 37mm x 9.85mm Pearl White 51.3 grams 41.7 grams Night Blue 52.9 grams 42.8 grams The most significant upgrade between the two devices is the new Health Sensing System. It uses a larger electrode surface for better skin contact during ECG readings, redesigned photodiodes laid out in a ring for more efficient light capture, and bigger, more power-efficient green LEDs. The result is that the Series 12 measures heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, 60 times more frequently than before, and samples HRV up to 24 times more often. Apple claims this gives the Series 12 the most accurate heart rate sensing of any wearable. That higher-frequency data powers several new health features that are exclusive to the Series 12. The Readiness app weighs up your recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep score to produce a single daily score out of 10, alongside a recommendation ranging from "Recover" to "Go For It." There is also a separate Recovery HRV metric, a daytime view in the Vitals app, and new watch face complications for real-time heart rate and step count. Apple has also rebuilt its pedometer model and says the Series 12 now offers the most accurate step tracking of any smartwatch. The Series 12 is the first model in two years to get a new chip, with the S11 replacing the S10 that powered both the Series 10 and Series 11, which itself was almost identical to the S9 chip from 2023. The new model also has twice as much RAM , with 4GB compared to 2GB in the Series 11. The S11 chip enables Audio Intelligence , a new set of features exclusive to the Series 12 and Ultra 4. Live Rewind displays a transcript of the last 15 seconds of conversation with a double press of the Digital Crown, ‌Siri‌ Recap generates summaries of conversations, Sound Recognition alerts deaf or hard of hearing users to sounds like sirens and doorbells, and Shazam can automatically identify music playing nearby. According to Apple, audio is processed in a hardware-isolated Secure Exclave on the S11 chip and is never recorded. Everyday battery life is unchanged at up to 24 hours, or up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. The improvements instead focus on workouts and charging. The Series 12 offers up to 10 hours of battery life during an outdoor workout, which Apple says is 25% more than the Series 11, and 15 minutes of charging now delivers up to 12 hours of use rather than eight. All other aspects, such as display resolution and brightness, 64GB of storage, 5G connectivity, and water and dust resistance all carry over from the Series 11 unchanged. Is It Worth Upgrading? For new buyers, the Series 12 is the obvious choice. It costs the same $399 that the Series 11 did at launch, while adding a more capable health sensing system, double the RAM, and a considerable list of exclusive features. With a new chip and more memory, it is also likely to be better placed for future Apple Intelligence features. The Series 11 is the better value option only when it can be found heavily discounted, which is likely as third-party retailers clear their remaining stock. Last year, we concluded that virtually no users should upgrade from a Series 10 to a Series 11. This year, the picture is more nuanced. For most Series 11 owners, there is still no general-purpose reason to upgrade, since many key features are unchanged and ‌Siri‌ AI is coming to the Series 11 anyway. However, the Series 12 is worth considering if you rely on your Apple Watch for training and recovery insights, since continuous heart rate tracking, Recovery HRV, and Readiness are all exclusive to the new model. Deaf and hard of hearing users may find Sound Recognition a compelling reason to upgrade on its own, and some users will simply want the new ceramic finish. Series 11 owners who are happy to wait may prefer to hold out for next year's "Series 13," which is rumored to bring the first major redesign since the Series 10, including a new band attachment system. By contrast, upgrading is much easier to justify if you have a Series 9 or older. Series 10 owners would gain a new, thinner design with a wider screen, a tougher display on aluminum models, and a longer battery life in addition to all of this year's changes. Related Roundup: Apple Watch 12 Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Upgrades Compared " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Hartley Charlton11 Sept

iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders: Deadline to 'Get Ready' Early is Tonight

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders begin this Saturday, September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple allows you to prepare for your pre-order early. Simply look for the "Get Ready" button on the Shop iPhone page or in the Apple Store app and proceed to select your iPhone 18 Pro model and any accessories, get pre-approved for financing or leasing if necessary, and so forth. Apple is giving customers until 9 p.m. Pacific Time today to get their pre-order ready ahead of the morning rush, so act fast if you want a quicker checkout tomorrow. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: iPhone 18 Pro (Coming Soon) Related Forum: iPhone This article, " iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders: Deadline to 'Get Ready' Early is Tonight " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumorsMacRumors•Joe Rossignol11 Sept