iFixit published a teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, revealing battery capacity increases of 0.8% and 9.4% respectively, along with details on the new variable aperture system and larger vapor chamber. The teardown noted that NAND storage is now integrated into the dual-layer logic board, complicating repairs, and identified potential screen durability concerns.
Apple released iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate this week, introducing Siri AI capabilities, Visual Intelligence, and Liquid Glass design updates across its operating systems. New hardware including iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 also launched, with upcoming iOS 27.1 and 27.2 versions planned for additional features and improvements.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 received its first discount on Amazon just one day after launch, with select models now priced at $779.99 down from $799.00. Amazon also offers discounts on Apple Watch Series 12 models, with the 42mm GPS version at $389.99 and 46mm GPS at $439.99.
A Geekbench result claiming to show an unreleased M6 Pro chip's performance is likely fraudulent, according to Geekbench creator John Poole, who found internal inconsistencies. This aligns with earlier reports that Apple may skip M6 Pro and M6 Max chips entirely.
Apple released the Watch Series 12 today with internal upgrades and improved health sensors, including a faster S11 chip and enhanced heart rate monitoring that samples every five seconds. The device maintains the same external design as Series 11 but adds new color options, tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass, and faster charging capabilities. New features include a readiness score based on activity and vitals, with prices starting at $399.
Apple hardware VP Tom Marieb discussed the iPhone Duo's design, emphasizing that the matte nano-texture display minimizes crease visibility over time and asking customers to hold the company accountable. He highlighted the extensively engineered hinge, designed for durability and a premium feel across various folded and open positions.
Apple's design team explains that notebooks inspired the iPhone Duo's form factor, with proportions based on the A-series paper system and a custom hinge designed for comfortable carrying and easy unfolding. The software prioritizes a cohesive single-device experience by maintaining control locations across the dual displays and drawing interface principles from Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max requires a 'Prepare to Ship' feature to limit battery capacity below 20 watt-hours for shipping, repair, or trade-in purposes. Apple's firmware solution automatically reduces battery capacity during manufacturing and shipping, which is restored upon activation. The feature is accessible through Settings and includes options to undo the preparation, with potential waiting periods depending on the use case.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in the U.S. uniquely uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, while all other regions and smaller Pro models use Apple's custom C2 modem. The U.S. variant also features a new mmWave 5G antenna module from Apple, though the reason for the regional modem difference remains unexplained.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 share the same S11 chip and health sensors, with the Series 12 starting at $399 and the Ultra 4 at $799. For most users, the Series 12 offers better value with identical performance in a lighter design, while the Ultra 4 justifies its premium through extended battery life and specialized features for diving, hiking, and endurance activities.
Apple's M5 Ultra and M6 chips show significant GPU performance gains in early Geekbench 7 benchmarks, with the M5 Ultra achieving 59% higher Metal scores than the M3 Ultra and the M6 showing 34% improvement over the M5. New Mac Studio and Mac mini models featuring these chips launch Tuesday.
Apple officially states that iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro cases are not compatible due to a slight 0.1mm difference in camera plateau thickness, but testing shows most cases work interchangeably between the two generations despite the minor variance.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are now available for delivery and in-store pickup at most global locations following the pre-order period. Wait times range from 2-3 weeks for Pro models to 3-4 weeks for Pro Max in the U.S., though same-day pickup remains available at many Apple Store locations worldwide. Prices start at $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max, representing a $100 increase from previous models.
Apple raised out-of-warranty battery replacement fees to $129 for iPhone 18 Pro models, up $10 from the $119 charged for iPhone 16 and 17 Pro models due to larger batteries. AppleCare+ customers can still get free replacements if battery capacity drops below 80%.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 began shipping to customers on September 18 in Australia and New Zealand. The devices are rolling out globally across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, with availability through Apple Stores, carriers, and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Apple has agreed to pay Samsung significantly higher prices for RAM and storage chips starting in Q1 2027, with costs rising 30-40% compared to Q3 2026 levels. The price increases reflect a global memory chip shortage driven by AI data center expansion. It remains unclear whether Apple will pass these costs to consumers or absorb them, though the company has already raised prices on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other products since June.
Apple CEO John Ternus has teased the iPhone 18 Pro launch scheduled for tomorrow at the company's Fifth Avenue store in New York. The flagship retail location has been redesigned with a colorful makeover featuring the device's new Burgundy and Glacier color options.
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 will require day-one software updates upon release on September 18. The devices ship with pre-release iOS 27 and watchOS 27 versions that differ from the launch versions, necessitating immediate updates during setup or over-the-air.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch tomorrow with a heavier design, unified color matching between frame and glass, new glacier blue and burgundy options, and a smaller Dynamic Island. Key upgrades include a 2nm A20 Pro chip with improved vapor chamber cooling, variable aperture main camera with new sensor and Pro Controls, and regional modem differences (Apple's C2 in the U.S. Pro model, Qualcomm in Pro Max). Battery life reaches up to 36-45 hours of video playback.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, arriving three years after the iPhone 15 Pro, introduces a new A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture camera, smaller Dynamic Island, and significantly improved battery life, with prices starting at $1,199 for 256GB. The upgrade accumulates changes from three generations including larger displays, Camera Control, enhanced cameras, aluminum design, and vapor chamber cooling. For iPhone 15 Pro owners, the camera improvements, battery longevity, and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for photography and video work.