A nova ferramenta permite gerar vídeos e efeitos sonoros a partir da própria linha do tempo, dentro do Premiere.
Para utilizar a Generative Media Tool, basta selecionar o trecho da linha do tempo em que você deseja criar, descrever aquilo que deverá ser gerado, escolher um dos modelos de IA suportados pela ferramenta (Adobe Firefly, Google Veo, Runway, Luma ou Kling) e pronto, o conteúdo gerado já estará presente no seu projeto.
Divulgação/Adobe
Os materiais feitos por IA são adicionados como clipes editáveis, permitindo que o usuário os manipule como quiser. Além disso, caso seja da sua preferência, a ferramenta possui a capacidade de utilizar quadros de vídeos já existentes como referência para aquilo que será gerado, tornando o recurso ideal para estender determinadas cenas.
Já em matéria de áudio, o Premiere possui agora ferramentas (implementadas em fase beta) para tratamento e separação de vozes em falas simultâneas.
Divulgação/Adobe
A Adobe também atualizou o Color Mode, destinado a correções de cor realizadas dentro do Premiere, oferecendo tanto visuais cinematográficos com os novos Style Modules (com os modos Vignette e Midtones) quanto a Auto Color Tool, que corrige automaticamente a exposição e a temperatura de um clipe ou uma sequência.
Por fim, a empresa também anunciou a chegada do seu assistente de IA para os usuários do After Effects (em versão beta), permitindo tanto a novos usuários da ferramenta quanto aos editores mais experientes manipular projetos e criar efeitos a partir de comandos em linguagem natural.
Todas essas novidades já estão disponíveis para os assinantes da suíte Adobe Creative Cloud.
Apple has confirmed that it will hold an event on Wednesday September 9, starting at 1pm ET, 10am PT and 6pm BST. We expect that Apple will take the wraps off the new iPhone 18 Pro, new iPhone Duo and new Apple Watches during the keynote.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Apple’s iPhone launch event for 2026, including when the Apple Event will start where you are, and the new products Apple will launch. You will be able to watch the event below once it starts. We will also run a live blog.
When is Apple’s iPhone event? What time will the iPhone event start?
The 2026 iPhone event will take place on Wednesday 9 September. It starts at the following times depending on where you are:
Hong Kong, Singapore and China: The following day at 1 a.m.
Australia: The following day at 1 a.m. (AWST), 2.30 a.m. (ACST), 3 a.m. (AEST)
New Zealand: The following day at 5 a.m. (NZST)
You can watch the event live on Apple’s website or YouTube stream below. We also have a live blog of the iPhone Event so you can see our analysis of the annoucements as they happen:
Apple’s September events are usually one to two hours long.
This will be the first Apple event hosted by the company’s new CEO, John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1 following Cook’s retirement.
What will Apple launch at the September 2026 event?
Apple’s September events typically feature the launch of new iPhones, Apple Watches, and, sometimes, AirPods. Apple’s September 2026 event is shaping up to be one of its most significant in years, with a mix of expected updates and a major new product category:
The Headliner: iPhone Duo or iPhone Ultra (Foldable)
The biggest news is the long-rumored folding iPhone, initially expected to be called the iPhone Ultra until Mark Gurman revealed the possibility that it could be called iPhone Duo on the morning of the event. This marks Apple’s first major form-factor change in over a decade. According to reports, it will fold like a book, have a passport-like shape when closed, and feature a starting price of $2,000 or more . It’s expected to include two rear cameras (wide and ultrawide), a front-facing camera, and the return of Touch ID built into the side button. Read more here: Folding iPhone rumors.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Alongside the Ultra/Duo, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max . These models are rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, an upgraded A20 Pro processor with revamped vapor-chamber cooling, a new C2 modem (or Qualcomm in the U.S.), and a new “Dark Cherry” signature color. Camera improvements are also expected, including a variable aperture and new sensor technology, along with a potential boost to 24 megapixels for the front-facing camera. Read more here: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rumors.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
As is tradition, Apple will update its smartwatch lineup alongside the new iPhones. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be announced . However, reports suggest these will be relatively minor updates, primarily featuring a faster S12 processor and a few internal upgrades, with no major new health sensors or design changes expected. Read about the Apple Watch Series 12 rumors.
Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini
Both the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are long overdue for an update and are expected to launch this fall. The delay has reportedly been due to Apple waiting for the new Siri AI architecture to be ready. The new models are expected to feature more powerful chips (like the A17 Pro in the Apple TV) to support the full Siri AI experience, enabling more contextual and conversational interactions. Read about Apple’s HomePod plans.
AirPods 5
It is possible that new AirPods could be announced at Apple’s event. They are expected to offer the H3 chip, improvements to audio/ANC and possibly new health sensing such as temperature monitoring. There are also rumors that camera-equipped AirPods are in the pipeline, but we don’t expect these at the September event.
Software
Apple is also likely to announce the date when it will release the new iOS 27 and watchOS 27 operating systems, most likely a few days after the event. iPadOS 27 and the new macOS Golden Gate may launch alongside iOS 27, but there have been years when these updates were available later. Apple is also likely to reveal when the next updates to tvOS and HomePod software will be available.
Release dates: New OS download dates
The following launch dates are likely to be announced at the iPhone 17 event:
Monday, September 14: Downloads begin for iOS 26. If you do want to update your iPhone and you are looking for advice on how to install it read: How to update iOS on your iPhone.
Friday, September 11 or Saturday, September 12: iPhone 18 Pro and new Apple Watch preorders begin.
Friday, September 18: iPhone 18 Pro and new Apple Watch models are available for purchase.
Where to watch the iPhone event
Apple will broadcast the event live on its website, the TV app, and on Apple’s YouTube channel. If you want to refresh your memory, the 2025 keynote event is embedded above.
Will the iPhone event be live?
Apple hasn’t held a truly live event since September 2019. Instead, it shows a prerecorded video at the time a live event would be and often holds a small hands-on area to showcase the new products. It is likely that this will once again be the case in 2026, with members of the press gathering at Apple Park to watch the same video Apple will show to the rest of the world.
What won’t Apple launch at the September 2026 event?
Apple isn’t expected to unveil the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e,second-generation iPhone Air, or Apple Watch SE 4 at its September 2026 event. Those products are reportedly being held back for later launches, with the new iPhones expected in spring 2027.
Audio-Technica knows what it's doing with open-back headphones
However, this is the company's first ever wireless open-back offering
…and also, they feature active 'noise reduction'
All it takes is a quick glance at our Audio-Technica ATH-ADX700 review to know that Audio-Technica knows precisely how to make a great set of open-backed headphones.
That said, this is the first time the company is cutting the wire, when it comes to delivering such audio architecture. Today, (September 9), the company is expanding its open-back headphone line-up with the new ATH-AL5NC, its first ever wireless open-back headphones.
At their core are specially designed 53mm drivers, promising "detailed, expansive sound", while the open housings should improve airflow and reduce heat around the ears, if your closed-back cans often feel a little toasty.
Tipping the scales at 240g (for reference, the Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254g), they’re light too. Longer listening sessions at home should be comfortable, whether listening to your hi-res music, working or, as suggested by A-T, gaming.
And here's a new duo in this space: despite their open-back design, the ATH-AL5NC also feature Sound Leakage Reduction, helping to reduce the amount of sound escaping into those shared spaces (the London Underground carriages spring to mind), alongside "noise reduction" (available in wireless and wired modes) to minimize everyday background distractions.
Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC: key specs and features
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
Want the cold, hard specs? Of course you do. Other key features include up to 75 hours of battery life, or 50 hours with noise reduction enabled (so it is an active technology, involving the creation of antiphase to counteract noise), plus up to eight hours of playback from a 15-minute quick charge.
You also get 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution audio, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity for staying connected to two Bluetooth devices at once, a low-latency mode for gaming and video and an integrated microphone for calls and meetings. And those last four perks are not features you'll regularly find among audiophile-grade open-back headphones, or even the best wired headphones generally.
Customisable EQ and Soundscape modes are also available through the A-T Connect app and (of course) you get optional wired listening, with a bundled 1.2m cable featuring an in-line mic.
Something for our best noise-cancelling headphones buying guide? Not so fast; "noise isolation" is perhaps not quite the same as "noise cancellation", despite the 'NC' used in A-T's naming structure. Although the company hasn't expanded on this, adding true ANC in a set of headphones that are open through the ear cups (with perforated grilles to let sounds to move directly through their driver housings) really would be a feat of engineering.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC are available from today (September 9), priced at a refreshingly reasonable £219, which is around $299 or AU$410.
How good are they for this money? We're working on getting our hands on a set. As soon as we know, so shall you.
Apple's hotly anticipated ‘Surprise and Shine’ event is happening now, and we're on the ground in California bringing you all the big announcements as they happen.
Leading the list of rumored-to-be-unveiled products is Apple's first foldable iPhone — expected to be called either the iPhone Duo or iPhone Ultra — which, if it does arrive, would represent the biggest iPhone shake-up in recent history. This dual-screen device could also skyrocket the popularity of foldable phones more generally, so Samsung and Google executives are surely paying close attention.
Elsewhere, Apple looks set to refresh its wearable, earbud, and smart home lines with new Apple Watches, AirPods, and HomePods, respectively — and we may even see a new version of the Apple TV 4K, which hasn't been updated since 2022.
Proceedings kicked off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST — or 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia — and you can follow along below for our live reaction to new CEO John Ternus' first-ever Apple Event.
Today's ‘Surprise and Shine’ Apple event is taking place at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, California, but you can follow along via the livestream video embedded above or via Apple’s official event page.
Proceedings kicked off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST, which is 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia, but you'll be able to re-watch the stream once the event finishes (we're expecting things to wrap up around 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST, or 5am AEST in Australia).
Live updates
Good morning, folks! It's Apple Day — the most important date in the annual tech calendar and the busiest day of the year for the TechRadar office (sigh).
I'll be bringing you the latest iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch rumors ahead of the event's kick-off later today, and trust me: there's a lot to cover.
First, a quick reminder of what's happening: Apple's ‘Surprise and Shine’ event is scheduled to start at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST today (that's 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia).
This is the 2026 edition of Apple's annual product showcase, and we're expecting to see as many as nine (yes, nine) new products unveiled.
Of those nine rumored products, the most hotly anticipated is Apple's first foldable iPhone, which we've been referring to as the 'iPhone Ultra' for close to a year now. But at the very last minute, the rumor mill has spat out an unexpected new name for this folding device...
Could the iPhone Ultra be the iPhone Duo?
According to seasoned Apple tipster Mark Gurman, the iPhone Ultra will in fact be called the iPhone Duo. It's pretty hard to believe that such a drastically different name has emerged just hours before the product itself is due to be unveiled — so we're still a tad skeptical about its authenticity — but Gurman has an excellent track record when it comes to Apple predictions.
Apple landed on the iPhone Duo name for the foldable iPhone and a $2,000 starting price, eating the additional memory costs. Storage capacities will reach 2 terabytes and roughly $3,000. It’ll ship in October, has support for the Apple Pencil and come in dark blue + white. https://t.co/58VLtVNka6September 9, 2026
Gurman adds in the same X post that the iPhone Duo will have a starting price of $2,000, rising to $3,000 for the 2TB model. And, yes, in case you were in any doubt: those numbers would make the Duo the most expensive iPhone of all time.
Another important note: Gurman says Apple's first foldable iPhone will have Apple Pencil support. Steve Jobs won't be happy...
(Image credit: Apple)
Let's talk AirPods
(Image credit: Future)
Moving away from the iPhone for the moment, let's talk AirPods. Today, we're expecting Apple to announce two new AirPods models: the AirPods 5 without ANC (active noise cancellation), and AirPods 5 with ANC.
Both models are set to use Apple's new H3 chipset, which should improve audio processing and reduce latency, though it remains to be seen how different the AirPods 5 with ANC will be from the AirPods Pro, which already offer ANC.
In any case, we're not expecting to see any camera-equipped AirPods launch today, despite rumors suggesting that such a product is indeed in development.
(Image credit: Apple)
Today might also be the day we finally get a successor to the HomePod mini. This smaller, more affordable version of the standard Apple HomePod (which now exists as the HomePod 2) was released way back in November 2020, but hasn't been updated since.
More than 20 (!) new iPhones have launched in that same period, so to say the HomePod mini 2 has been a long time coming would be an understatement.
Rumored upgrades for the HomePod mini include a faster chipset (duh!), superior audio quality, and Siri AI functionality.
A clear message from Samsung
(Image credit: Samsung)
If you walk around London, New York, or Seoul today, you may spot Samsung's new tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign, dubbed ‘Welcome to Foldables’.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 manufacturer is clearly hoping to remind people that it has spent a decade developing foldable technology, and that Apple — if it does release its first foldable today — is late to the party.
That said, Samsung isn't totally against Apple's late entry into the foldables market. Speaking to Bloomberg last year, Samsung's President and COO of the company’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division, Won-joon Choi, said: "I think healthy competition with other companies will bring more innovations, and then bring more benefits to consumers. So we are welcoming others to join this category, which we created back in 2019 [...] Having another global company join this category, I think it's good for the industry, and also, it's going to be great for consumers."
Don't forget about the iPhone 18 Pro
A quick word on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will likely be the forgotten children of today's Apple Event while also being the best-selling Apple products of the next 12 months.
Gurman says both phones will have smaller, more functional Dynamic Islands, an upgraded vapor chamber (read: they won't get as hot), and "major" new camera hardware. Rumors suggest a variable aperture feature could be chief among this new hardware, which would make the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max some of the best camera phones around.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a smaller and upgraded Dynamic Island that can support three tasks at once (up from two currently), major new pro camera hardware and software, plus an upgraded vapor chamber. https://t.co/58VLtVNka6September 9, 2026
Now look, I can live without the Action button, a SIM card slot, and a telephoto camera, but no Face ID or MagSafe? I'm not sure I would spend $2,000 on an iPhone without those two features, which feel pretty essential to how I use my iPhone every day.
Thinking of selling your iPhone 17 Pro? Do so ASAP
(Image credit: Apple / Future)
Here's some last-minute advice for you: if you're planning on selling your current iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max to fund an upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro line, you should head out to your local tech store and do so ASAP. Why? Because current iPhones could fall in value by up to 30% once the new models launch.
“Many people will make the mistake of waiting to see what new features the next iPhone range has before trading in their old device, but our data clearly shows that waiting just a few weeks could mean a significant hit on the amount customers can get for it," Joe Armstrong, Head of Trading at musicMagpie, tells TechRadar. "Those who wait until October may see handsets drop by an average of £48 and up to £122."
It's the same story in the US and Australia, and while Armstrong references October as the hard trade-in deadline, your absolute best bet is to sell your current iPhone before 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST today.
Of course, selling before the iPhone 18 Pro has even been announced would leave you with no phone until the new models begin shipping later this month, but some retailers will allow you to lock in a sale price today and keep using your phone for a few more weeks. That's the ideal scenario during this precarious time of year for iPhone trade-in values.
First official look at the iPhone Ultra?
New Apple CEO John Ternus has just posted what appears to be a tease for one of the company's new iPhones on X. There's no Tim Cook-style "Good morning!" here, nor even a reminder of today's event start time. Instead, Ternus has shared a 14-second clip of a spotlight shining down on the corner of what looks like an iPhone. Is this a hint that the iPhone Ultra/Duo won't have four straight edges à la the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or a reference to the rumored variable aperture feature on the iPhone 18 Pro?
Oh, and the Apple Store website is now closed for maintenance, which typically happens right before the company refreshes its product lineup. Not long to go now!
Regarding Ternus' teaser post on X, some Apple fans are pretty convinced it refers to the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture, rather than the company's first foldable iPhone. Perhaps we'll get a second teaser video before the event kicks off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST?
Pro phones to come to variable aperture!Notice how the light source widens up and then convergesJust a guess !September 9, 2026
In terms of what won't be unveiled today, we're not expecting Apple to announce new MacBooks, iPads, or Vision Pro-style VR hardware. Software upgrades will most likely take a backseat, too, after iOS 27, Siri AI, and WatchOS 27 were all announced at WWDC 2026 back in June (though it's worth noting that these new OS packages will almost certainly be released alongside their corresponding hardware products in September).
(Image credit: Future)
TechRadar's Editor at Large, Lance Ulanoff, has touched down in Apple Park. His first stop? The official Apple Store, which appears to be temporarily boarded up in preparation for new products.
The Boys Are Back in Town
(Image credit: Future)
Lance has now been joined by Jacob Krol, TechRadar's US Managing Editor for News. Between them, they'll be bringing you hands-on impressions and videos of everything Apple is announcing today — including, we hope, the company's first foldable iPhone.
OK, I'm pretty sure I know what the winning response will be (it rhymes with "grindstone culture"), but cast your vote below for your most anticipated announcement from today's Apple Event:
Just two hours to go! A reminder that today's event kicks off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST (or 3am AEST if you're in Australia, but if you're reading this from Sydney: go back to sleep).
Here's Lance and Jake on their predictions for today's event:
The sun is out at Apple Park! Incidentally, it was raining cats and dogs during last year's event, so perhaps the universe is telling us we're in for a more exciting set of announcements in 2026.
(Image credit: Future)
Watch out for watches
The Apple Watch Series 11 (Image credit: Future)
The foldable iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro won't be the only stars of today's event: Apple Watches also look set to get an overhaul, starting with the Apple Watch Series 12.
Now, if you're expecting major design upgrades, prepare to be disappointed. According to the latest rumors, the Series 12 will look similar to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 11 — though one rumor does hint at ceramic case options, which would be a nice touch. We’ve also heard that the Series 12 could have a new LTPO display instead of the classic OLED, but we’re taking this claim with a pinch of salt.
For now, we’re expecting the biggest upgrades to come inside the watch. Specifically, the Series 12 is tipped to house Apple’s new S12 chipset, which should be powerful enough to support Siri AI, as well as a larger battery for a much-needed battery life boost.
(Image credit: Apple)
The premium Apple Watch Ultra is also tipped to get another update today, but again, it won't necessarily look any different from the current model. Some speculate that the Watch Ultra 4 will be identical in appearance to the Watch Ultra 3, while others claim it will have a bigger screen and slimmer build.
Of course, the biggest updates will likely come under the hood, with the Watch Ultra 4 set to get a new chipset — a no-brainer given Siri AI’s imminent rollout — and a suite of new sensors for more accurate health tracking.
Look out for new health-tracking software
While both new Apple Watch models will almost certainly get hardware upgrades, Apple is also expected to unveil new wellbeing tracking tools for health-minded users. A new default Readiness app is expected to launch for the Apple Watch home screen, delivering a new and improved recovery experience for users — because what you do after a workout is just as important as the workout itself.
The Workout app could be getting an overdue facelift, too. The new version will reportedly let you record individual reps and sets for strength routines to help you keep track of your progress. I’ve been using my iPhone's Notes app in the gym for years, so this is one feature I’m hoping will make an appearance at today's event.
Another handy health tool we’re expecting to see unveiled is always-on heart rate data tracking, which will monitor your activity and recovery over 24 hours using only your heart rate. This sounds exciting, but given that only the Ultra 4 is expected to get new sensors, it’s likely that this feature will be exclusive to Apple's most premium wearable.
(Image credit: Future)
Just 45 minutes to go — Lance and co. are being ushered into the Steve Jobs Theater to take their seats.
The current foldable competition
The Xiaomi 18 Fold (Image credit: Future)
Switching focus back to Apple's first foldable iPhone, there are currently three similarly sized devices available on the market right now: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, and the Huawei Pura X Max.
The first of that trio is the big competition for the iPhone Duo/Ultra. The Z Fold 8 is available globally, and it's been well-received by reviewers and customers as a sturdy, pocket-friendly phone designed for content consumption above all else. Apple will surely ensure its foldable iPhone one-ups the Z Fold 8 in some way, but we're not sure how just yet. I'm banking on a less-visible crease or a superior camera array.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold and Huawei Pura X Max are only available in China, but both may look more similar in appearance to Apple's foldable iPhone than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Both phones have two rounded corners when closed and four when open, while Samsung's phone is straight-edged whichever way you slice it.
(Image credit: Future)
Lance and Jake have taken their seats inside the Steve Jobs Theater. It's getting real now.
We're kicking off with... iPhone?! I wasn't expecting that. Ternus says the iPhone represents the perfect intersection between AI and hardware. Private Cloud Compute delivers "personal intelligence that's actually personal."
OK we really are getting straight into the new iPhones. I respect it!
(Image credit: Apple)
First up is the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. "We made massive advancements in Intelligence, Performance, Battery, and Camera," Ternus says.
It comes in Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy.
(Image credit: Apple)
The iPhone 18 Pro features Apple's most advanced foundation models, which, of course, unlock the full capabilities of Siri AI. We got a taste of Siri AI at WWDC 2026 earlier this year, but it now looks set to roll out properly on the 18 Pro, Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air (other iPhones will get it, too, but the best version of the software will be locked to these top-end models).
The iPhone 18 Pro features the Expressive Voices feature in Siri AI for more accurate dictation and improved personalization.
We're getting a lot on Siri AI and Apple Intelligence here, but we heard most of this back in June. Let's hope we move onto the hardware upgrades soon...
(Image credit: Apple)
OK, we're finally onto the hardware: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature Apple's latest chipset, the A20. It's built on 2nm technology, and features a 6-core CPU (including 2 new super cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core CPU (delivering a 40% increase in graphics performance), and two Neural Engines.
Its the "ultimate chip for running on-device AI models," Apple says.
(Image credit: Apple)
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also feature a redesigned vapor chamber. It has three times the surface area as the one inside the iPhone 17 Pro, and features more thermally conducted graphite than before. It's much better at dissipating heat, basically (you'll supposedly get a 40% gain in sustained performance).
(Image credit: Apple)
OK, onto the battery – the iPhone 18 Pro Max supposedly delivers the largest increase in battery life ever on an iPhone. You'll get 36 hours of video playback on the 18 Pro, and 45 hours on the Pro Max. As expected, Apple isn't sharing the specific mAh figures.
Today’s the day: Apple’s September event takes place today, Wednesday, September 9. Follow our Live Blog for up to the minute analysis. It may not be Apple’s final event of 2026, however, with another launch potentially following in October.
Apple typically has four main event windows each year: a spring event, WWDC in June, the iPhone event in September, and sometimes a further event in October. The company rarely confirms dates far in advance, and there’s no guarantee it will hold an event in every window. That leaves Apple fans – and anyone considering a new Apple device – wondering when the next event will happen and what might be announced.
Fortunately, Apple’s annual schedule is fairly predictable, while reliable rumours often provide additional clues about what’s coming. That means we can make informed estimates about the timing of future keynotes and the products most likely to appear.
From the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and folding iPhone to new Apple Watches and potential Mac and iPad updates, here’s everything we know about today’s Apple event, plus the other events Apple could hold later in 2026 and beyond.
When is Apple’s next event?
Today: Wednesday September 9, 2026
Apple announced the date of its September event on August 26, two weeks before the event was scheduled to be held – September 9.
As in previous years, Apple will livestream the event, allowing viewers around the world to watch the company unveil its latest products. One notable change this year is that the keynote is expected to be hosted by John Ternus, who has succeeded Tim Cook as Apple’s CEO.
Watch the stream here:
Apple event calendar 2026
Timescale
Event theme
Dates
Products
March
Special Experience
2-4 March
Launched: iPhone 17e, MacBooks Neo, Pro & Air, iPad Air
June
WWDC
June 8
Unveiled plans for: iOS, macOS, other software, AI and Siri
September
[iPhone event]
September 9
Expected: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, new Apple Watch
October or November
[Late fall event]
TBC
Possible: Touchscreen MacBook and iPads
Spring 2027
TBC
TBC
Expected: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, iPhone Air 2
Apple has held two events so far in 2026, although the first was not an event in the traditional sense. On March 4, the company invited select media to hands-on “experiences” in multiple locations. In the run-up to that date, Apple launched several products via press release, including the iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max, M5 MacBook Air and the MacBook Neo.
The second event was WWDC, which began with a keynote on June 8. At the WWDC keynote Apple outlined the upcoming changes to its operating systems, including iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate.
A second, late-fall event in October or November is possible, though less certain and typically focused on Macs or iPads.
Here’s when the 2026 Apple events might take place.
Foundry
FAQ
1.
What will Apple announce at today’s event?
Apple’s September event is the biggest and most watched Apple event of the year. It’s the venue at which Apple unveils the new iPhones and Apple Watches for the next year.
We expect Apple to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Apple may also reveal the new folding iPhone, thought to be called the iPhone Duo.
2.
What time does the next Apple event start in U.S., U.K. and other global time zones
Apple keynotes usually start at 10 am PT and this one is no different. That translates to the following times in the countries where most of our readers live:
U.S.: 10 am PDT, 11 am MDT, 12 pm CDT, 1 pm EDT
Canada: as above, plus 2 pm ADT
U.K.: 6 pm
Europe: 7 pm CEST, 8 pm EEST
India: 10:30 pm IST
Australia: next day — 1 am AWST, 2:30 am ACST, 3 am AEST
New Zealand: next day — 5 am NZST
The timings are generally the same for all Apple Keynotes, but can be slightly different if Apple holds the event during the period of a couple of weeks when the clocks have changed in the U.S. but not elsewhere (in 2026 the clocks will change in the U.S. on November 1, while in the U.K. they change on October 25).
Sometimes Apple holds events at different times, for example, in October 2023 the event was held in late afternoon in San Francisco, which meant it was midnight in the U.K.
If Apple doesn’t hold an event and instead just issues a press release that usually happens around 8 am PT, 11 am ET and 4 pm U.K. time.
3.
How long do Apple events usually last?
Apple keynotes usually last between one and two hours and feature the CEO alongside various other Apple executives. With John Ternus succeeding Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, 2026, this will be his first major product keynote in the role.
WWDC and the September event tend to be longer keynotes; the spring and late-fall events can be slightly shorter.
For example, the September 2024 event was 1 hour 38 minutes.
4.
How often does Apple hold events?
There can be as many as four Apple events in a year:
Spring Event
WWDC in June
iPhone Event in September
Late Fall Event in October
This event calendar is by no means set in stone, though, with the spring and October events being less regular. Some years, Apple doesn’t hold a spring event at all. In 2025 Apple only held two events preferring instead to announce new products via press release.
5.
Does Apple take part in other events?
Apple doesn’t participate in major industry trade shows such as CES and IFA. Instead Apple invites the press and industry professionals to Apple Park to hear all about its latest products and services. Apple calls these ‘events’ and it streams them live online to millions of viewers.
6.
Does Apple ever announce products without an event?
Apple frequently announces products without a keynote event, often opting for press releases or multi-day announcement windows. In recent years, the company has increasingly reserved its large-scale media events for major flagship launches, such as the primary iPhone lineup in September, while using press releases for iterative updates or “chip bumps” that may not warrant a full hour-long presentation.
7.
How to watch an Apple event
Apple events are typically broadcast across several digital platforms, allowing viewers to tune in from almost any device. While the company previously restricted access to its own hardware or the Safari browser, these barriers have been removed in recent years.
You can access live Apple presentations through the following official channels:
YouTube: This is often considered the easiest way to watch. Apple streams its keynotes live on its official YouTube channel, which can be accessed via any web browser or the YouTube app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs .
Apple.com: The company hosts a dedicated “Events” page on its official website. For the best experience on a PC, it is recommended to use Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 or later .
Apple TV App: The stream is available within the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV hardware. Keynotes are usually listed in the app’s lineup a day or two before the event begins .
Apple Podcasts: Apple also showcases its events through the Podcasts app on Apple devices, where you can watch the video presentation
You may also like to tune in to our Live Blog which will provide minute-by-minute text updates and analysis as products are announced.
Following the end of the event, detailed breakdowns will also be available on the Macworld Podcast, which can be found on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Podcasts.
When is the iPhone event and what will launch?
Apple
When is the iPhone event?
September 9, 2026
Apple’s iPhone launch event has become a regular fixture in September (aside 2020, when the event was delayed until October – and the early January launches).
What will Apple launch at the September 2026 event?
We can be pretty confident that at least one new iPhone will launch in late 2026, although there may be some changes to the line up: we may see the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch in September, but the iPhone 18 is expected to be held back until the spring of 2027. There are also rumors of a folding iPhone – supposedly called the iPhone Ultra or Duo launching in September.
Alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro we may see new Apple Watches. In 2026 the Apple Watch Series 12 should get a chip update, since the Series 11 is using the same chip as the Series 10 did. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is said to be getting an update too. And we may also see new AirPods.
Apple is also rumored to have some upgrades coming to the HomePod and Apple TV to better equip them for Siri AI.
The last time Apple held a late fall event was October 30, 2023, and before that October 18, 2021. So a late fall event isn’t unprecedented, but it is uncommon. Right now there is no way of knowing if Apple will hold a late fall event in 2026, or indeed, if it ever will again. Usually this event is to launch consumer Macs, but in recent years Apple hasn’t felt the need to hold an event to do that. Nearer the time we will know if there are big things planned that might warrant an event.
What will Apple launch at the late fall 2026 event?
Mac or iPad launches are the most likely reasons for an Apple event during this timeframe, but Apple has not felt the need to hold a dedicated Mac event since the “Scary Fast” presentation in 2023, when it introduced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips alongside updated MacBook Pro models. There could still be Mac-related announcements this year: the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro could make an appearance.
The timing of any new Mac releases will likely depend on whether the supply chain has fully recovered from the component shortages that have affected the industry throughout the year. These shortages have also led Apple to raise prices for iPads and Macs.
As for iPads, a new iPad or iPad mini are long overdue, so an October event would be a likely venue for those launches, if they don’t arrive in September. The chip shortages may affect the iPad too.
Apple’s spring events have become increasingly unpredictable. The company has not held a traditional spring event since May 2024, although it did invite members of the media, including Macworld, to a “Special Apple Experience” in 2026.
Rather than a keynote presentation, the March 4, 2026 gathering was a hands-on showcase that followed three days of product announcements, including the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and M5 MacBook Air.
Will Apple take a similar approach to spring product launches in 2027? It’s certainly possible. The format appeared to work well, allowing each product announcement to receive its own media coverage rather than competing for attention during a single event.
Apple is expected to release three iPhone models in spring 2027 – or it could be two new iPhones, with the Air and iPhone 18 merging.
iPhone 18 (base model)
iPhone 18e
iPhone Air 2
Apple may also update the MacBook Air with an M6 processor in spring 2027. A report from early August 2026 notes that Apple is currently struggling with memory shortages that are impacting MacBook Air stock, and the M6 update is seen as a potential, though not guaranteed, fix for the supply issues.
When is WWDC 2027
Foundry
When is the WWDC keynote?
In 2026 the WWDC keynote was on Monday June 8. In 2025 it started on Monday June 9. We expect WWDC will start on Monday 7 June in 2027.
WWDC generally runs from the Monday to Friday in the second week of June.
What Apple could launch at WWDC
WWDC is Apple’s big developer event at which it reveals plans for the operating systems that run on Apple hardware.
In June 2027 we expect Apple to unveil details of the iOS 28, iPadOS 28, the new macOS 28, updates to watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and an update to Apple’s realityOS.
Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs.
Following the keynote on the Monday, developer events and sessions will run throughout the week. You can read more about WWDC date, times and everything you need to know in a separate article.
What did Apple launch at past events
So far in 2026 Apple has held an ‘experience’, which rather than being an event in the traditional sense, was a chance for journalists to get a look at products Apple had launched in the days prior, including MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e. The company also hosted the WWDC keynote on June 8, at which it revealed its plans for Apple Intelligence and Siri in iOS 27, macOS 27 and the other operating systems.
In 2025 Apple only held two events. The first was its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, at which it introduced the new features coming in the next version of its operating systems, and the second was the huge September 9 Apple Event where it launched new Apple Watches, new AirPods Pro and the new iPhones for 2025.
Apple doesn’t have to hold an event to launch new products though. Prior to WWDC, Apple launched a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, a new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5.
Apple then went on to launch a new M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro in October. No event was held to mark these launches.
In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads; a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10; and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4. In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release.
In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apple’s second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you weren’t in the U.S.).
In 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though.
Foundry
When were Apple’s past events?
Spring Apple events have been held on the following dates:
2026: ‘Experience’ Wednesday March 4
2025: No event
2024: Tuesday May 7
2023: No event
2022: Tuesday March 8
2021: Tuesday April 20
2020: No event
2019: Monday March 25
2018: Tuesday March 27
2017: No event
2016: Monday March 21
2015: Monday March 9
2014: No event
2013: No event
2012: Wednesday March 7
WWDC events have fallen on the following dates:
WWDC 2026: June 8 (8-12)
WWDC 2025: June 9 (9-13)
WWDC 2024: June 10 (10-14)
WWDC 2023: June 5 (5-9)
WWDC 2022: June 6 (6-10)
WWDC 2021: June 7 (7-11)
WWDC 2020: June 22 (22-26)
WWDC 2019: June 3 (3-7)
WWDC 2018: June 4 (4-8)
WWDC 2017: June 5 (5-9)
Here are the past few Apple September event dates:
2025: Tuesday, September 9
2024: Monday, September 9
2023: Tuesday, September 12
2022: Wednesday, September 7
2021: Tuesday, September 14
2020: Tuesday, September 15
2019: Tuesday, September 10
2018: Wednesday, September 12
2017: Tuesday, September 12
In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates:
2025: No event
2024: No event
2023: Monday, October 30
2022: No event
2021: Monday, October 18
2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10
Amp and streamer which includes MM phono stage and HDMI eARC
Designed to be compact, so it won't take up as much space as a hi-fi stack
If you're under the assumption that your small home or rental apartment means you can't enjoy an advanced hi-fi set-up, Marantz's new release might have you re-thinking things.
The beloved heritage hi-fi giant has released a new device: The Marantz MCR 60n — and no, despite the name, it's not solely designed to play My Chemical Romance or songs written in Manchester.
This combined streamer and amplifier has been devised as a "mini hi-fi player", according to the brand. While we weren't told its actual size, its footprint is noticeably smaller than a turntable's in the accompanying images.
It'll go on sale on September 15, 2026, and there are two models. For $1,000 in the US (about £740, AU$1,500) you can get the standard model, and there's one available in Europe with a DAB radio squirrelled in, for £800 (about $1,100, AU$1,1600).
So it's not cheap per se, but perhaps its range of features — and household name status — will make up for that.
Earlier this year, we were fortunate enough to visit Shirakawa Audio Works, where Denon and Marantz assemble components tuned to be masterfully musical. We also spent time at the brands’ shared Tokyo headquarters, where we previewed various audio gear, much of which has already been revealed. However, one item in particular caught our attention, and it was still under wraps … until now. The Marantz MCR 60n network audio player (shown above) stood out by being able to fit in.
In a room full of full-size receivers, this streaming amplifier’s 11W x 11.9D x 4.4H footprint drew our attention because it’s tailor-made for those of us with a listening station that doubles as a living space. Even more impressive is how much connectivity it offers in place of a crowded stack of components.
For starters, there’s a front-loading CD player. Because physical media is making a comeback, or so I’m told. With that in mind, there’s also an integrated MM phono stage for vinyl fans. Got another source? There’s one analog and one digital optical in. You can play MP3 / WMA / AAC / DSD / WAV / FLAC / AIFF / ALAC off a rear-facing USB-A. There’s also an HDMI eARC port with Dolby Digital / Dolby Digital Plus decoding if a TV is in the mix.
For those streaming, there’s even more potential. Once on your WiFi (or Ethernet), the 60n acts as an endpoint for the native Denon/Marantz HEOS multiroom streaming system, naturally, supporting PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD up to 11.2MHz. And it supports Spotify Connect/TIDAL Connect/Qobuz Connect, as well as Deezer, Amazon Prime Music, and Pandora. For anything else with an iPhone, there’s AirPlay 2. Plus, it’s Roon Ready for those digital audio file obsessives. An FM/AM tuner … the original streaming … is also included. There’s even Bluetooth receiver/transmit modes, if you’re buying a First Growth to drink out of a Styrofoam cup.
So that’s the inputs. As for the output, the MCR 60n produces 2 x 65W / 4 x 33W @ 4 ohms (up to 16 ohms supported), and can be run as Speaker A/B stereo pairs (independent volumes), bi-amped, or parallel BTL. This supports various loudspeaker setups, including dual listening zones. There’s also a subwoofer pre-out with adjustable crossover settings for precise low-frequency integration. It includes bass, treble, and balance tone controls, and it’s upgradable to Dirac Live Room Correction with a separately purchased license. It’s all backed by a refined power supply and topped by the same wavy metal mesh as the Marantz Model M1: design language that also acts as ventilation.
The Marantz MCR 60n and some compact cabinets offer an alternative to desktop powered speakers with even more flexibility. Perfect for modern urban living, this is low-profile hi-fi.
Labor Day has come to an end, but there are still a surprising number of leftover tech deals if you know where to look. Case in point: even though its holiday sale has has ended, Amazon is still slashing 50% off the Sony WH-1000XM5, a pair of flagship cans that once topped our list of the best wireless headphones that money can buy.
Sure, these noise-cancelling headphones have since been supplanted by the newer Sony WH-1000XM6, but if you want to enjoy a premium listening experience for cheap, going with the last-gen XM5 is one of the best ways to do so, particularly when you slap on a record-smashing discount. You can thank me later.
The Labor Day sale may be over, but Amazon is still carving a straight 50% off the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5, knocking these legendary headphones down to just shy of 200 bucks. The deal can't last much longer, however, so don't wait too long to make your move. View Deal
Despite their last-gen status, the Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to impress as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy. You get powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) straight out of the box along with the excellent sound quality that Sony is famous for, plus the cans boast a comfortable fit, a ton of customizable EQ settings (with 10 presets), and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The headphones also come with four built-in microphones for voice calls, while multipoint connection means that you can connect your Sony XM5 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Your purchase will even come with a free carrying case, which, considering the rigid construction of the XM5, is a nice bonus.
Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM6 technically offer a better experience, with longer battery life, a new QN3 processor, and a flexible build, but I'm not sure these upgrades are worth the steep price tag.
Indeed, if you want the flagship Sony audio experience for less than $200, this discount is one of the best headphone deals on the web. This Labor Day deal could end at any moment, however, so I'd either buy now or prepare to wait until Black Friday season rolls around in a few months. The choice is yours.
Following the Sept. 1 announcement of new DJ-friendly party speakers, Sony has revealed three value-packed updates to its Bluetooth headphones lineup.
It’s been a big year on the premium end of Sony’s flagship wireless platform, which celebrated a decade of active noise cancellation excellence with the debut of the 1000X The ColleXion luxury headphones—a limited-edition pair Sony pitches on emotional value. But not everyone wants to spend $459 to $649, which is where the new WH-1000XM4C, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 come in.
In a sunny suite at New York’s Kimpton Eventi Hotel, we learn why Sony chose sequels over new concepts: young buyers and TikTok unboxing buzz drove the 1000XM4 to the highest customer ratings in the personal, portable audio line thanks to its comfortable, foldable form factor. This organic appreciation has been rewarded with affordable upgrades alongside other popular over- and on-ear models.
[Disclosure: Sony provided travel accommodations during the creation of this story.]
For this launch, Sony is widening the base instead of summiting the peak, though not without a step or two backward. Built on the established silhouette of 2020’s beloved WH-1000XM4, the second-generation 1000XM4C (shown above and below, left) launches at $299.99. That’s $50 less than the original, yet it features the same proven QN1 ANC processor while updating the house sound profile/software engine with input from Grammy-nominated mastering engineers. The headphones are now Bluetooth 6.0 (SBC/AAC/LDAC) for a more stable wireless connection, backed by a 10-band EQ/Gaming EQ instead of the original 5-band sliders. The battery life is now up to 27 hours with noise cancellation, down from 30, but that’s still more than enough for most students, commuters, days at the office, etc. And the 1000XM4C also inherits Background Music Mode, which adds a sense of spatial depth to your music, giving it an ambient effect (think a low-key café soundtrack) that still helps mask your surroundings without competing for your brain’s focus. It’s the same cozy earcups, now in lighter and brighter colors, including Lavender (shown), Black, and Platinum Silver with polished yellow gold logos in place of the previous rose gold hue.
The price remains $179.99 for the entry-level over-ear WH-CH730N (shown above and below, middle), but the specs all increase. A revised, rounded, lightweight frame that now folds instead of swivels for better portability, and inside it, the Dual Noise Sensor’s optimized ANC algorithm is 10 percent more effective. And battery life increases from up to 35 hours with ANC/50 hours without to 50 hours with ANC/75 hours without, so it won’t run out during hybrid work or study halls. That extra charge powers improved beamforming microphones plus AI noise reduction for clearer voice pickup on calls, plus a more natural sound profile with the same 10-band EQ/Gaming EQ as the 1000XM4C. It now supports the LC3 Bluetooth codec alongside SBC/AAC, plus that Background Music mode. Colors for the WH-C730N include White, Pink (shown), Blue, Black, and Oat.
The final, most compact headphone is the on-ear WH-CH530 (shown above, right). At only $69.99 (same as the previous generation), it’s positioned as a headphone for first-time buyers and casual all-day users. It swivels to store flat, rather than folds. And there’s no ANC. But that means battery life beats the rest at up to 55 hours. And the sound engine shares the 10-band EQ/Gaming EQ and SBC/AAC/LC3 with the CH730N, plus DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) for smoothing out compression artifacts. Based on a brief listen, the soundstage was pleasingly clear, and the bass output was surprisingly strong for a smaller driver. Plus, Safe Mode monitors sound pressure and playtime and lets you adjust maximum volume limiting to keep usage within standards suggested by the World Health Organization for hearing protection. It’s an app feature also available on the other models, so extended wear doesn’t mean eardrum wear and tear. Colors include Pink, White, and Black, as well as on-trend Cobalt, Coral (shown), and Mint.
For those who value function, there will always be the WH-1000XM6. But for those who put a bit more emphasis on the fun, these models offer Sony’s core features and best value in a year of price pressure. We’ll have more to say once we’ve spent more time with them, so check back in.
The 1000XM4C, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 are available now. The slideshow below shows all colorways of the three new models.But keep scrolling for something even cuter.
Sony and Sanrio are partnering for Hello Kitty limited-edition headphone bundles (shown below). Each bundle includes an exclusive stylized carrying case—with a carabiner, so it can double as a fashion accessory—and a similarly kawaii tote bag. They will be available for pre-order exclusively online at the Sony store this holiday season. Available in limited quantities in the US and select regions, the collaboration will feature selected Sony headphone models, including WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530. Readers can be notified through this link when units are available.
So, a lot of musicians are moving to the Mac for their production needs. Whether you are a guitarist, drummer, singer/songwriter, Synth or MIDI enthusiast, engineer, or you just like to have a little bit of a jam now and again, there is an app for you.
DAW = Digital audio Workstation
Plug in = an virtual instrument or effect, that can be added to the program
MIDI = Musical Instrument Digital Interface
DSP = Digital Signal Processing
"ReWire" = Propellerhead's Software for integrating two...
“Blue Jean Baby, L.A. Lady” … tiny earbuds in my head. As a writer in my second half-century, it’s expected, maybe even legally obligated, that I play some Elton John on every new audio device I test. But I don’t have to like it. Except today, I like it. Today, I like everything I play. It could be that, as a September baby, I’m enjoying the grounded clarity that accompanies Virgo Season. Or it could be that I’m enjoying the equally mindful tuning of the new Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5.
“Tiny Dancer” pirouettes around my skull. Listening to New Order’s “Regret,” I have none. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 (let’s just call it the MTW5 from now on) is acoustically articulate. Vocals are incisive. But the design choices speak equal volumes.
The build
Gone are the somewhat squared enclosures and silicone wing tips of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, which were really a must for that model’s stability. In their place, the redesigned MTW5 is a pair of 7g polished pebbles available in five metallic colorways: Denim (aka blue jean, baby, pictured), Cream, Copper, Graphite, Lavender. And it’s shaped to nestle more naturally into the ear. I had no problem wearing them for hours, whether relaxing or running on treadmills and across concourses (those with smaller ears may have a different experience). An IP54 rating also gave me confidence that any sweat—and there was sweat—wouldn’t cause issues. Plus, this slimmer silhouette means a more pocket-friendly case, which I really appreciate.
Inside, six mics and two bone-conduction accelerometers total (3+1 in each bud) handle adaptive ANC (good!), Transparency Mode (fine), and calls (¯\_(ツ)_/¯ … functional, but I don’t like calling people with any earbuds). Touch controls weren’t too fiddly, and can be turned off if you’re more app-oriented. What really stands out is the user-replaceable batteries in both the earbuds and the case. Battery life is rated at 12 hours ANC off/6 hours ANC on (40 total with case), but will degrade over time, as do all rechargeable electronics. With a tiny Phillips screwdriver and a wedge tool, however, you can open the buds and/or case and swap in a replacement battery (sold separately). Upgradeitis is real, but you shouldn’t be forced to replace/dispose of something entirely. Longevity should be the new normal, so I applaud Sennheiser for the forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach.
Tony Ware
The sound
Put in the MTW5 and on first listen you’ll find the stock tuning leans on the slightly boomier side of balanced. When released, the full-sized $399.95 MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones were surprisingly punchy, more mainstream without totally sacrificing the midrange focus that anchors the brand’s audiophile legacy. I went in expecting a similarly crowd-pleasing warmth from the MTW5, and it’s there in the low-mids but without congestion. The 7mm TrueResponse driver in the MTW5, produced in the same Irish factory as summit-tier personal audio systems, does a good job ensuring intelligibility alongside impact. The presence band works as well for podcasts, audiobooks, and movies as it does for music.
Turn to the multi-tile SmartControl+ app, however, and you can access EQ presets, Sound Personalization, and, most importantly, an 8-band graphic EQ to coax a curve that really brings out the driver’s potential. Sliders don’t offer the surgical precision of a parametric EQ, as you get with the $499.95 HDB 630 headphones, but you can still dial in or back off regions you find loose or edgy.
Push some sub-bass, scoop some upper bass/lower mids, nudge some high-mids/treble, and you’ve got a fleshy-meets-refined response closer in spirit to the IE 900 flagship in-ear monitors. Now you can hear the winding of as much as you do the wobble in Peter Hook’s bass strings. There’s corrugated texture where before there was only round resonance. The breathing sidechain compression that defines “Fineshrine” by Purity Ring opens on a taper you can trace, not just a throb you can feel. With the right tweaks, it’s a clean, clear tuning with a lifelike presentation that puts it in conversation with audiophile offerings such as the Status GoldenSound Pro X rather than purely consumer-minded ones. Between little screws and tonal tweaks, this is a tinkerer’s true wireless.
Two factors heighten the level of detail you can extract from these earbuds: connection and active noise cancellation. The MTW5 features multipoint Bluetooth 6.0 with SBC, AAC, plus a Snapdragon Sound Series 5 Gen 3 chip for 24-bit/96 kHz aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless with compatible hardware (such as Sennheiser’s own BTD 700 adaptor). And when it’s an option, it’s a treat. Depth and definition are noticeably enhanced. It’s not that a standard Bluetooth connection is detrimentally dull; it’s just that one prioritizing sound quality is audibly more expressive. Wireless convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice nuance. The problem is that the connection can stutter in environments with heavy RF interference. And that’s almost any public place in our modern smartphone world. However, it’s still nice to be able to pick between a robust iPhone connection when commuting and something more resolution-focused when sequestered.
There’s also an Immersive Mode with head-tracking for decoding Dolby Atmos content, which can expand the staging of a well-engineered track but can also make you feel emotionally disconnected when you get a bad upmix. As with all similarly equipped earbuds, the MTW5’s implementation, while solid, doesn’t impress me as much as the enriched immediacy the stereo image conveys. If you want a recommended A/B, compare something like the new Mastodon album, for instance. The cavernous reverb and spacey modulations unfurling across the Qobuz version are more evocative to me than the hovering sound objects of the Apple Music one. YMMV.
Also helping reinforce that concentrated cocoon is perceivably improved ANC. The redesigned eartips play their part in passively mitigating a fair amount of environmental noise. At the same time, new algorithms take advantage of that expanded mic array to reinforce reduction to the point that the churning chaos of a recent unplanned severe weather delay at Newark Liberty International Airport was more bearable. Or at least I was given a soundtrack other than hundreds of people yelling at customer service representatives. And the flight itself, when it finally happened, was just a gentle rumble. I wouldn’t say the ANC produces the pitch-black background of the top ANC trio—Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), Sony WF-1000XM6, and Apple AirPods Pro 3—as low-level hums persisted. But more distracting conversations were hushed, and the gap is now narrow enough that the MTW5 can be recommended for both sonics and solace.
Tony Ware
The verdict
Two years on from the MTW4, Sennheiser has offered more polish, same price. Physically more compact and comfortable, while also more capable, adaptable, and repairable, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 earbuds can have tunes twirling around your head for years to come. Not just the audiophile-of-a-certain-age ones (at least it wasn’t “Rocket Man”).
If you're looking to get into vinyl or need something new for your existing collection, retro music lovers are big fans of this budget turntable on Amazon.
Looming in an event space of Chelsea’s Kimpton Eventi Hotel, the Sony ULT TOWER MAX introduced itself as something between a party speaker and a PA, packing more LEDs and dBs than the cabinets that came before it. In Manhattan in mid-August for a preview of three new speakers in Sony’s ULT POWER SOUND Series, I first met the MAX at a pre-briefing party as a DJ loosened up the new circular woofers, and maybe my travel-tightened spine, with some main-stage EDM at meeting-room distance.
The next day, in an even more compact conference room, I was given a disclaimer: we hadn’t heard the MAX anywhere near its max, but we could today, if we’re not sensitive to sound pressure. Before we dropped the bass, however, it was time to drop some specs.
[Disclosure: Sony provided travel accommodations during the creation of this story.]
At the core of the Sony TOWER MAX are three large-diameter circular woofers (including a rear-firing one) plus an “ULT DUCT,” which replace the X-Balanced (rectangular) drivers of the previous generation. This 280mm geometry and more cabinet volume move air more efficiently, delivering lower-frequency extension of 45 Hz alongside 110dB/112dB SPL, depending on ULT mode selected. ULT1 emphasizes low end, ULT2 emphasizes overall output (the app also offers LIVE mode for a reverb/widening effect, a 10-band EQ you can overlay on either ULT mode, or FLAT for true-to-source playback). Pushing more air = pumping more bass. There are also dual midrange drivers and tweeters on the front, plus two rear-facing tweeters. This 360 Party Sound makes the TOWER MAX the best choice for bigger rooms and sub-heavy genres (after all, Grammy-nominated producers responsible for tracks by Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna, among others, helped tune it). It should be noted that each speaker is mono. However, you can create a stereo pair/Party Chain through either the physical connectivity panel (featuring XLR cables [In-Out] for mixer input and connecting multiple speakers, plus RCA, USB-A, USB-C, and a Mic input as sources) or using consumer-friendly Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC/Auracast. It’s just a click in the app or the push of a button on the back panel. (We believe the Sony speakers will, in theory, pair with other brands implementing open Auracast, but haven’t tested this yet.)
The Sony Sound Connect app helps you navigate these options, along with sonic and visual feedback from the speaker. Pushing the ULT mode button on the front (which is also a volume button) triggers a single (ULT1) or double (ULT2) turntable scratch sound. And the newly increased LED lights (100 on the TOWER MAX) can indicate Power On/Off, Volume Level/Up/Down, Sound mode, BT Pairing, Low battery (10%), Stereo Pairing, and Horizontal/Vertical switching of the device. And you can switch between three customizable lighting modes, putting the fun in functional. As for how to get the 20- x 41- x 18-inch, 121-pound speaker into place, four integrated corner handles and wider redesigned wheels help with transport and positioning.
The sweet spot for throwing a rager without throwing out your back, the Sony TOWER 7 cuts the price in half, woofers down to one, LEDs to 72, and weight to 50 pounds. But it produces more than enough rumble for the average backyard blast, hitting 51 Hz and 103.5dB/105dB. Everything else from the TOWER MAX is included. And you’re no longer tethered to an outlet; a rechargeable battery can last up to 30 hours with lighting off, 15 hours with lighting on (and a 10-minute quick charge offers 180 minutes of playback time). This is the one we’re testing, and its dynamic bass boost already scored highly on the “Daaaaaaamn” scale.
As for the Sony TOWER 5, it’s got one 230mm woofer and no ULT DUCT, plus no rear tweeters, resulting in bass reach of 51 Hz but overall SPL of only 98dB/99dB. It has only 56 LEDs and no wheels, but it’s also only 29 pounds and has a 20H/12H battery life (lights off/on). Plus it’s IPX4, so it can handle a light splash/rain shower. With the same I/O as its bigger brothers, including karaoke inputs (1/4-inch/XLR) and controls (Echo/key control) that I maybe should have mentioned earlier for the entire line, this is the most it’s going down anywhere you go choice. And Sound Connect lets you trigger an airhorn, so what more do you need?
Back to those first impressions. Structural changes led to physical sensations. Sony set out to make a more well-rounded speaker, in both design language and bass reinforcement. And, based on my memory of the previous TOWER 9/10, they succeeded, whether you’re playing hip-hop, R&B, reggaeton, or EDM. In a city where there’s 1 DJ to every 10 people, anyone just getting started who doesn’t want to deal with separate subwoofers and flying lights may have a new entry point to consider for a tailgate or block party. As for that MAX bass test, I was definitely going to tap out before the speaker was.
In a NoHo loft in late August, JBL revealed its new Cove whole-home audio system. In this fully staged Manhattan apartment, three Wi-Fi speakers—the M1, P1, and X1—occupied kitchen counters, credenzas, bookshelves, and bedside tables. From Bad Bunny at the sink and Tiësto on the couch to Marvin Gaye by the fireplace and Al Green in some armchairs, Jesse Coyer, Sr. Manager, National Account Sales & Training, HARMAN Consumer Audio, demoed speaker setup and scale. The walkthrough’s throughline was clear: Cove offers expandable multiroom audio without the need for a custom installer or control system.
[Disclosure: JBL provided travel accommodations during the creation of this story.]
According to Coyer, the Cove series is being introduced to JBL’s lineup more as a progression than a pivot. It’s not meant to replace a multi-thousand-dollar separates system, though it could complement one. JBL sees the real competition as setup friction. For someone familiar with a PartyBox (or BandBox), who maybe has some JBL headphones, Cove speakers can be up and running almost as easily as a standard Bluetooth speaker, all through the JBL One app. But that’s where the walls crumble.
After three steps and a couple of minutes on a smartphone to connect the speaker(s) to your home Wi-Fi, you can stream lossless/hi-res audio to them directly with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, AirPlay 2, and/or Google Cast. The JBL One can mirror native app controls, but you don’t have to live in it; it’s there primarily to group speakers into stereo pairs and/or rooms. When it comes to optimized tuning and distortion-free performance, the speakers use JBL’s proprietary room calibration, Constant Sound Field, and AI Sound Boost platforms, with preset/custom EQ available to overlay on grouped speakers in the app.
First up is the M1, a compact 4.9- x 7.2- x 4.9-inch powered speaker (shown below). Inside, 3 × 0.75-inch soft dome tweeters and 1 × 105 mm 4-inch woofer with rear passive radiator deliver 55 Hz-20 kHz (-6 dB) with punchy JBL Signature sound and solid off-axis dispersion. The speaker can also group with a JBL Bar 300/500/700/1000/1300MK2 Series soundbar to act as a surround channel (furthermore, any signal sent to an MKII soundbar on the network can be broadcast to any Cove speaker).
Stepping up to the P1 (shown below) brings portability and dimensionality. Ditching the cord, an internal battery provides up to 14 hours of power, and an integrated handle makes the 5.8- x 9.2- x 5.8-inch 7-pound speaker easy to carry (and easy to put back on its charging cradle). Plus, the IP56 rating means the speaker can handle poolside splashes, sudden rain showers, or time on a beach towel. Like the M1, the P1 can be used as rear channels with JBL Bar Series MK2 soundbars, or two can be paired for true channel separation. But the P1 features an additional 0.75-inch upfiring tweeter alongside 3 x 1.25-inch tweeters and 1 x 4-inch woofer with passive radiators, so Atmos content gets added clarity within the 50 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB) frequency response. Just make sure your ceiling is low enough for proper reflections in order to get the optimal effect.
Back on the mains, the X1 (shown below) delivers the most expressive performance with 4 x 1.25-inch tweeters, one upfiring, plus dual 3.5 x 4.7-inch woofers with passive radiators, for a 10.2- x 7- x 6.8-inch 3.0.1-channel system and a frequency response of 45 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB). Biggest box, biggest impression. The X1 doesn’t pair with soundbars out of the box, but JBL is open to exploring the possibility if customer feedback suggests it’s desired. The X1 is imagined more as its own room-filling entity, with the widest dispersion and deepest bass proven. Still demure in footprint, not presence. And two can be paired for an even more immersive soundstage.
This isn’t JBL’s first entry in connected Atmos speakers (that was the more heritage-styled Authentics line, which is phasing out), but it has a more deliberately neutral aesthetic and shares the “power line” design language of the brand’s soundbar series. The endgame is one app, one ecosystem. For instance, the speakers share a feature called Music Follows Me through a Moment button, which can be long-pressed to extend the stream from an active speaker anywhere on the network to the new location, no phone required (you can also assign it an ambient soundscape or Spotify Tap to the button). And, over time, additional features (like independent surround channel levels) may be deployed and more hardware folded in, like a Cove subwoofer and allowing speakers to hand off sound to the Tour M3 headphones late at night.
For those folks who still have some digital files they’d like to play, each Cove speaker supports MP3 via USB-A. In addition, the speakers’ Bluetooth 5.3 protocol supports SBC, AAC, and, most importantly, Auracast, so the Cove speakers can still play music even if the network is down. And if someone has a compatible wireless speaker without Wi-Fi capabilities, it can still connect and play music from your phone simultaneously with Cove speakers, albeit at a lower resolution than Wi-Fi allows.
Finishing up in our secluded cove, we wandered a few blocks south to the JBL SoHo flagship store, where we looked at various soundbars and Bluetooth speakers that can serve as introductions to, or extensions of, a JBL speaker system. Included in the overview is a look at the logo, with its distinctive exclamation point. While this most certainly represents the energy and excitement of sound, the tapered wedge and dot can also symbolize a horn-loaded speaker backed by a circular magnet structure—the type of intelligibility-focused compression driver that established James Bullough Lansing’s initial business and continues to help define JBL’s direction.
The day concluded with a nightcap at All Blues, a Tokyo-style listening bar centered on a rare JBL Paragon loudspeaker. At 9 feet wide and 850 pounds, it’s a far cry dimensions-wise from the Cove X1. But, at launch in 1957, it was a groundbreaking way to achieve a stable stereo image throughout a room. And it shows how JBL, now in its 80th year, has always innovated to bring directionality and dynamic ease, designed for scale, to home listening.
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