Qobuz wants you to make a memory-filled playlist, and explain it
You can win an iFi iDSD GR 2 for your efforts
World Alzheimer's Month runs through September
Alongside 'Fast songs for the gym' and 'Band 101 for introducing a partner to a band on the eve of going to their gig', remembering moments or periods of your life is one of the most important reasons we make playlists. I still listen to "mix-tapes" (in digital format, mostly) I made while living abroad, road tripping around the outback or preparing for big university parties.
Now, streaming service Qobuz has taken time off its war on AI slop to acknowledge the link between music and memory for World Alzheimer's Month, teaming up with hi-fi tech brand iFi Audio to do so.
World Alzheimer's Month runs through September, and during that time, Qobuz and iFi are running a competition to submit a memory-laden playlist, and perhaps win an iFi iDSD GR 2 for your efforts.
Wait, what's the link? Well, it has been shown that musical memory remains well-preserved in Alzheimer's sufferers, and so a song may help with memory recall.
I'm getting this from a study published in the National Library of Medicine, which suggests that music interventions can "delay and decelerate the neurodegeneration in individuals at risk". But my colleague and Audio Editor tells me she has seen music's profound effect on memory recall in a fellow dancer who (even in advanced stages of this progressive disease) could still perform decades-old choreography, if the music were played.
Many non-profits, including Music & Memory or Playlist for Life, exist to help people by providing training, awareness or music-based care, to aid those suffering with various degenerative illnesses.
What about that competition?
(Image credit: iFi / Qobuz)
Oh yes, the competition.
During September, Qobuz and iFi want you to make a playlist (on the former's hi-res download and streaming platform, of course) full of songs which bring you back to a certain time or important memory.
This page also lets you provide a 'short story' or description of what the playlist means to you. There's no stated word count, but this whole news story could be pasted into the field with without a problem.
Once you've submitted your playlist, you'll be in with a chance to win the iFi iDSD GR 2 DAC (or digital-analog-converter, to level up your music using, say, the USB-C port on your phone, and on to your wired headphones or earbuds), worth $529 / £529 / AU$849. And that's a great prize. We gave the iFi IDSD GR 2 a perfect, 5-star review, praising its sound quality and easy-to-use touch-screen. So good luck!
There's no indication of how the brands will choose a winner; if it'll be based on the description, or tracks, or at random. It's also not clear what will happen to the rest of the playlists; maybe Qobuz will publish some of its favorites for all to see, but perhaps the submission is just for the purposes of the competition. Either way, delving back into old albums and tracks that really take you back to a specific moment will be a cathartic — and sometimes profound — experience. Music's great, isn't it?
Samsung is reportedly working on Galaxy Buds On, a new pair of open-ear earbuds with a clip-on design.
Leaked renders show two rounded sections connected by a silicone loop, with black and white color options expected.
Galaxy Buds On could offer Auto Volume, head gestures for controls, and automatic pausing when you fall asleep.
It looks like Samsung is cooking up a pair of open-ear Galaxy Buds, and they could launch fairly soon.
While the best wireless earbuds still offer features like ANC and superior sound quality, open-ear earbuds have suddenly started taking over. We recently checked out the Huawei FreeClip 2, which we called one of the most comfortable open-ear earbuds we've tried, and now it looks like Samsung is preparing to challenge the throne.
As reported by SammyGuru, Samsung appears to be working on a pair of open-ear earbuds called the Galaxy Buds On. The publication has shared what appear to be product renders of the device, giving us an early look at the earbuds.
(Image credit: SammyGuru)
According to the leak, the Galaxy Buds On will feature a fairly standard open-ear design, with two rounded sections connected by a flexible silicone loop. One side will presumably sit closer to the user's ear, while the flatter section will remain on the outside and likely provide an area for touch controls and gestures.
The leaked renders show the Galaxy Buds On in black, although a white color option also appears to be in the works.
The publication was also able to extract illustrations showing how the Galaxy Buds On will clip around the user's ears. The report claims the earbuds will feature Auto Volume, which will automatically adjust the volume depending on your surroundings, alongside head gestures like nodding and shaking.
(Image credit: SammyGuru)
Another interesting feature will reportedly detect when the wearer has fallen asleep and automatically pause whatever is playing.
There's still no word on exactly when Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Buds On. However, the company now has several products rumored to be waiting in the pipeline, including the long-awaited Galaxy Glasses and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, so we could be hearing much more about Samsung's upcoming hardware fairly soon.
Apple has published no sound leakage figure for AirPods 5, in decibels or in any other form, so nobody can tell you exactly how much of your music the person next to you hears. What Apple has published is the shape of the answer: these are open-ear earbuds with no ear tips, and Apple’s own […]
While the major headlines from Apple’s September event were understandably on the iPhone Duo foldable, one of the standout announcements for me concerns the AirPods 5.
Apple’s non-Pro series of earbuds are once again available in two flavours, with a few, admittedly useful, features separating the two. Perhaps the biggest shock, however, is that both the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (that name will eventually become annoying to type out) cost less than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC.
The two-year-old model launched at AU$299. The new AirPods 5 models can be yours for AU$219 and AU$249. Given the fact that Apple has been no stranger to price hikes in recent times, it’s quite remarkable that the popular AirPods got a price cut.
More impressive still, both models introduce notable upgrades over their predecessors. Apple is claiming industry-leading ANC for an open-ear design, alongside a richer, more detailed sound, with support for Personalised Spatial Audio. Apple also claims they’re more durable than before, and you also gain access to Live Translation (previously a Pro-only feature), Adaptive EQ and up to five hours of playtime with ANC on.
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case not only get a wireless charging case (shock) but also on-stem volume control. Take it from me as an AirPods Pro 3 user, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold — it’s so intuitive to use!
The Apple AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (yep, still annoying to type) will be available from September 18, and you can preorder them today from the following retailers. Amazon would be my top choice, as you can save a couple of dollars on RRP.
AirPods Pro 3: was $429 now $347 They did drop to a low of AU$299 during Prime Day, but this is still a great price on Apple’s flagship earbuds. They deliver best-in-class noise cancellation and a rich, full-bodied sound. While the AirPods 5 now also get the same Live Translation, the Pro 3s also rock a heart-rate sensor and longer battery life of up to 10 hours. View Deal
Nothing appears to be preparing a more premium version of its over-ear headphone lineup. According to information reported by Dealabs, the company is expected to introduce the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro in the coming weeks, with a European price of €349 and a U.S. price of $399. Nothing’s move into premium headphones also gives the brand another way to extend its distinctive Nothing’s transparent design language beyond smartphones and earbuds.
The new model is reportedly scheduled to launch on September 29, positioning it firmly in the premium wireless headphone market rather than the entry-level segment.
Nothing’s Transparent Design Gets a Premium Treatment
The Headphone (1) Pro is expected to continue Nothing’s recognizable design language, including the brand’s semi-transparent aesthetic. The headphones are reportedly offered in black and white, while the construction combines an aluminum body with scratch-resistant glass elements.
The headset is also said to carry an IP52 rating, providing some protection against dust and light water exposure. While that rating does not make the headphones suitable for heavy rain or water immersion, it could provide additional peace of mind during everyday use.
Triple-Driver System Could Be the Biggest Upgrade
One of the most interesting features of the Headphone (1) Pro is its reported three-driver audio architecture. Instead of relying on a conventional single-driver setup, the headphones are expected to use separate drivers to handle different parts of the frequency range.
The high-frequency section could use an XMEMS driver, a technology designed around extremely fast mechanical response and precise high-frequency reproduction. If implemented as reported, the combination could give Nothing a stronger technical selling point against other premium wireless headphones.
The company is also reportedly working with Metropolis Studios, a well-known London recording and mastering facility, on the headphone’s tuning. That collaboration could help Nothing pursue a more studio-oriented sound profile rather than simply emphasizing heavy bass or consumer-friendly sound.
10 Microphones and Adaptive ANC
The Headphone (1) Pro is expected to include 10 microphones, which could support both active noise cancellation and voice-related functions.
The headphones are reportedly equipped with adaptive active noise cancellation (adaptive ANC) that can adjust to surrounding conditions. A transparency mode is also expected, allowing users to hear environmental sounds without removing the headphones.
This combination should make the Headphone (1) Pro more practical for commuting, office use and other situations where users may need to switch between immersive listening and environmental awareness.
Hi-Res Audio, LDAC and More Sound Controls
For wireless audio, the new headphones are expected to support LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, potentially giving compatible devices access to higher-quality Bluetooth audio transmission.
Nothing is also reportedly preparing a Flat EQ option alongside more advanced sound-adjustment features. The company may position these controls toward listeners who want greater control over how their music sounds rather than relying solely on preset profiles.
The reported involvement of Metropolis Studios further suggests that audio quality will be one of the major selling points of the Pro model.
Bluetooth 6.1 and a 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Connectivity is another area where the Headphone (1) Pro could stand out. The headset is reportedly expected to use Bluetooth 6.1, while also retaining a 3.5mm audio jack.
The wired connection will be useful for listeners who prefer a direct audio connection, want to avoid Bluetooth compression, or need to connect the headphones to devices without wireless audio support.
The combination of modern Bluetooth connectivity and a traditional wired input also gives the headphones greater flexibility across different listening environments.
Up to 60 Hours of Battery Life
Battery life could be another major advantage. The Headphone (1) Pro is reportedly capable of delivering up to 60 hours of playback, although real-world endurance will likely depend on factors such as ANC usage, volume level, codec selection and connection mode.
The headphones are also expected to support fast charging, allowing users to restore listening time without keeping the headset connected to power for long periods.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: What to Expect
Based on the leaked information, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro could be a significant step beyond a typical lifestyle-focused wireless headset. Its combination of a three-driver audio system, XMEMS technology, 10 microphones, adaptive ANC, LDAC, Bluetooth 6.1 and up to 60 hours of battery life gives it a specification sheet aimed squarely at the premium market.
The reported €349 European price and $399 U.S. price would also put it in direct competition with established premium headphone brands.
Nothing has yet to officially confirm all of these specifications, so the final hardware, features and regional pricing should be treated as unconfirmed until the company makes its announcement. If the September 29 launch date is accurate, more official details should emerge soon.
Audio Intelligence is a brand-new class of Apple Intelligence features that use the microphones of Apple Watch, the power of Apple silicon, and on-device and cloud-based AI models to help you detect sounds, identify music, and stay present and engaged — all while protecting your privacy at every step.
Siri Recap: Uses ambient listening to generate high-level notes from conversations, such as takeaways from a team meeting or a parent-teacher conference, producing an Apple Intelligence-generated title, summary, and key points reviewable in the Siri app.
Live Rewind: Lets users “go back in time for 15 seconds,” transcribing and displaying what was just said in a conversation with a double press of the Digital Crown.
Shazam: Automatically identifies music playing nearby and surfaces the song title and artist on the Music Recognition widget in the Smart Stack.
Sound Recognition: Brings sound alerts to Apple Watch for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, listening for sirens, alarms, doorbells, a baby crying, and more, even when their iPhone isn’t nearby.
Apple is emphasizing that all of them are built to prioritize privacy and security using the extensive infrastructure the company has developed to protect its other Apple Intelligence and Siri services. As more and more of these types of features debut, though, the audio intelligence announcements are a reminder that AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly universal in all areas of computing and life.
“These features do not create or store audio recordings, and raw audio used for processing is completely inaccessible to the operating systems, apps, the user, or Apple,” the company wrote in a report shared with WIRED.
[…]
Apple emphasizes that its on-device capabilities for Apple watches have expanded thanks to the company’s new S11 chips. The chips include a special memory-protected space that Apple calls the Secure Exclave. Designed specifically for sensor data, the exclave is an isolated buffer that is inaccessible to the rest of the operating system where Apple Watch can hold and process audio data in a protected space.
[…]
To try to mitigate blatant privacy violations, Apple says that the watch produces an audible chime when a watch owner initiates a Live Rewind transcript to alert other people in the area—even if it is on silent mode or paired with headphones. And the features are built to omit or filter out potentially identifying information about speakers. But the sheer scope and breadth of the tools is extremely noteworthy.
Ron Huang introduced a couple of features of the Series 12 and Ultra 4 that struck me as both disturbing and possibly illegal. They certainly seem at odds with Apple’s commitment to privacy.
[…]
I’m sure Apple will argue that there’s no privacy issue because the recordings aren’t being saved. But if there’s a transcription, isn’t that a type of saving?
And then there’s the question of legality. A great variety of law, both in the United States and across the world, concerns the recording of electronic and in-person conversations. I’m sure Apple has considered this, but I have to think some jurisdictions will frown on Live Rewind. If Apple has to defend it, that’s fine. What’s one more squadron of lawyers to Apple? But if an Apple Watch owner has to defend a transcription made innocently—made with Apple’s encouragement, in fact—that seems like an unfair burden. Maybe Apple should indemnify all future Watch buyers from privacy-related legal action.
[…]
The hoops Apple jumped through to avoid certain words is pretty funny. […] You think your watch records the audio around you? No no no. The audio flows into the Secure Enclave, and flowing is definitely not recording because it’s a different word.
Live Rewind and other Audio Intelligence features do not generate audio recordings. Audio flows into the Secure Exclave, is processed, and then deleted.
According to Apple, Live Rewind text snippets “disappear permanently” from the Apple Watch approximately 30 seconds after the Apple Watch display dims, unless the info is saved to the Siri app.
But good luck explaining that to anyone around you after you read back an exact transcript of what they just said. Apple says they should be sufficiently notified Live Rewind is active because “an audible chime plays from the speaker on your Apple Watch, even if your Apple Watch is on silent or you have headphones connected”, plus the watch plays an animation, but it is not clear to me when this happens. It is not shown in Apple’s video. The impression I get is that Live Rewind is always running in the background and these notifications are only played after you double-click the Digital Crown to look at the text.
This feels like a glimpse of how Apple will market its inevitable wear-anywhere glasses product. I do not think it does enough to assuage privacy concerns. I think normal people will continue to react negatively when you tell them you have been passively recording them because, outside Silicon Valley, that is considered gross and invasive.
I have to admit that the Siri Recap stuff all being “documented” using AI slop is really giving me confidence in the level of care that went into designing this feature
I’m frankly surprised Apple even went through with this feature at this time, considering the bans and backlash other AI-powered surveillance wearables are getting.
[…]
Apple is keen to evidence its trustworthiness, with on-device AI and Private Cloud Compute and an insistence that it doesn’t record or log audio and transcripts. However, if people think they’re being discreetly recorded without their permission, it’s possible Apple Watch wearers could experience their own slice of the abuse hurled at Meta Glasses wearers.
Given that Apple has to warn of this, it’s the surest sign the features shouldn’t be released in this form. Apple repeats the form of the warning I see regularly at my gym… but apparently it isn’t heeding it.
Just called my HSA provider and upfront they say that calls may be recorded and transcribed by AI and then provide no means of opting out. So of course the person who finally answered says I have to give my social to verify my identity.
However, that latter point could be addressed later in the month. How come? because according to MacRumors, Apple just released a firmware update for the Beats 360 headphones. Yes, that same pair of Beats 360 headphones we've been hearing rumors about for months, but that have yet to be officially announced.
Why is Apple updating headphones that don't exist? Well, bear in mind we've been seeing them for months, as Apple gave them to multiple soccer World Cup players to show off during the tournament. Celebrity sportspeople need their tech updating too, after all.
There's no indication of what this update does, and it doesn't really matter. It's all about what this update suggests.
A Beats 360 release date just around the corner?
Because of this recent software update, many now think that the Beats 360 are due to be unveiled at some point in September.
While Apple already has just had its big product unveiling event of the year (on September 9, around 14 hours ago at the time of writing), that doesn't rule out new Beats devices. Apple generally lets its Beats sub-brand operate independently.
In fact, it would've been pretty bizarre if we had seen the Beats 360 shown off at the Apple event, for this fact.
We know a lot about how the Beats 360 look, thanks to plenty of leaks (and, of course, the fact that they were literally on the necks, heads and bags of a few soccer players months ago). They sound like a big step up from what we've seen, but as the launch of a new range, it's hard to know how they'll stack up to existing models.
Beats' last product launch was in October 2025, when it showed off the Powerbeats Fit, so maybe we'll see the brand take the same late-September-early-October window for its new device. Or devices? We've only heard about the Beats 360, but that doesn't rule out siblings of other form factors.
Two AirPods 5 models: 50% better ANC, Adaptive Audio and Live Translation
A step up model boasts wireless charging and volume swipeable stems
$129 / £129 for AirPods 5; $149 / £149 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging
If you watched our Apple event coverage, you'll know that Apple's decided to double up on its non-Pro AirPods rollout as it did before, and each model within the new AirPods 5 duo features ANC, whether you really felt you wanted it or not.
And Apple definitely wants you to want it, because along with an "all-new multiport acoustic architecture" in this open-fit style, the company claims the new onboard ANC will remove up to 50% more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
One of the key upgrades here is Live Translation inclusion in both sets (previously the sole preserve of the Pro lineup) as well as Personalised Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ. And the new battery now offers up to 20 hours in total with ANC (up to five hours from the buds themselves, which is an hour more than their older siblings, or four with ANC) or up to 22 hours if listening without ANC.
True, it's still not great in the stamina stakes. But this really is Apple's entry-level AirPods offering and for some, cash (not battery life) is king.
(Image credit: Apple)
Also, it's worth pointing out while Live Translation and Adaptive EQ is here, there are none of those rumored cameras, low-res or otherwise — even in the top-tier option. We didn't expect them 'til 2027 and it turns out we were right to stick to that.
Although Audio Intelligence and Siri Recap did launch at the event, these are software upgrades meant to help enhance what you hear (and in some cases, transcribe it, although the promise is that Apple will neither record, nor store said information). Anyway, no, Apple eyes in your ears are still a way off yet.
It's been nearly two years since AirPods 5's predecessors launched (where does the time go?) but the original AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation were priced at $179 / £179 / AU$299 when they landed on September 20, 2024. And no such pricing exists now. That's right, both models are cheaper.
The company knows that change isn't always good when it comes to the delicate topic of coin, so it hasn't troubled us with new figures in the standard set, which will sell for the original basic model's $129 / £129 (likely AU$199) asking fee.
And the step-up model? That will cost $149 / £149 (around AU$209), so less than the original AirPods 4 with ANC.
Apple's 'pay for what you want (and enjoy what you buy)' is refreshing
(Image credit: Apple)
OK, no cameras, no hearing health suite and of course no heart-rate monitoring, but you have to hand it to Apple. It's like someone at an Apple Park board meeting stood up and said, "Why don't we just let fans of AirPods pick their perks?" You love to see it.
Want on-volume stem swiping? It has been added it to the step-up model! A case that supports wireless charging? That's also in the $20 / £20 more expensive option. In isolation these upgrades don't feel too significant, but for me these choices are bang on — every little win adds a little value, no?
I'd plump for the set with the on-volume stems for sure. I know that for me, this is a perk worth paying for, and it's the first time Apple's added it to its open-fit earbuds design. For clarity, this design sits in your concha (or ear well) and does not require the ear-tips of the AirPods Pro lineup to create a secure seal within your ear canal.
I've lost count of the number of times I've knocked cheap earbuds — and even pricier ones — for making me dig out my phone when I need to lower the volume, and for me this is a key perk. Thanks, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging!
Hoje, com a revelação dos Apple Watches Series 12 e Ultra 4, a Maçã também anunciou um novo conjunto de recursos chamado Inteligência de Áudio (Audio Intelligence), composto pelas funções Reconhecimento de Som (Sound Recognition), Reconhecimento de Música (Music Recognition), Live Rewind e Siri Recap.
Parte da Apple Intelligence e exclusivas desses novos relógios, essas ferramentas analisam o som ambiente — que, em alguns casos, é captado constantemente — para alertar o usuário sobre sons importantes, ajudá-lo a descobrir o título de músicas, recobrar algo que foi falado nos últimos instantes e revisar anotações sobre as suas principais conversas ao longo do dia, respectivamente.
Por mais bem intencionados que esses recursos possam ser, no entanto, é natural que alguns usuários torçam o nariz para eles — afinal, a ideia de ter um dispositivo monitorando tudo o que você fala (e que falam para você) sem interrupções pode ser um tanto… preocupante, principalmente do ponto de vista da privacidade — um assunto tão abordado pela Apple.
E foi muito provavelmente pensando nessas pessoas que a Apple colocou no ar uma extensa página de suporte que detalha o funcionamento dessas ferramentas, além de explicar quais medidas de segurança foram tomadas para proteger usuários que decidirem ativar essas ferramentas. A empresa também publicou um documento [PDF] que mergulha ainda mais nas minúcias dessas novidades, as quais dependem não só do poder de fogo do novo SiP 1System in a package, ou sistema em um pacote.S11, como também dos seus recursos de segurança embutidos.
Para início de conversa, a Apple deixa claro que todos esses recursos são completamente opcionais; o Reconhecimento de Som, por exemplo, precisa ser configurado nos Ajustes (Settings) do iPhone, de modo que ele só vem ativado por padrão no Apple Watch caso o recurso equivalente do iOS já tenha sido ativado anteriormente pelo usuário no iPhone. Outras ferramentas, como o Reconhecimento de Música, podem ser ativadas diretamente nos Ajustes do Apple Watch (caso já não tenham sido ativadas anteriormente).
Divulgação/Apple
O Live Rewind, por sua vez, entra em cena apenas quando o usuário dá um clique duplo na Digital Crown, mostrando em seguida uma transcrição dos últimos 15 segundos de conversa. Ainda segundo a Apple, o relógio para de gerar essa transcrição assim que o último trecho de conversa é exibido, além de não salvar qualquer texto — a menos que o usuário faça uma pergunta sobre o seu conteúdo para a Siri ou escolha salvá-lo no app da assistente, que é onde estão os ajustes dessa ferramenta.
Divulgação/Apple
Disponível na Central de Controle, o Siri Recap pode ser ativado e desativado manualmente a qualquer momento, mas também permite que o usuário defina uma programação com base na hora e/ou localização. A Siri também pode ser barrada de realizar qualquer registro em momentos/lugares específicos.
Trechos de texto do Live Rewind e anotações do Siri Recap podem ser visualizados, editados e apagados a qualquer momento no app da Siri, bem como exportados para apps como o Notas (Notes) e o Diário (Journal). Além disso, apagá-los faz com que eles sumam de todos os seus dispositivos sincronizados — lembrando que a Apple os protege com criptografia de ponta a ponta antes de enviá-los ao iCloud.
Proteções adicionais
Segundo a Apple, em todos esses casos, nenhuma gravação de áudio é gerada ou armazenada no Apple Watch. Em vez disso, o áudio captado pelos microfones passa pelo Secure Exclave do SiP S11 — compartimento isolado por hardware que processa dados de maneira separada do resto do sistema, impedindo que aplicativos, o watchOS, a Apple ou até mesmo o próprio usuário possam acessá-lo.
Os resumos da Siri Recap são gerados pelos chamados Apple Foundation Models no Private Cloud Compute, que não salva nenhuma das informações. As anotações também são apagadas automaticamente pelo app da Siri depois de sete dias, caso o usuário escolha não salvá-las ou exportá-las.
A Apple também garante que esses recursos não identificam ou atribuem locutores nos áudios captados — protegendo, assim, a identidade de pessoas no entorno do usuário. A única particularidade aqui é a Siri Recap, que pode registrar nomes citados no conteúdo da conversa, mesmo sem identificar quem é o locutor ou interlocutor; ele também reconhece e censura “conteúdo potencialmente prejudicial, como linguagem que promove automutilação ou discurso de ódio, e informações confidenciais, como dados financeiros, identificadores governamentais, dados de autenticação e certos identificadores pessoais”.
Divulgação/Apple
No caso do Live Rewind, um alerta sonoro é reproduzido sempre que o usuário ativa o recurso, não importa se o Apple Watch está com o modo silencioso ligado ou não. Uma animação em tela cheia também é exibida junto com um indicador de uso do microfone; “Isso serve para alertar as pessoas próximas de que o recurso foi ativado”, explica a empresa.
Dependente do Shazam, o Reconhecimento de Música compartilha apenas uma assinatura acústica, e não o áudio bruto, na hora de processar o áudio captado — algo que acontece nos servidores do serviço. A assinatura acústica, ainda segundo a Apple, é gerada em um buffer seguro no Secure Exclave.
Disponibilidade
Todos esses recursos, como dito, requerem um Apple Watch Series 12 ou um Apple Watch Ultra 4 para funcionar.
Indisponíveis para usuários menores de 13 anos, o Live Rewind e a Siri Recap serão liberados como recursos beta ainda neste ano (inicialmente apenas em inglês). O Reconhecimento de Som e o Reconhecimento de Música serão liberados junto com os novos smartwatches.
Por padrão, quando a Apple lança novos iPhones e certas gerações de Apple Watches, ela aproveita para anunciar as novidades dos processadores que equipam esses dispositivos. Neste ano, não foi diferente.
Com base no mais recente processo de fabricação de 2 nanômetros, o A20 Pro traz novidades na CPU 1Graphics processing unit, ou unidade de processamento gráfico., na GPU 2Graphics processing unit, ou unidade de processamento gráfico. e no Neural Engine.
A CPU traz 50% mais largura de banda de memória do que o A19 Pro, que equipa os iPhones 17 Pro/17 Pro Max, enquanto a GPU com 7 núcleos é até 40% mais rápida.
Há um novo Neural Engine duplo de 16 núcleos com o dobro de processamento para inteligência no aparelho, totalizando 32 núcleos — o dobro do poder de processamento de IA visto no A19 Pro.
A Apple também aprimorou o processo de acondicionamento do chip, colocando-o lado a lado com a memória — inspirado nos chips da série M, de Macs e iPads. Na prática, há melhorias na circulação/dissipação do calor, aumentando ainda mais o desempenho térmico do aparelho.
Divulgação/Apple
Soma-se a isso uma nova câmara de vapor, com o triplo da área de superfície em comparação com o A19 Pro. O desempenho contínuo é, segundo a empresa, até 40% melhor que o iPhone 17 Pro.
Divulgação/Apple
Em relação ao iPhone Duo, o A20 Pro desbloqueia o suporte a múltiplas telas e transições mais suaves entre elas.
C2
Parece mentira, mas o C2 é como se fosse a terceira geração de modems celulares da Apple — já que ela lançou, só no ano passado, o C1 no iPhone 16e e o C1X no iPhone Air.
O C2 trabalha em conjunto com o chip A20 Pro para oferecer uma maior qualidade e confiabilidade da rede celular, permitindo uploads até 50% mais rápidos (comparando com o C1X) ao mesmo tempo que consome menos bateria. Nos Estados Unidos, o C2 é também o primeiro modem da Apple a suportar redes 5G mmWave.
Curiosamente, a página americana de especificações técnicas dos iPhones 18 Pro/18 Pro Max mostra que apenas o 18 Pro (modelo com a menor tela) é equipado com o C2, enquanto a versão maior aparenta ainda estar equipada com um modem da Qualcomm.
Apple's tech specs page seems to indicate the iPhone 18 Pro has the C2 modem and the 18 Pro Max sticks with Qualcomm. pic.twitter.com/6hSrzgu2td
A página de especificações técnicas da Apple parece indicar que o iPhone 18 Pro tem o modem C2 e o 18 Pro Max continua com a Qualcomm.
S11
Depois de um hiato de três anos, o Apple Watch finalmente ganhou um novo processador! Por ser um SoC 3System on a chip, ou sistema em um chip., dentro dele temos 2 núcleos de 64 bits, um chip W3 para conexões sem fio, um chip de banda ultralarga de segunda geração e um Neural Engine de 4 núcleos.
Com um design mais compacto e eficiente para oferecer um maior desempenho, o S11 desbloqueia vários dos recursos de inteligência dos Apple Watches Series 12 e Ultra 4 — como a variabilidade de frequência cardíaca (VFC) a cada cinco minutos e leituras em segundo plano a cada cinco segundos.
Divulgação/Apple
A Inteligência de Áudio (Audio Inteligence), que usa o microfone integrado e a segurança do novo chip, pode entender melhor os sons ao seu redor.
Divulgação/Apple
Isso é possível graças à inclusão do chamado Secure Exclave, um compartimento dedicado que processa o áudio de forma isolada do sistema e o exclui de forma imediata — garantindo, assim, total privacidade.
Não sei vocês, mas estou ansioso para ver os primeiros testes com essas novas belezinhas! 😄
Notas de rodapé
1
Graphics processing unit, ou unidade de processamento gráfico.
2
Graphics processing unit, ou unidade de processamento gráfico.
John Ternus: 'I started the day with the idea of a personal hub'
This, during Apple's famous 'one more thing' moment, to close its event
And yet, no HomePod mini 2 — which feels like an oversight
Whether you followed our Apple event coverage or simply streamed the event itself (and referred back to us later for a rundown of what you saw) you'll know that alongside a cracking duo of AirPods 5 new releases and of course our first folding iPhone, Apple's John Ternus seemed to continually tease the idea of a "personal hub" to act as the remote for your life.
At one point during the event, before announcing those ice-white buds, Mr. Ternus also stood in front of a spherical array of speakers (imagine standing right in the center and streaming a bit of Rage Against the Machine…), so I felt sure Apple's "one more thing" moment would be the much-rumored, hotly anticipated HomePod mini 2, which we've been waiting on (and writing about) for quite some time now.
Most of us agreed that Apple's delay in releasing its second-generation HomePod mini would be intrinsically tied to everyone at Apple Park waiting, with bated breath, for the company's overhauled, AI-powered Siri assistant to be fully finished and worthy of some new products.
And so I sat there, waiting for the "Behold, Apple's new and improved softball-sized wireless speaker (now in colors fit to grace any softball pitch), the HomePod mini 2! What's new? The chipset, the improved chattiness and the snappier responses".
And then, Ternus' people would wax lyrical about the fact that even six years after the original launched, the 2020 pricing of the new HomePod mini 2 had been put on lockdown (see what I did there?), so the price rise from $99 / £99 / AU$129 to $129 / £129 / AU$199 that was enacted in late June of this year would be reversed — just like the better-value AirPods 5. These, after all, just arrived with wireless charging, ANC and volume-swipe stems for $149 / £149, less than the $179 / £179 of the previous version!
But no.
What else might Apple have unveiled in its compact, Siri-powered "hub" speaker no-show? Oh, maybe an upgraded S9 chip, to replace the original HomePod mini's S5 chipset. Then perhaps deeper integration with Apple Intelligence for a chattier, more context-aware Siri that actually could become a voice to talk to, about music (music commands are all I use Siri for, when I use it at all).
How about stronger Wi-Fi or 2nd-gen Ultra-Wideband (UWB 2) for improved Handoff — something Apple did note at the event?
It seems that what Ternus said after his opening "I started the day with the idea of an intelligent personal hub" bit was most important. What was the end of the sentence? It was " …and why there's no product in the world better-designed to be that hub than iPhone". Ah. There's the rub. Folding phones.
I understand Apple's desire to get a foldable out there, but I have to disagree. A speaking speaker hub that plays music as well as the HomePod mini can, and is able to simply accept your iPhone-and-AirPods audio in one smooth audio handoff as you step in the door? That would be a hub that made your home a better place to be.
And if we look at the definition of the word — a hub is the central component of something — isn't home where the heart is for many of us? So wouldn't a HomePod mini 2 be a great intelligent personal hub, Mr. Ternus?
This left me (and probably a lot of other people) fearing the worst about the prices of the new stuff coming at Apple's September 2026 event.
But as we watched new products being announced that were the same price, or actually better value, than their predecessors, I felt like I was watching Neo dodging RAM-ageddon bullets… even though the iPhone 18 Pro price rose (check out our full list of iPhone price hikes), it felt reasonable.
But then, just like Neo, we got clipped and dropped to the ground by the fact that Apple quietly increased the price sof all its older phones following the event. Here's the new pricing for those models:
The increased iPhone prices
Model
New starting price
Old starting price
iPhone 17
$899 / £899
$799 / £799
iPhone Air
$1,099 / £1,099
$999 / £999
iPhone 17e
$699 / £699
$599 / £599
iPhone 16
$799 / £799
$699 / £699
Let's run through how well we did in different areas in the US and UK prices (it may differ elsewhere, of course).
Apple's launch prices compared
New product
Launch price
Comparison model
Launch price
Apple Watch Series 12
$399 / £369
Apple Watch Series 11
$399 / £369
Apple Watch Ultra Series 4
$799 / £749
Apple Watch Ultra Series 3
$799 / £749
AirPods 5
$129 / £119
AirPods 4
$129 / £119
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
$149 / £139
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
$179 / $169
iPhone 18 Pro
$1,199 / £1,199
iPhone 17 Pro
$1,099 / £1,099
iPhone 18 Pro Max
$1,299 / £1,299
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$1,199 / £1,199
iPhone Duo
$1,999 / £1,999
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
$2,099 / £1,899
Apple Watch
A nice easy win here — we got new features across both the new regular model and the new Ultra, and we got them for the same price as the previous model. That's pretty great given the levels of inflation we're dealing with.
These were the big win on value, in my opinion. When reporting on the AirPods 5 rumors, we said that we really wanted to see Apple improve what you got for the money specifically, because its entry-level were behind the best budget earbuds from competitors.
Well, that's exactly what we got. The basic AirPods 5 now have active noise cancellation, and along with other improvements this should make them competitive again at the same price. And the mid-range AirPods 5 model get on-ear volume controls and a few other small quality-of-life upgrades, which makes them cheaper than last year's mid-range model. It's a win all around — and you can pre-order them today.
iPhone 18 Pro
This is where things get rockier — but both models have a relatively modest $100 price increase in the US, which is under 10%, and in the world of 2026, I'll take that.
Of course, they've also improved compared to the previous model, and from what Apple's saying the new variable aperture camera system and the much longer battery life provided by the (somehow also super-powerful) A20 Pro chip might be well worth the extra cash.
iPhone Duo
Look, do I think $1,999 is an appealing price for a phone? It's not what I'd choose to pay. I wasn't happy about the rumors of it being that high, but it was kind of inevitable. However, the iPhone Duo folding phone needs to be assessed in context — and that context is: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra costs more in the US (in the UK, Samsung has the edge).
It only costs $100 more, I'll grant you, but a win is a win — and again, given the price rises elsewhere in Apple's range earlier this year, I think it was far from a given that its fancy folder was going to actually undercut the competition.
Will we be as lucky with future releases? Perhaps not. It's notable that these product categories are some of the few that didn't get price rises in the hikes earlier this year.
We're expecting the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini to get new versions soon, for example, and these will probably arrive with the same price the current models do… which were just jacked up significantly. Same for the rumored new entry-level iPad.
And then there's the small matter of Apple having raised the prices of all its existing iPhone models. Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro, those increases don't come with any hardware or performance upgrades — they're just more expensive.
And I assume this means we're not getting a base iPhone 18 at all, if all these phones are sticking around with higher prices.
Apple's new AirPods 5 bring the company's more budget-friendly earbuds even closer to the Pro models with improved ANC, on-stem volume control, and more.
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.
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