Ternus launched Apple’s first foldable iPhone Duo ($1,999) alongside iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12/Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 in early September. Siri AI and major OS updates (iOS/iPadOS/macOS 27) rolled out mid-month with stronger on-device AI. Products reached stores; a $5.7 billion haptics patent verdict hit late September. Satellite ties deepen via Amazon-Globalstar; Vision Pro next-gen remains distant. Focus stays on premium devices, privacy-centric AI, and ecosystem continuity.
Top Stories (as of Sept. 28, 2026)
- New leadership & foldable debut: John Ternus (hardware engineering veteran) became CEO Sept. 1, succeeding Tim Cook. His first keynote (“Surprise and Shine,” Sept. 9) introduced the iPhone Duo foldable at $1,999 and raised iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max starting prices by $100 (to $1,199/$1,299). Base models delayed to spring 2027. Devices arrived in stores worldwide starting Sept. 18.
- Apple Watch, AirPods & related hardware: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 launched with faster S11 chip, new health/fitness features, and watchOS 27. AirPods 5 arrived with improved active noise cancellation, longer battery, custom EQ support, and firmware updates. New Mac mini and Mac Studio (M-series chips) became available Sept. 22.
- AI & software platforms: Siri AI (more conversational, personal-context-aware, on-device focused) and major updates—iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27—rolled out starting Sept. 14. Features include Visual Intelligence expansions, faster AirDrop (up to 80%), parental/child-safety tools, and deeper Apple Intelligence across devices. English beta first; more languages in October.
- Vision Pro, iCloud, Handoff, AirDrop, App Store: visionOS 27 adds Siri AI and Visual Intelligence. iCloud continues supporting Siri conversation history sync. Handoff features expanded (including iPhone Handoff carrier support notes). AirDrop performance improved significantly. App Store remains central; ongoing regulatory and legal matters (e.g., commission-related cases) continue in background.
- Space technology: Apple’s satellite Emergency SOS continues via Globalstar (Amazon acquiring for ~$11.6B; Apple holds ~20% stake and endorsed the deal). Future service shifts toward Amazon Leo constellation. New patents cover smoother cell-to-satellite handoffs. No Starlink direct integration confirmed for current iPhones.
- Legal & other developments: Federal jury awarded Taction Technology $5.7 billion after finding Apple’s Taptic Engine (in iPhones and Apple Watches) infringed two haptics patents; Apple plans to appeal (infringement not deemed willful). MacBook Pro deals and Vision headset design tests also noted in recent coverage.
Apple is prioritizing higher-margin premium hardware, on-device AI privacy, and gradual ecosystem expansion under Ternus while navigating component-cost pressures and legal challenges.
