Apple 'Surprise and Shine' HIGHLIGHTS: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo foldable, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4 announced - The Hindu

**Apple Unveils “Surprise and Shine” Line‑up at Global Event**

Apple held its much‑anticipated “Surprise and Shine” showcase on Tuesday, rolling out a sweeping update to its flagship hardware portfolio. The centerpiece of the show was the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both powered by the newly introduced A20 Pro chip, which Apple says delivers a 25 % uplift in GPU performance and a 15 % boost in machine‑learning efficiency over the previous generation. The devices debut a refined titanium frame, a periscope‑type telephoto lens capable of 10× optical zoom, and a 48 MP main sensor with improved low‑light processing. Prices start at $1,199 for the 128 GB iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the 256 GB iPhone 18 Pro Max.

In a move that marks Apple’s first foray into foldable smartphones, the company introduced the iPhone Duo, a device that combines two 6.5‑inch OLED panels with a hinge engineered to meet the durability standards of existing iPhone models. Bloomberg reports the Duo will launch at a premium price point north of $2,000, positioning it as a niche product for early adopters and enterprise users. The foldable runs iOS 18, marking the first time the operating system has been adapted for a dual‑screen form factor, and it supports Apple’s Continuity features across the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.

Completing the hardware rollout, Apple announced the AirPods 5, which feature a new H2‑plus audio chip, adaptive transparency mode, and a battery life of up to 30 hours with the charging case. The Apple Watch Series 12 arrives with a brighter always‑on display, an upgraded S9 SiP, and health sensors that can monitor blood‑glucose trends. The Apple Watch Ultra 4, aimed at extreme‑sport enthusiasts, adds a titanium casing, a depth‑gauge sensor and a longer‑lasting battery that Apple says can last up to 60 hours on a single charge. All devices will ship globally beginning late October, with pre‑orders opening later this week.