When is the iPhone 18 Pro Max launching? Plus, the first foldable iPhone Duo.

Speculation regarding Apple's new iPhone has come to an end. At a special event on September 9, Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The biggest surprise of the event was the introduction of the company's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo.

The iPhone lineup has undergone significant changes this time. Apple has delivered notable upgrades to the camera, battery, processing power, and artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly in the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Meanwhile, with the iPhone Duo, the company has entered the foldable phone market, putting an end to long-standing rumors.

When will the iPhone 18 Pro Max hit the market?

According to Apple's announcement, pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will begin on September 12. The phones will be available for purchase starting September 18. In the first phase, the devices will be available in over 65 countries and regions.

The starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro Max has been set at $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199. The prices of the Pro models have increased by $100 compared to the previous generation.

What does the iPhone 18 Pro Max feature?

One of the major highlights of the new iPhone 18 Pro Max is its camera. Apple has added a variable aperture to the phone's 48-megapixel main camera, allowing it to adjust the aperture automatically based on lighting conditions. This gives users greater control over image depth and low-light photography.

The phone is powered by the new A20 Pro chip, which offers improved performance and power management, alongside enhanced capabilities for on-device AI tasks. It also features a next-generation vapor-chamber cooling system to help maintain performance during prolonged, intensive workloads.

There are changes to the display as well; the Dynamic Island is now smaller than before. Apple also claims a significant improvement in battery life for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, describing it as the most substantial battery life upgrade ever seen in an iPhone. New Burgundy Color

While there haven't been major changes to the design, a new color has been introduced. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in Black, Silver, Glacier, and a new Burgundy finish. The Burgundy color has emerged as a key highlight of the Pro series this time around.

iPhone Duo—Apple's First Foldable

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the biggest surprise of the event is the iPhone Duo. It is Apple's first foldable iPhone. When unfolded, it reveals a 7.6-inch internal display, while a 5.4-inch external screen is available when folded.

Apple claims that the Duo is its thinnest iPhone when unfolded. The large display can be used for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking simultaneously; it also supports running two apps at once.

Prices for the foldable phone start at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, with market availability starting October 23.

Other Features of the iPhone Duo

The Duo is powered by the A20 Pro chip, features an advanced cooling system, and offers up to 2TB of storage. Apple has leveraged the large display to provide a novel multitasking experience. The phone also supports the Apple Pencil.

Another notable change is the security system; reports indicate that Touch ID has been integrated into the side button of the Duo.

Where is the iPhone 18?

One of the most significant changes this time is that Apple did not unveil the standard iPhone 18 at the September event. For now, only the new Pro and Pro Max models and the foldable Duo have been introduced. Reports suggest that the standard iPhone 18 might not hit the market until around 2027.

In essence, Apple has signaled a major shift in its iPhone strategy. By offering two distinct classes of premium phones—the ultra-powerful iPhone 18 Pro Max and the radically designed iPhone Duo—the company aims to spark new competition in the market. Sales of the iPhone 18 Pro Max begin on September 18, while the journey of the first foldable iPhone Duo starts on October 23.