Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Our Favorite Travel Features From Apple’s September 2026 Event [Foldable iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and More]

Chris Hassan's image
Chris Hassan
Updated: 
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Our Favorite Travel Features From Apple’s September 2026 Event [Foldable iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and More]
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Click for Card Offers (Up to 300k!)

Top Partner Offers

BEST OFFERPlatinum Card® from American Express

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
NEW CHATGPT BENEFITThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Your Offer Could Be As High As 300,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
NEW CHATGPT BENEFITAmerican Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Your Offer Could Be As High As 200,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
TOP PICKAmerican Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
See Best Credit Cards

The biggest day of the year for Apple and tech fans has arrived, and it didn’t disappoint.

Apple’s annual conference debuted new and refreshed products, including its thinnest iPhone ever … and it folds in half.

While Samsung users have had this feature for years, Apple fans have been waiting (im)patiently for a phone that does the same. Plus, with new Apple Watches and AirPods to pair with it, there is a lot to be excited about.

Let’s take a look at the details and what travelers can look forward to.

Advertisement

iPhone Duo

Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event just wrapped up in Cupertino, California, and new CEO John Ternus wasted no time making his mark. After months of rumors, Apple announced its first-ever foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo.

iPhone Duo lineup
Apple iPhone Duo. Screenshot: Apple website

The iPhone Duo has a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display and, when folded, has a 5.4-inch outer display, which is about 90% of the iPhone 18 Pro’s screen size. Even better, when folded, the iPhone Duo is about the size of a passport, so it fits easily in your pocket, but can also provide plenty of screen for in-flight movies when open.

With an A20 Pro chip and a 48MP Fusion main camera, many travelers may find this a reasonable substitute for their tablet and DSLR.

1 of 4
Apple iPhone Duo Preview. Screenshot: Apple website

Plus, the back screen can be used for assisting with photos, thanks to Kid Cue, which will play cartoons to get a proper smile from distracted kids, and Duo Preview, which lets the subject see how they look in the photo — replacing the need for third party screens.

The iPhone Duo releases in 2 colors (Night Sky and Star White) on October 23, with preorders starting on October 16. Prices start at $1,999.

Hot Tip:

Travelers can set the iPhone Duo in Standing mode beside the bed to have a hotel room alarm clock they can trust.

iPhone 18 Pro

Normally the star of the show, the flagship iPhone is getting a boost in specs as well as cost … and a new color.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are both getting the A20 Pro chip found in the Duo, along with the 48MP main camera, faster charging, and the promise of the best battery life of any iPhone to date.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro colors
Apple iPhone 18 Pro colors. Screenshot: Apple website

The variable aperture camera with physical “laser-cut blades” is the standout feature here, which will improve low-light photos and videos — perfect for capturing your favorite flight or hotel stay without the need for extra lighting. Besides that, this model should feel very familiar to those who are currently using the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be released in 4 colors (Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black) on September 18, with preorders starting on September 12. Prices start at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the iPhone Pro Max — a $100 increase from the previous model.

» Related: Amex Cell Phone Protection vs. AppleCare: We Crunch the Numbers

Advertisement

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch lineup also received a refresh, with the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both models got a big health upgrade, better battery life, and a smarter Siri that’s always listening (don’t worry, you can turn that off). Plus, there’s a new Health app on the way!

1 of 3
Apple Watch Series 12. Screenshot: Apple Website

The S11 chip in both models will now measure heart rate every 5 seconds throughout the day and will have a “readiness” feature that combines your recent vitals, exercise, and sleep to provide users with a daily score and 1 of 4 recomendations: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It.

After long-haul flights and time zone changes, travelers can better understand how their bodies are handling the trip.

The Apple Watch Series 12 will be available in 3 finishes (Aluminum, Titanium, and Ceramic) with prices starting at $399. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be available in 2 finishes (Black and Natural) with prices starting at $799.

Both models are available for preorder and will ship on September 18.

AirPods 5

While not the biggest announcement of the day, perhaps the most useful for travelers will be the new AirPods 5.

The fifth-generation AirPods come with the latest Active Noise Cancellation technology that promises to reduce external noise by up to 50% more than the previous model. As any traveler can attest, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is essential travel gear.

Apple AirPods 5
Apple AirPods 5. Screenshot: Apple website

Plus, with Live Translation, users can have conversations in foreign languages translated in real-time — a game changer for travelers in foreign countries.

The Apple AirPods 5 start at $129, are available for preorder now, and will ship on September 18.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event delivered the most significant iPhone product we’ve seen in years — the foldable iPhone Duo.

Travelers have a lot to consider when it comes to the latest products. Whether it’s worth splurging on the iPhone Duo for its unique design, upgrading to the iPhone Pro 18 for its improved camera, strapping on a new Apple Watch Ultra for its health benefits, or grabbing the new AirPods 5 for live translation, if you’re looking for new travel tech, Apple has plenty to choose from.

If you want the latest gadgets, be sure to get your preorder in on time.

Featured Image Credit: Apple
Chris Hassan's image

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Effective January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings will require a minimum two-night stay to be eligible for the $600 Hotel Credit.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 08/2026.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
  • $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 60+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to The Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Whatever the occasion, choose from our two signature collections of premium hotels, curated to inspire and excite you when you book through Amex Travel™: Fine Hotels + Resorts® is a collection of over 1,900 luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves and the Hotel Collection includes over 1,400 upscale hotels in desirable destinations.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2026 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.