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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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.