Tech enthusiasts gathered at the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino to watch Apple’s fall 2026 event, despite the absence of an official invitation. The announcement featured the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, and new Apple Watches.
Location and Setup
Before heading to the retail location, one writer asked Siri about the visitor center’s status. The assistant responded that the center becomes a public hub during events like WWDC or product launches, offering streaming and exclusive merchandise. However, the AI assistant likely misidentified the setup. Media personnel also attended official activations inside the visitor center, which is the only Apple Store offering such themed items. The store opened at 10 a.m. PT, just as the keynote began.
Apple staff greeted arriving customers with applause. When asked if the large Today at Apple screen would be used for streaming, an employee declined. The staff member explained that the screen could fill the store, disrupting the general flow of operations. Instead, they suggested watching the presentation by the Apple TV section.
The Crowd and Reactions
During the 77-minute presentation, the audience peaked during the iPhone 18 Pro reveal. About 30 people gathered around the Apple TV area, with ten others watching by the Studio Displays. Initially, the store was mostly empty, but by the time the iPhone Duo was introduced, it filled with customers who were not necessarily focused on the keynote.
Patrons came from around the globe. One Italian customer expressed appreciation for the iPhone Duo, noting that it resembles the iPad mini and offers a single-device solution. Two Brazilian customers debated buying the new devices before their weekend flight, though they must wait until September 18 for the iPhone 18 Pro. After the presentation ended, most people browsed the store offerings, and the commotion subsided.
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Products Announced
Tim Cook formally stepped back as the primary host of the keynote, passing the torch to new CEO John Ternus. The iPhone Duo was introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The new phones include extended battery life, the A20 Pro chip, and a vapor chamber for better sustained performance and cooler operation.
In the Apple Watch lineup, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 feature a new back sensor that tracks heart rate every five seconds. The Series 12 also includes a more resistant display. AirPods 5 deliver improved sound quality and ANC, retaining the open-ear design.
Apple released the iPhone Duo in response to the growing market for foldable phones. The device features multiple usage modes and a hidden internal camera that retracts when not in use. It also includes a nano-texture finish to minimize glare and hide the foldable crease.
The event took place on September 9, 2026, in Cupertino, California, starting at 9:41 in the morning, and was an opportunity for tech enthusiasts to gather and experience the latest announcements from Apple, including the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, and new Apple Watches, at the Apple Park Visitor Center.
