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Last-minute iPhone event rumors: Pre-order time, AirPods 5 features, more

We’re just hours away from Apple’s “Surprise and shine” special event, where it’s expected to announce the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro, new Apple Watch models, and AirPods 5.

Pre-order times

We previously noted that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo pre-orders might begin on September 12, which is a day later than the typical pattern due to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

In a post on social media today, reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro said that pre-orders will indeed begin on September 12 “at the usual time.” This would suggest 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET.

iPhone 18 Pro tidbits

In a blockbuster overnight report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman outlined several additional details about the iPhone 18 Pro:

  • iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a mechanical aperture, and it’s possible this might not be available on the smaller iPhone 18 Pro.
  • A revamped vapor chamber
  • The Dynamic Island is “smaller and improved” and will now show up to three Live Activities instead of two.

Additionally, in a post on social media, developer Pdfu shared code evidence that suggests iPhone 18 Pro will charge up to 33% faster than the iPhone 17 Pro models.

AirPods 5

Gurman also shared new details on what to expect from AirPods 5, slated to be introduced today. According to the report, AirPods 5 will “come in versions with and without a wireless charging case and include dramatically improved noise cancellation.”

The Bloomberg report also reiterated that Apple had planned to announce AirPods with cameras at this event, but those have since been delayed until next year.

iPhone Duo tidbits

In addition to breaking the news about the iPhone Duo, Bloomberg also shared a few additional specs for the device:

  • Apple Pencil support
  • The ability to run side-by-side apps with “iPad-like multitasking”
  • White and dark blue color options
  • Starting price of $2,000, on sale “as early as October”

Wrap up

What are you most excited to see at today’s Apple event? Are you planning to buy anything Apple announces? Let us know down in the comments.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.