Open Software Platform and Reference System Design Brings Together Industry, Researchers and Public-Sector Organizations to Set Safer Boundaries for AI Agents, Share Best Practices and Foster International Cooperation to Raise the Bar for Safer AI Agent Deployment

News Summary:

• NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform consists of NVIDIA OpenShell open source software and the NVIDIA Sentry reference system design that enables full-stack governance and control across software and the hardware, compute and robotics systems that run agents.
• OpenShell software provides a secure runtime boundary that traces all actions and enforces policy as agents run on NVIDIA Vera CPUs. As open source software, OpenShell can be extended to work with third-party compute platforms, including those from Arm and Intel.
• Sentry adds an out-of-band watchdog that runs on NVIDIA BlueField-4 DPUs to continuously monitor agent behavior. Sentry can quarantine agents that attempt to move outside their boundaries in milliseconds.
• Industry leaders from across the AI ecosystem are joining NVIDIA to strengthen AI safety for every industry across the full stack of infrastructure, software, models and robotics — including Anthropic, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Dell Technologies, Figure, HPE, Hugging Face, JPMorganChase, Microsoft, Palantir, Palo Alto Networks, Perplexity, Red Hat, Salesforce, SAP, Scale AI, ServiceNow and SpaceXAI.

NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform, an open software platform and reference system design to strengthen AI security from agent testing to deployment, with full-stack governance and control across software and the hardware, compute and robotics systems that run agents.

Recent security incidents have underscored the need to equip organizations with open, customizable tools that enforce more control over long-running agents. Across these incidents, the pattern is the same — the agent circumvented security controls at the application layer to complete its assigned task.

“AI’s extraordinary potential for society will only be realized if we solve AI safety,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “As we continue to discover the frontier of AI capabilities, we must accelerate discovery at the frontier of AI safety. Safety and security require full-stack engineering. NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform brings together industry, researchers and public-sector organizations to share best practices, align on evaluation methods and foster international cooperation. Together, we can raise the bar for global AI safety.”

Open Agent Safety Platform Adds Control Across the Full Agent Stack
NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform enables full-stack governance and control across the software that runs agents, the hardware and compute layers that power their work, and the robotics systems that execute tasks in the physical world. Organizations can deploy elements of NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform according to their unique requirements.

It includes NVIDIA OpenShell™ secure runtime software that sets boundaries for agents running on CPUs. As agents take on more work across more systems, enterprises need an enforceable boundary outside of the model and agent harness. Now broadly available, OpenShell provides a secure runtime boundary for controlling how autonomous AI agents execute tasks across open and closed models.

OpenShell delivers this protection with minimal overhead on NVIDIA Vera, the first purpose-built CPU for agentic AI. Together, OpenShell and Vera enable agents to operate securely while completing their work as quickly as possible. As open source software, OpenShell can also be extended to work with third-party compute platforms, including those from Arm and Intel.

The NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform reference system design features NVIDIA Sentry, an out-of-band watchdog that runs on NVIDIA BlueField^®-4 DPUs to continuously monitor agent behavior. Sentry provides in-silicon security enforcement, meaning that if an AI agent attempts to move outside its software boundary, Sentry quarantines and stops it in milliseconds.

Running on BlueField-4 DPUs, Sentry continuously monitors agent activity and enforces security policies independently in silicon. It combines threat detection, hardware-based agent governance and enforcement and data access protection from an isolated, out-of-band trust domain that is responsive in real time and invisible to agents and attackers.

Sentry is built on NVIDIA DOCA™ software, which provides the programmable capabilities Sentry uses to inspect agent requests and responses, provide attested telemetry, verify agent identity and enforce granular, zero-trust access policies for data, tools, application programming interfaces and services.

Industry Leaders Strengthen Agent Security With NVIDIA
Anthropic and NVIDIA have collaborated to bring additional layers of security and control to the agent stack. Claude Managed Agents establish a security boundary by running the agent loop in a separate server from the sandboxes where their work executes. Integrations with OpenShell and BlueField enable enterprises to enforce strict control over agent access through those sandboxes.

“Companies are giving AI agents more of their most important work, and they need to direct and verify what those agents do, especially in sensitive environments,” said Paul Smith, chief commercial officer of Anthropic. “Claude Managed Agents gives companies a clear view of what each agent is doing, and NVIDIA’s platform adds another layer of governance and control across hardware and software.”

SpaceXAI is using NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform for Cursor coding agents and Grok models.

“As customers rely more on agents to get real work done, safety should be enforced outside the model by additional controls the agent can’t get past,” said Mike Nicolls, president at SpaceXAI. “Customers should be able to set those limits for Cursor and Grok and trust they will hold.”

Scale AI is working with NVIDIA to incorporate NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform technologies into the agentic infrastructure layer of Scale GenAI Portfolio.

“Scale AI is using the NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform reference design to build reliable agentic AI systems for our enterprise and government customers running mission-critical applications, with isolation, policy enforcement and auditability built in from the start,” said Francis deSouza, CEO of Scale AI. “We support agentic security with clear boundaries that define what agents can do, and controls that keep them operating within those permissions.”

Salesforce and NVIDIA have integrated OpenShell with Slack, enabling teams to manage OpenShell agent activity directly from Slack — viewing agent activity and audit events, and approving or rejecting agent requests for additional permissions — giving teams greater visibility and human oversight as agents work.

SAP is embedding OpenShell with Joule Studio runtime, part of the SAP Business AI Platform, to pair business oversight with runtime security. The company is also contributing engineering work to OpenShell and working with NVIDIA to advance interoperability standards through the Open Secure AI Alliance.

Accenture, Armadin, Cadence, Cognition, CrowdStrike, Cisco, Dassault Systèmes, Deloitte, EY, Hugging Face, IBM, Irregular, Perplexity, Microsoft, SAP, Scale AI, ServiceNow, Siemens, Synopsys, OpenClaw, Palantir and Palo Alto Networks are also among the over 100 organizations working with NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform technologies.

Robotics leaders — such as Figure, Gecko Robotics and Skild AI — are also building with OpenShell to embed agent safety controls into autonomous systems that take action in the physical world.

Citi and JPMorganChase are among the financial services leaders collaborating with NVIDIA on shared open source agent safety technologies.

Energy leaders Hitachi Energy, EPRI, NextEra Energy, Quanta Services, SPP, Schneider Electric, Siemens Energy and Worley are among critical U.S. infrastructure providers working with NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform technologies.

Infrastructure software leaders Canonical, SUSE and Red Hat are also integrating NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform into widely used software operating systems. Red Hat runs OpenShell and DOCA, both part of NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform, on Red Hat AI Factory with NVIDIA, a co-engineered, enterprise-grade AI solution for building, deploying and managing AI at scale across hybrid cloud environments.

NVIDIA partners including Baseten, Cisco, CoreWeave, Dell Technologies, GMI Cloud, HPE, HP Inc., Irregular, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nebius, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Supermicro and Together AI are among those offering AI infrastructure solutions that use and support NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform technologies to help customers run AI agents more securely.

Availability
NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform software, including OpenShell and skills, are available through the NVIDIA developer resources page and GitHub.

Ecosystem contributions such as NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform support the mission of the Open Secure AI Alliance as well as the broader AI safety and security community. Initiated by NVIDIA alongside over 120 leading organizations and governed by the Linux Foundation, the Open Secure AI Alliance strengthens AI agent security through open research, skills and tools, as well as projects like the Shared AI Findings Exchange, or SAFE.

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• Judges for the 20th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards announced
• 2027 exhibition opens at Somerset House, London from 15 April – 3 May 2027
• 2026 travelling exhibition is open in Milan until 4 October, in Johannesburg until 22 January 2027, and opens in Berlin on 8 October

SOUTH AFRICA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026- The Sony World Photography Awards announce today the jury and London exhibition dates for the landmark 20th edition.

In their two-decade-long history, the Sony World Photography Awards have become the definitive reference point for contemporary visual storytelling, honouring the remarkable creativity and dedication of photographers working today. A celebration of the stories and images shaping our culture, the Awards show the diverse possibilities of the medium.

Organised by Creo, the Awards form the core part of its photography programming strand, the World Photography Organisation. Sony supports the Awards to give an international platform to artists working in photography, and to push forward the global discourse on the medium today.

2027 JUDGES

Following the success of the 2026 edition, which received over 430,000 images, and now entering their second decade, the Awards are open for entries and free to all photographers.  For the landmark 20th edition, the Awards welcomes back Monica Allende as Chair of the Jury for the Series competition and curator of the London exhibition at Somerset House.

Allende is accompanied by a panel of specialists in the visual arts from across the globe, all contributing their unique expertise, insights and perspectives. The 2027 jury comprises:

Series Competition:

• Monica Allende, Independent Curator and Photography Consultant, Chair of the Jury, UK
• Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo, Photographer & Editor at Raya Editorial, Colombia
• Peipei Han, Director of Exhibitions, Fotografiska Shanghai, China
• Candice Jansen, Manager, New Archival Visions Programme, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Amanda Renshaw, Independent Curator, Writer and Publishing Consultant, UK
• Pauline Vermare, Phillip and Edith Leonian Curator of Photography, Brooklyn Museum, USA

Single Image & Youth competitions: Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen, Managing Director, Copenhagen Photo Festival, Denmark

Student competition: Menno Liauw, Founder and Director of the FUTURES Foundation, Netherlands

NEW IN 2027

The 2027 edition broadens the Awards’ range through new categories across the competitions, presenting expanded opportunities for fresh perspectives on visual storytelling. The Series (previously Professional) and Single Image (previously Open) competitions are re-named, further defining and clarifying their scope. Photographers are welcome to enter different projects to both competitions, enabling those with diverse portfolios to enter work from across their practice, be it a series or a striking single photograph.

New Series competition Category

Histories: This category invites photographers to explore how histories – personal, cultural, and collective – shape our world today, from traditions and everyday rituals to the events and forces that have left their mark on nations and peoples. This category is for projects that engage, explore, or re-examine the past, as well as work that looks at the contemporary through a historical lens. We welcome archival and found image interventions that revisit, re-contextualise, or breathe new life into the past.

New Single Image competition Category

Animal Portraits: This category celebrates the beauty, personality, and spirit of animals through portraiture. Judges are looking for images that capture the subject’s expression and character, from beloved pets to majestic wildlife and marine life, to reptiles and insects; portraits that honour and showcase the remarkable diversity of the animal kingdom.

2027 LONDON EXHIBITION AND 2026 TRAVELLING EXHIBITION DATES

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 exhibition begins its international journey at Somerset House, London, from 15 April to 3 May 2027. A fixture of the cultural calendar in London, the acclaimed exhibition, curated by Monica Allende, features a selection of winning and shortlisted images from the 2027 Awards, as well as special presentations by the Photographer of the Year 2026 Citlali Fabián and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2027, to be announced in November.

The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 is currently on view in Johannesburg, South Africa (until 22 January 2027), at the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography, marking the Awards’ debut presentation in South Africa. The exhibition then continues to travel to other destinations:

• Milan, Italy, 10 June – 4 October 2026
• Berlin, Germany,  8 October 2026 – 7 February 2027
• Matera, Italy, 14 November – 10 December 2026
• Bisceglie, Italy, 12 – 30 December 2026

To find out more about our exhibitions, please visit worldphoto.org

2027 DEADLINES AND PRIZES

The Sony World Photography Awards opened to submissions on 1 June 2026. Full competition and category descriptions can be found at worldphoto.org

Deadlines for submission to the four competitions are as follows:

Series: 12 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Single Image: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Student: 27 November 2026 16:00 GMT

Youth: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

All category winners of the Series, Single Image, Youth and Student competitions receive Digital Imaging equipment from Sony. The prestigious Photographer of the Year receives a cash prize of $25,000 (USD) as well as a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year. The Single Image Competition Winner and the winner of the Sustainability Prize each receive $5,000 (USD). All winning and shortlisted photographers’ projects are exhibited at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London, and will then tour internationally. The winning images are also published in the annual Awards’ book, sold at the exhibition and available online. Series competition category winners and finalists are invited to Insights, a day of tailored sessions with leading industry figures in London. Coming from commercial, curatorial, and institutional backgrounds, these experts offer the photographers specialised guidance on expanding their network and practice.

For more information about the Sony World Photography Awards and upcoming announcements and events, please visit worldphoto.org

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Designed for Gemini Intelligence, new Acer Googlebook 14 ushers in new era of seamless workflows across devices

Editor’s Summary

• The Acer Googlebook 14 – the industry’s first convertible Googlebook – is designed for Gemini Intelligence, optimized productivity, content creation, and everyday computing, all while syncing with Android phones for seamless workflows.
• Premium features set the stage for a top-notch Googlebook experience in a slim 1.14 kg convertible design; expressive Glowbar, vibrant 14-inch 3K OLED touch display, durable and stylish aluminum-magnesium chassis, and Acer Comfort Touch Chassis^[1] indicate unparallelled attention to design.
• Powerful technologies — including AI-ready Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, fast memory and storage, and next-gen wireless — make the most of the system’s advanced capabilities, such as Magic Pointer, Cast my Apps, Quick Access, and more.

TAIPEI (SEPT 21, 2026) Acer today debuted the Acer Googlebook 14, designed for Gemini Intelligence and the first from the company in a brand-new category of flagship laptops bringing together premium materials, powerful performance, intelligence features, and seamless syncing with Android phones.

Designed for the new Googlebook OS, the device works seamlessly with Android-based workflows and supports touch, keyboard, stylus, voice, and traditional laptop interaction methods within a unified user experience and help from Gemini at every step. The Acer Googlebook 14 is the industry’s first convertible Googlebook and provides users with groundbreaking new features designed to boost productivity and creativity by enabling context-aware actions for personalized, proactive help and a more intuitive, streamlined workflow.

“The new Acer Googlebook 14 puts intuitive and powerful tools with Gemini Intelligence at the fingertips of anyone wanting to boost their creativity and productivity,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “As a long-standing leader in Chromebooks since their inception 15 years ago, Acer is thrilled to continue our alliance with Google to launch this brand-new category of premium, AI-ready laptops.”

“Acer and Google have built an enduring partnership over the last 15 years, driven by a shared commitment to customer-focused innovation. As we move from a traditional operating system to an intelligence system, Acer is a critical partner in bringing this new category of intelligent computing to life,” said John Maletis, Vice President, Laptops and Tablets, Google. “The Acer Googlebook 14 pairs premium craftsmanship with Gemini Intelligence from the ground up, and we look forward to continuing our journey together to deliver next-generation computing to our shared customers.”

“Delivering intelligent experiences requires deep optimization across hardware, software, and the platform,” said Josh Newman, Intel General Manager and Vice President of Consumer PC, Client Computing Group. “Through close collaboration with Acer and Google, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors bring the performance, efficiency, and connectivity needed to unlock the full potential of Gemini Intelligence on the Acer Googlebook 14.”

Crafted for performance with Gemini Intelligence at its Core

The Acer Googlebook 14 is crafted with premium materials to handle the most advanced workflows. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 355 with built-in AI engines, including an NPU with up to 50 TOPS, the laptop delivers smoother multitasking, faster creation, responsive performance, and incredible power efficiency while providing users with the best of Gemini. High speed LPDDR5X RAM (up to 32 GB) and PCI Gen4 NVMe solid state storage (up to 512 GB) reduce application launch times, support large multitasking workloads, and minimize bottlenecks. The fast-charging battery provides up to 16 hours of battery life for all-day productivity on the go.^[2]

The Acer Googlebook 14 is designed to deliver Gemini Intelligence features, giving laptop users a whole new way to effortlessly manage their workflow and maintain momentum. For example, “Continue On” enables tasks started on an Android phone to continue seamlessly on the Acer Googlebook 14, while Cast My Apps makes Android phone apps easily accessible on the Acer Googlebook 14 without any installs needed.^[3] Additional features help Googlebook users get more done with less friction; proactive suggestions provide intuitive and personal help to users with context-aware actions and suggestions based on what is on the screen.^[4]

Gorgeous OLED Visuals in a Premium 1.14 kg Convertible Design

Every aspect of the new Acer Googlebook 14 was designed to take advantage of the unique features powered by Gemini Intelligence. For example, the new laptop’s immersive 14-inch 3K OLED display is the ideal palette for visualizing designs after activating Magic Pointer with a simple cursor wiggle.^[5] The 16:10 display, which is touch-enabled for intuitive navigation by fingertip or USI 2.0 stylus,^[6] features a Corning Gorilla Glass finish that provides resistance to scratches and damage. Powerful DTS^®-tuned audio and dual upward-facing Acer Ultra Boost Stereo speakers compliment the display’s vibrant 500-nit brightness and impressive color accuracy.

Engineered from an ultra-durable aluminum-magnesium blend, this laptop prioritizes long-term durability, performance, and flexibility in a gorgeous Elemental Blue chassis. The expressive Glowbar on the top cover is a unique visual signature that gently varies colors and patterns to show the Googlebook’s battery life and charging status. Working on the laptop is more enjoyable with the Acer Comfort Touch treatment on the chassis’ palm rest and bottom cover, which provides a unique, silky finish that enhances grip and ergonomics. Even the typing experience is premium; the touchpad is both moisture resistant and covered with Corning Gorilla Glass for smooth navigation, while the keyboard is backlit for greater visibility in a range of lighting conditions.

The Googlebook’s convertible design features 360-degree hinges to enable four usage modes: clamshell for productivity, tent for streaming, stand for presenting, and tablet for scrolling and notetaking. Plus, its ultra-compact form factor makes it the ultimate companion for uncompromised mobility. A slender 13.9 mm (0.55 in) thin with a mere 1.14 kg (2.51 lbs) weight, the Acer Googlebook 14 easily fits in a backpack, bookbag, or handbags.

The Acer Googlebook 14 can act as one of the cornerstones of a connected life both with Gemini Intelligence capabilities as well as its hardware connectivity; it utilizes Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 for fast and reliable wireless connections. The latest peripherals can easily connect via its Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port or the dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, which are placed on each side for flexibility.^[7] The 5 MP camera with noise reduction keeps appearances crisp and polished, and pairs with the triple microphone array to result in an excellent conferencing experience. Plus, the webcam’s physical privacy shutter promotes privacy. Additionally, the biometric fingerprint reader on the power button boosts security and provides quicker logins, while the Google Titan-C Security Chip provides an extra security layer to protect system integrity.

EPEAT^® Climate+ Designation and Energy Star^® 9.0 Certified

Crafted with 49% circular materials and 99% plastic-free packaging, the new Acer Googlebook 14 combines durability with a design to support Acer’s broader sustainability commitments and circular economy initiatives. Organizations and users that demand environmental responsibility along with first-rate performance will appreciate the Acer Googlebook 14’s EPEAT^® Climate+ designation. In addition, the device is Energy Star^® 9.0 certified and EPEAT^® registered. It also features laser-etched labels that provide permanent and durable information, can withstand a broad range of environments, reduce visual labeling clutter and adhesive waste, and support easier recycling.^[8]

Twelve Months of Google AI Pro Included with Acer Googlebook 14

The Acer Googlebook 14 comes with 12 months of Google AI Pro. This gives Googlebook users expanded access to powerful features in Gemini, Flow, and Gemini Notebook, as well as Gemini directly in Google apps. Plus, it comes with 5 TB of cloud storage to keep photos and files backed up.^[9]

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Googlebook 14 (GP714-91N) will be available in North America in October 2026, starting at USD 899; in EMEA in October 2026, starting at EUR 1,199; and in Australia in November 2026, starting at AUD 2,599; (all limited time offers).

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Specifications

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Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, announced at IFA 2026 that it will continue its partnership with UEFA as an Official Partner of UEFA EURO 2028, marking the fourth consecutive UEFA European Championship supported by Hisense.

Hisense’s football journey began with UEFA EURO 2016 and has grown ever since, extending across successive UEFA EUROs and the FIFA World Cups in 2018, 2022 and 2026. For Hisense, the final whistle is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of the next chapter.

“Great partnerships are built over time, and our journey with UEFA reflects that belief,” said Catherine Fang, VP of Hisense Group and President of Hisense Global Commercial Center. “As the first Chinese sponsor of the UEFA EURO, over the past decade we have grown beyond pure brand sponsorship to become UEFA’s dedicated display technology partner, progressing hand-in-hand. Through cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences, we bring audiences closer to the thrill of football. Looking ahead, we are eager to write the next chapter together with UEFA, creating more meaningful moments for fans everywhere.”

UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Hisense for UEFA EURO 2028. Their sustained commitment to European football across four consecutive EURO tournaments demonstrates the strength of our relationship and a shared ambition to create meaningful experiences for fans. We look forward to working together to make the next EURO memorable.”

At IFA 2026, visitors can explore a dedicated UEFA EURO 2028 activation zone at the Hisense booth, featuring a football challenge with goals tracked and photos automatically generated for sharing. Together with Hisense’s latest innovations, the activation reflects the brand’s vision of “Innovating a Brighter Life” – using technology to make moments that bring people together more engaging and memorable.

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iPhone Duo features a breakthrough foldable design that’s beautiful, versatile, and durable, opening up possibilities that feel entirely new yet remarkably familiar

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced iPhone Duo, the first foldable iPhone. Opened, it is the thinnest iPhone ever, with a 7.6-inch inner display that provides a large canvas for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking, and a special nano-texture finish that minimizes glare for an unparalleled viewing experience. Closed, the 5.4-inch outer display delivers 90 percent of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro in a compact, pocketable design.¹ Both displays share the same aspect ratio, so content scales proportionally, ensuring visual continuity. iPhone Duo is built to last with an innovative hardware design and a precision hinge that offers a smooth, satisfying feel with every use. Powered by the new A20 Pro, iPhone Duo features an advanced thermal management system with a custom-designed vapor chamber and a dual-battery architecture, delivering pro performance and impressive all-day battery life. The advanced camera system takes stunning photos and videos, with the folding design unlocking fun new ways to use the camera that aren’t possible on any other iPhone. iOS 27 is reimagined, remaining familiar and intuitive while adapting to the versatile ways users can interact with iPhone Duo. And with Apple Intelligence² and Siri AI,³ iPhone Duo brings powerful AI capabilities together with a user’s personal context.

iPhone Duo is available in two refined colors: star white and night sky. Pre-orders begin Friday, October 16, with availability beginning Friday, October 23.

“iPhone Duo is the most transformational change to iPhone since the original. With an entirely new design and intuitive experiences, it shows what’s possible when hardware and software are engineered together and redefines what it means to use a foldable phone,” said John Ternus, Apple’s CEO. “With the largest display ever on iPhone that still fits easily in your pocket, combined with the power of A20 Pro, iPhone Duo helps you stay more immersed and productive wherever you go, whether you’re enjoying content, multitasking across apps, or gaming.”

Two Displays, One Breakthrough Design

iPhone Duo delivers Apple’s largest iPhone display in an entirely new design. Closed, iPhone Duo is comfortable to use one-handed and fits easily in a pocket, with a 5.4-inch outer Super Retina XDR display that provides 90 percent of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro. Opened, the 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display is 50 percent larger than iPhone 18 Pro Max, offering an immersive canvas for everything users do. A premium nano-texture finish reduces glare and reflections, creating a matte surface that minimizes crease visibility and feels great to touch. Beneath the inner display, a new FaceTime camera stays hidden when not in use to keep the screen uninterrupted. Both displays share the same aspect ratio, designed for how people use their iPhone, so the experience feels continuous whether iPhone Duo is open or closed. The displays also feature ProMotion, Always On, and 3000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. Later this year, iPhone Duo will support Apple Pencil with USB-C, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or mark up documents on either display.

With iPhone Duo, users can multitask with two apps side by side, enabling immersive productivity on the go.

Touch ID is integrated into the side button for easy, secure, and consistent authentication whether iPhone Duo is open or closed, and users can unlock iPhone Duo using their Apple Watch. The design also features Camera Control to quickly launch the camera, including the brand-new Siri Camera mode, which lets Siri see what the user sees to answer questions and take action.

The precision hinge on iPhone Duo is designed to feel effortlessly smooth — it supports the center of the display to hold it flat when opened, and together with an integrated magnet array, delivers a satisfying and secure closure.

Designed for Durability

iPhone Duo is built to last and feels exceptionally solid with every use. It’s crafted from grade 5 titanium for incredible strength, with an enclosure that has an elegant mirror-polished finish and a 3D-printed hinge cover with a contrasting micro-blasted finish. Ceramic Shield protects the back of iPhone Duo, and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front has 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation. iPhone Duo is also splash-, water-, and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating.⁴ The hinge is engineered from more than 100 components to precisely control opening and closing and support the center of the display, delivering a smooth, satisfying feel. Internally, support ribs reinforce the structure for added stiffness, while antenna splits with ceramic fiber inserts enhance the frame’s rigidity.

Ceramic Shield protects the back of iPhone Duo, and Ceramic Shield 2 on the outer display reduces glare and provides 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation.

The inner display is designed to withstand the wear of everyday use. A scratch-resistant coating and a nano-textured cover layer — made from a custom polymer with up to 40 percent higher stiffness than other materials used in the industry — protect the surface. High-strength glass sits above and below the folding display panel, with custom adhesives that allow the layers to glide past one another like the pages of a book, relieving bend stress, and a titanium plate at the bottom further enhances durability.

The inner display on iPhone Duo features a multilayer lamination design that keeps it flat and provides durability. Custom adhesives allow these layers to glide relative to one another during folding, like pages in a book, so the panel doesn’t distort over time.

An Advanced Camera System with New Experiences

iPhone Duo delivers an advanced camera system that brings all-new experiences made possible by its breakthrough design. With the new 48MP Fusion Main camera, users can shoot sharp photos at up to 48MP resolution with zero shutter lag, capture in the 24MP default for incredible image quality at a file size perfect for sharing, and get closer to the subject with an integrated optical-quality 2x Telephoto. The 48MP Fusion Main camera also benefits from a new computational image pipeline for sharp details, and excels in low light thanks to a large sensor, fast aperture, and sensor-shift optical image stabilization.

The 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera — the same as on iPhone 18 Pro models — captures wider fields of view and enables macro photography, while the Center Stage front camera can automatically take photos and videos in any orientation, so users don’t have to rotate iPhone for landscape selfies. Upgraded Photographic Styles with new texture and grain controls let users further dial in their desired appearance and have more creative control over their photos.⁵ Under the inner display, a new FaceTime camera helps users connect with friends and family whether iPhone Duo is held open or propped on a surface for hands-free calls.

A new FaceTime camera beneath the inner display connects users to friends and family, whether iPhone Duo is fully open or propped up hands-free. Dual Capture in FaceTime shares front and rear camera feeds simultaneously, and Duo FaceTime lets someone join the conversation using the outer display and camera.

The foldable design with dual displays unlocks camera experiences that are not possible on any other iPhone.

• With Smart Take, users no longer miss out on being in the photo because they are behind the shutter or racing to beat a timer. On-device AI models running on A20 Pro analyze the scene in real time and automatically capture photos when subjects are posing.

• Users can take a selfie with the higher-resolution rear cameras and preview their shot on the outer display.

• Duo Preview shows the live preview on the outer display, helping subjects pose, check their framing, and guide the shot.

• Kid Cue plays animations from Peanuts on the outer display to grab the attention of children so they look at the camera.

• Duo FaceTime lets people who are with the user join a video call on the outer display, so everyone can share the moment without crowding around one screen.

The folding design and dual displays of iPhone Duo give users fun new ways to use the camera that aren’t possible on any other iPhone.

iPhone Duo supports 4K120 fps recording in Dolby Vision on the 48MP Fusion Main camera, unlocking gorgeous slow-motion effects by adjusting the playback speed. Users can now apply Cinematic effects after capture at up to 60 fps, and Audio Mix introduces new algorithms that deliver higher-quality voices and can now isolate music. Time-lapse supports 4K in Dolby Vision HDR, and users can prop iPhone Duo up without needing a tripod to easily capture longer-duration videos.

Users can capture 4K120 fps on the 48MP Fusion Main camera and adjust the playback speed after capture for slow motion.

A Reimagined Yet Familiar iOS Experience

iOS 27 is tailored for iPhone Duo, delivering a familiar and intuitive experience that introduces new ways to interact with iPhone. Lock Screen controls, the Dock on the Home Screen, and app navigation and controls now appear on the side to maximize vertical space for content. When iPhone Duo is open, the display shows two Home Screen pages with Today View — a vertically scrolling list of customizable widgets — on the left. The status bar includes a circular, flexible system that nestles into the corner of the screen, showing relevant information like Wi-Fi, cellular strength, battery, and more. The Dynamic Island is also redesigned to fit vertically on the side of the outer and inner displays, and expands to show Live Activities and alerts. iOS seamlessly adapts to the new ways to use iPhone Duo — content reacts as it folds, reorients when turned to the side, and switches to the appropriate display when flipped over.

With iOS 27 on iPhone Duo, essential controls move to the side, freeing up vertical space for content.

Apple apps are optimized for iPhone Duo, and developers can easily adapt their apps using the new and updated APIs in the latest SDKs, and upcoming support for iPhone Duo in Device Hub in Xcode. Third-party apps, including Netflix, Zoom, and Slack, are already taking advantage of the folding design to deliver immersive experiences that make the most of the larger display and new ways to use iPhone Duo.

The expansive display supercharges productivity, letting users do more at once with new multitasking capabilities. Split View allows users to open two apps side by side on iPhone for the first time. Users can also quickly swap between apps; open two windows of the same app, like Safari; easily have a conversation with Siri AI while looking at content on the other side of the screen; and save pairs of apps to come back to later.

iPhone Duo users can move an app over to one side of the inner display and launch a second app on the other for powerful Split View multitasking. Users can also launch a second window of the same app, like Safari, for comparison shopping, and swapping apps is easy.

StandBy gets a major upgrade on iPhone Duo. Set iPhone Duo down and it enters StandBy on either the outer or inner display — even when it’s not charging — turning the device into a photo frame, hub for widgets, clock, and more. New Calendar and Weather faces join existing Clock and Modular faces, while the Photos face is updated to display Shared Albums. Every face now offers deeper customization, with new colors, fonts, and complications to choose from.

Prop iPhone Duo up and it will enter StandBy, even when it’s not charging.

The Next Generation of Apple Intelligence and an All‑New Siri

iPhone Duo gives users access to Siri AI, an entirely new version of Siri that is rolling out in beta with iOS 27. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri is profoundly more personal, capable, and conversational, and becomes even more useful on the large inner display. Powerful AI capabilities paired with personal context make iPhone Duo an intelligent personal hub with privacy and security at its core.

Siri AI can draw on personal context understanding to help users find what they need in the moment across messages, emails, photos, and more; use onscreen awareness to take action related to the content on a user’s screen; and answer questions about virtually any topic. Users can write with Siri by simply describing what they need. The all-new Siri app also makes it easy to revisit past conversations or kick off new ones, with conversational history synced privately across products with iCloud.

Additionally, Apple Intelligence makes apps smarter and more useful. Users can improve the composition of a photo after it’s been taken with Spatial Reframing, Extend, and upgraded Clean Up. Image Playground also now offers photorealistic imagery, and with upcoming support for the SynthID standard, users can identify images generated or edited with AI.⁶ In Safari, Notify Me helps users monitor web pages for changes, like product restocks or price drops, to stay on top of updates. To protect users’ privacy, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, which extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud.

Pro Performance with A20 Pro and Advanced Thermal Management

Powered by A20 Pro — the same chip in iPhone 18 Pro models — and paired with an advanced thermal management system, iPhone Duo delivers up to 35 percent better sustained performance than iPhone 17 Pro. A new chip package inspired by M-series Apple silicon connects A20 Pro directly to a custom vapor chamber, dissipating heat and powering multitasking, gaming, and complex AI workloads. A new display engine drives the inner and outer displays simultaneously and enables a fluid experience as users transition between them. The 6-core CPU is up to 20 percent faster than A19 Pro, delivering the fastest CPU in a smartphone; the 7-core GPU is up to 40 percent faster and more power efficient; and the new Dual 16-core Neural Engine offers 2x the compute power to run on-device AI models. A20 Pro also delivers 50 percent more unified memory bandwidth and is built on the latest 2-nanometer process technology.

With a new chip package, A20 Pro on iPhone Duo can reach peak performance for on-device AI immediately, and the vapor chamber sustains it for high-frame-rate gaming and multitasking on the large display.

Impressive All-Day Battery Life

iPhone Duo is designed with one high-energy battery on each side to maximize capacity while efficiently using internal space. A combination of Apple silicon and energy rebalancing algorithms allows the batteries to operate seamlessly as one, so users get up to 31 hours of video playback when using the inner display, up to 44 hours of video playback when using the outer display, and up to 24 hours of usage per charge when both displays are used equally.⁷ Users can also enjoy fast charging — iPhone Duo can charge up to 50 percent in around 20 minutes or wirelessly charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with a MagSafe or Qi2 charger.⁸

Powerful Wireless Capabilities

iPhone Duo features an eSIM-only design worldwide that saves internal space to maximize battery capacity.⁹ eSIM offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards, and as an industry standard, it is supported by over 500 carriers around the world, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. iOS 27 also introduces iPhone Handoff, which allows users with supported carriers to easily switch back and forth between two iPhone models with the same phone number.¹⁰

N1, an Apple-designed wireless networking chip, enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while C2, Apple’s next-generation cellular modem system, brings AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability, and now supports mmWave in the U.S.

Beautiful New Accessories

To complement iPhone Duo, Apple is introducing beautiful new accessories. The iPhone Duo Folio — available in navy blue and taupe — features an integrated kickstand that supports a wide range of angles for reading, viewing content, or FaceTime, and folds away neatly when not in use. The iPhone Duo Case — available in sand and navy blue — is thin and light, with a protective two-part design that wraps around both sides of the device. Both cases are compatible with MagSafe, Qi2 25W, and Qi-certified chargers. With built-in magnets that align perfectly with iPhone Duo, they offer a magical attach experience and fast wireless charging.

iPhone Duo and the Environment

iPhone Duo was built with the environment in mind and drives progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. It is made with 35 percent recycled content overall,¹¹ including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 100 percent recycled titanium in the 3D-printed hinge cover. iPhone Duo is manufactured with 60 percent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. Like all Apple products, its paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based¹² and can be easily recycled at home.

Pricing and Availability

• iPhone Duo is available in star white and night sky, and starts at $1,999 (U.S.), or $83.29 (U.S.) per month for 24 months, in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities.¹³

• Apple Upgrade, a leasing program provided by Klarna and available in the U.S., gives eligible customers monthly payment options for iPhone Duo, with 12- and 24-month leasing terms starting as low as $57.99 (U.S.) per month for 24 months. For more information, visit apple.com/shop/apple-upgrade.¹⁴

• Customers in more than 70 countries and regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the U.S., and Vietnam, will be able to pre-order iPhone Duo beginning at 5 a.m. PT on Friday, October 16, with availability beginning Friday, October 23. iPhone Duo will be available in 28 other countries and regions beginning Friday, October 30.

• The iPhone Duo Case will be available for $79 (U.S.) in navy blue and sand, and the iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand will be available for $129 (U.S.) in navy blue and taupe. iPhone Duo Case and iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand will be available to order beginning Friday, October 16.

• iPhone Duo will be available with iOS 27.1. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

• Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence.

• Siri AI is rolling out with iOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

• When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features help iPhone Duo users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.

• AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new iPhone, or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. In the U.S., customers can also choose AppleCare One Family, which extends that same coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group for one fixed monthly price. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

• iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month, providing additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and accessible across devices. iCloud+ also gives access to premium features such as event creation in the Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and HomeKit Secure Video. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost. For more information and feature availability, visit apple.com/icloud and apple.com/ios/feature-availability.

• New and qualified returning subscribers who purchase iPhone Duo can unlock three months of Apple One for free. Apple One bundles up to six Apple services — including Apple TV, Apple Music, up to 2TB of iCloud+ storage, and more — into one convenient plan across multiple Apple devices. This offer is available in select countries and regions with an eligible new iPhone, iPad, or Mac beginning September 17. Service availability varies by region. Learn more about Apple One at apple.com/apple-one.

The post Apple unveils iPhone Duo appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The new Pro lineup introduces variable aperture with the most advanced camera in an iPhone, incredible battery life, next‑level performance, and Siri AI, all powered by A20 Pro

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, delivering the most advanced pro camera system in an iPhone, and huge leaps in battery life and performance. The new 48MP Fusion Main camera, now with variable aperture, brings creative control that wasn’t possible before, and new Pro controls let users customize their experience in the Camera app. Both models feature a smaller and even more useful Dynamic Island, as well as A20 Pro and a next-generation vapor chamber that together deliver the highest sustained performance in iPhone history. iPhone 18 Pro Max also delivers the largest increase in battery life ever on iPhone, thanks to advancements in Apple silicon and a larger battery.¹ Featuring iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence² and Siri AI,³ iPhone 18 Pro models bring powerful AI capabilities together with personal context to become an intelligent personal hub with privacy and security at its core.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in four elegant finishes: black, silver, glacier, and an all-new burgundy. Pre-orders begin Saturday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.

“With iPhone 18 Pro, we’ve made advancements to the areas our users care about most: camera, performance, battery, and intelligence. And we didn’t just make incremental improvements in these areas — we took huge leaps forward to create the best Pro iPhone we’ve ever made,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPhone 18 Pro makes it easy for anyone to capture stunning photos and videos using variable aperture, while providing more versatility for creators and more control for pros. Paired with impactful upgrades to Photographic Styles and powerful video capabilities, iPhone 18 Pro unlocks entirely new ways for users to express themselves.”

An Advanced Camera System That Unlocks More Creativity Across Photo and Video

The new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture is the most advanced camera Apple has ever made, bringing aperture control to iPhone for the first time along with even more creative control. Six laser-cut blades smoothly transition between different apertures, making it incredibly easy to capture the best shot by automatically adjusting for depth of field and lighting. Combined with a new sensor that improves image quality, the result is better low-light photography, crisper detail in the back of group photos, and more unique shots. Variable aperture also provides more control for creative pros by giving them the ability to manually adjust any of the four aperture settings in the Camera app, and an API is available to developers for even more control across the aperture range in their apps.

Replay video: The Most Advanced Camera Available on iPhone

The new 48MP Fusion Main camera uses six laser-cut blades controlled by a new rotor mechanism to smoothly transition between different apertures.

With a new computational imaging pipeline, the Main camera produces sharper, more detailed shots, and upgraded Photographic Styles with new texture and grain controls let users further dial in their desired appearance and have more creative control over their photos.⁴ Industry-leading video capabilities also become more versatile, with the ability to apply Cinematic effects after capture to videos shot at up to 60 fps. In Time-lapse mode, users can now record videos in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR. Audio Mix also has new algorithms that deliver higher-quality voices and can now isolate music.

Pro controls is a new customizable experience in the Camera app for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max that makes it easier than ever for users to access their most used settings and introduces new options for manual control. Users can now adjust settings such as lens aperture, shutter speed, and white balance, or use a histogram to check exposure levels throughout a scene.

Pro controls offer broader creative range, with manual control over shutter speed, white balance, aperture, and the ability to use a histogram.

Introducing Apple Reference Image

Users can now prove the authenticity of a photo taken on iPhone 18 Pro models with Apple Reference Image, powered by the new sensor in the Main camera that can sign every pixel it sees. When a photo is taken in the new Reference mode, the camera captures signed sensor data that Private Cloud Compute develops into an unalterable reference image.⁵ Reference images can be viewed in the Photos app alongside the main image, like a digital negative, to visually compare the two assets and determine if any edits were made. APIs are available in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 27 for third-party apps to enable viewing of these reference images.

Image metadata and upcoming support for the SynthID standard can also help users identify images generated or edited with AI.⁶ Together with Apple Reference Image, this set of features represents a multifaceted approach to image authenticity — vital for photojournalists, photographers, and everyday viewers.

An Even More Useful Dynamic Island

Using advanced display technology, the Dynamic Island is redesigned to create room for additional information. The upgraded Dynamic Island can now show three Live Activities at once, while continuing to enable Face ID for securely unlocking iPhone 18 Pro models, authenticating purchases, signing in to apps, and more.

Replay video: Upgrades to Dynamic Island

The upgraded Dynamic Island can show even more information at a glance, with up to three Live Activities at once.

A20 Pro: A Powerhouse for Pro Performance and AI

Built using the latest 2-nanometer process technology, A20 Pro sets a new bar for mobile computing. Featuring 50 percent more memory bandwidth than A19 Pro, the new 6-core CPU features integrated Neural Accelerators and is faster than the competition, while the new 7-core GPU design is up to 40 percent faster than A19 Pro — a significant upgrade for graphics rendering. A20 Pro also features a new Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates on-device AI models and computational photography, and includes 32 total cores for double the AI processing power of A19 Pro. With huge upgrades across the entire chip, A20 Pro is a powerhouse for everything from more advanced on-device AI workloads to demanding games, and is designed to deliver exceptional performance for years to come.

Both models feature N1, an Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. iPhone 18 Pro introduces C2, Apple’s next-generation cellular modem system, which brings AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability. C2 delivers meaningfully faster uploads when compared to C1X while consuming 15 percent less energy, and now supports mmWave in the U.S.

A New Thermal Management System for Maximum Performance

A20 Pro introduces custom packaging inspired by M-series Apple silicon that places the silicon die side by side with the memory, removing the memory from the thermal path of the chip and allowing A20 Pro to attach directly to a next-generation vapor chamber. With new materials and three times more surface area than the previous generation on iPhone 17 Pro, the redesigned vapor chamber dramatically improves sustained performance and enables up to a 40 percent gain over the previous generation — the highest sustained performance yet.

The next-generation vapor chamber dissipates even more heat and enables a massive leap in sustained performance on iPhone 18 Pro.

Incredible Battery Life

Both iPhone 18 Pro models feature updated battery designs that support faster wired charging and leverage powerful silicon efficiencies to deliver incredible battery life.

Featuring iOS 27 with the Next Generation of Apple Intelligence and an All-New Siri

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max give users access to Siri AI, rolling out in beta with iOS 27. Siri AI is an entirely new version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence that is profoundly more personal, capable, and conversational. Both models bring powerful AI capabilities together with personal context to become an intelligent personal hub with privacy and security at its core.

Siri AI can draw on personal context understanding to help users find what they need in the moment across messages, emails, photos, and more; use onscreen awareness to take action related to the content on a user’s screen; and answer questions about virtually any topic. Siri mode in the Camera app allows users to get information and take action on what’s in front of them, and users can write with Siri by simply describing what they need. Additionally, Apple Intelligence makes apps smarter and more useful. Users can improve the composition of a photo after it’s been taken with Spatial Reframing, Extend, and upgraded Clean Up. And now Image Playground offers photorealistic imagery. In Safari, Notify Me helps users monitor web pages for changes, like product restocks or price drops, and stay on top of updates. To protect users’ privacy, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, which extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud.

Siri AI can draw on personal context understanding to help users find what they need in the moment across apps, and with Siri mode in the Camera app, they can get information on what’s in front of them.

iOS 27 delivers an expansive set of improvements that make iPhone more responsive, reliable, and easy to use, along with refinements to the software design and more ways to personalize the appearance of Liquid Glass. Additionally, powerful and simple tools, based on expert guidance, give parents more flexible ways to manage what their kids can see, who they can talk to, and when they have access. iOS 27 also introduces iPhone Handoff, which allows users with supported carriers to easily switch back and forth between two iPhone models with the same phone number.⁹

eSIM: A Flexible, Convenient, and Secure Connection

eSIM offers greater flexibility, better security, seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards, and more battery life on eSIM-only models.¹⁰ An industry standard, eSIM is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. eSIM-only models of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the U.S., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These models feature an even larger battery, taking advantage of the space formerly occupied by the physical SIM to provide two additional hours of video playback.

Beautiful New Accessories

iPhone 18 Pro models introduce a range of new Silicone Cases, TechWoven Cases, Crossbody Straps, and FineWoven Wallets — all designed to complement the four beautiful finishes. The Clear Case features an updated design and is now compatible with the Crossbody Strap and Wrist Strap. The new Wrist Strap introduces a convenient, hands-free way to carry iPhone, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3. Woven with 100 percent recycled polyester yarns and embedded with flexible magnets that keep it neatly fitted together, the Wrist Strap will be available in six colors: black, taupe, olive, crisp blue, magenta, and burgundy.

iPhone 18 Pro and the Environment

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were built with the environment in mind, and drive progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. Both models are made with 40 percent recycled content overall,¹¹ including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure. They are manufactured with 50 percent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. Like all Apple products, their paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based¹² and can be easily recycled at home.

Pricing and Availability

• iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 (U.S.) or $49.95 (U.S.) per month, and iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 (U.S.) or $54.12 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.¹³

• Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone models. With Apple Trade In, customers trading in iPhone 13 or later can get $175 to $885 (U.S.) in credit instantly.¹⁴ Apple also partners with select carriers to offer incredible deals, and customers can get up to $1,200 (U.S.) in credits when they trade in iPhone 14 or later — in any condition — to put toward iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. Customers can take advantage of carrier deals by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier deal eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for trade-in terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.

• Apple Upgrade, a leasing program provided by Klarna and available in the U.S., gives eligible customers monthly payment options for iPhone 18 Pro, with 12- and 24-month leasing terms starting as low as $34.99 (U.S.) per month for 24 months. For more information, visit apple.com/shop/apple-upgrade.¹⁵

• Customers in more than 65 countries and regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the U.S., and Vietnam, will be able to pre-order iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max beginning at 5 a.m. PT this Saturday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 18. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 20 other countries and regions beginning Friday, September 25.

• A TechWoven Case with MagSafe will be available for $59 (U.S.) in black, chambray blue, taupe, olive, mulberry, and burgundy. A Clear Case with MagSafe will be available for $49 (U.S.), and a Silicone Case with MagSafe will be available for $49 (U.S.) in black, navy blue, crisp blue, olive, burgundy, and magenta. A FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will be available for $59 (U.S.) in black, navy blue, wildflower blue, olive, magenta, and burgundy.

• A Wrist Strap will be available for $29 (U.S.). A Crossbody Strap will be available for $59 (U.S.) in black, navy blue, taupe, sand, olive, crisp blue, magenta, burgundy, and light gray.

• iOS 27 will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 14. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

• Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence.

• Siri AI is rolling out with iOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

• When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features help iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.

• AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new iPhone, or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. In the U.S., customers can also choose AppleCare One Family, which extends that same coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group for one fixed monthly price. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

• iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month, providing additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and accessible across devices. iCloud+ also gives access to premium features such as event creation in the Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and HomeKit Secure Video. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost. For more information and feature availability, visit apple.com/icloud and apple.com/ios/feature-availability.

• New and qualified returning subscribers who purchase iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max can unlock three months of Apple One for free. Apple One bundles up to six Apple services — including Apple TV, Apple Music, up to 2TB of iCloud+ storage, and more — into one convenient plan across multiple Apple devices. This offer is available in select countries and regions with an eligible new iPhone, iPad, or Mac beginning September 17. Service availability varies by region. Learn more about Apple One at apple.com/apple-one.

The post Apple debuts iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

With industry-leading ANC in an open-ear design, improved sound quality, hands-free access to Siri AI, and Live Translation, AirPods 5 deliver the best audio experience Apple has ever offered in this style of AirPods, at an incredible price

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced AirPods 5, delivering the industry’s best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in an open-ear design and even better sound quality, at an outstanding value.¹ AirPods 5 feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for even more immersive sound. Their breakthrough open-ear ANC removes up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a more natural Transparency mode. Combined with Siri AI and iPhone, AirPods enable users to draw on their personal context and get answers with broad world knowledge, entirely hands-free.² Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures, or use Live Translation to help connect across languages.

AirPods 5 offer the most affordable way to experience some of the most powerful AirPods features — along with greater durability with improved dust, sweat, and water resistance — at $129. For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add longer battery life and on-stem volume control for $149.³ Customers can pre-order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.

“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people. Paired with Siri AI, AirPods are a game changer for unlocking powerful hands-free capabilities.”

Best-in-Class Active Noise Cancellation

Customers love to use ANC to quiet the world around them so they can rest on a noisy flight, get lost in their favorite music, or stay focused on work. AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms. Along with the benefits of ANC, AirPods 5 feature an improved Transparency mode that more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds, helping users stay connected to their surroundings. Providing the best of both worlds, Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on the conditions of a user’s environment. And Conversation Awareness lowers the user’s media volume when they start speaking, helping them more easily talk to someone nearby.

Breakthrough Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 percent more noise compared to the previous generation, while Transparency mode lets in voices and sounds around the user.

Re-Engineered Sound Quality

Inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and re-engineered for AirPods 5, a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries. This makes Personalized Spatial Audio more immersive and dynamic, so the user feels like they’re surrounded by whatever they are listening to.⁴

A new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries.

Intelligent Features, Hands-Free

For users with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, AirPods 5 allow users to tap into helpful intelligent features hands-free and on the go. Siri AI, which is rolling out in beta in iOS 27, is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant, offering personal context understanding across messages, emails, photos, and more, as well as app actions and broad world knowledge. For example, users can ask Siri to play the song a friend recommended in a message or navigate to a dinner reservation based on the confirmation buried in an email. Siri AI sounds more natural than ever, with expressive voices that a user can customize so it’s just right for them.⁵ And Dictation now captures what users say with greater precision.

In addition to these new capabilities, Siri already works seamlessly with apps from Apple’s vast ecosystem of developers, so users can continue to take action in the apps they already use, like texting a friend in WhatsApp or playing a book on Audible. With Siri Interactions on AirPods, users can discreetly respond to Siri AI by simply nodding their head yes or shaking their head no.

Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, breaks down barriers by letting users communicate across languages. After setting up Live Translation in the Translate app and downloading their desired languages, AirPods users can access the feature by simultaneously pressing both stems, by saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or by using the Action button on iPhone — allowing them to hear a conversation in their preferred language. Enabled by ANC and computational audio, this capability is now available across the entire AirPods lineup.

Powered by Apple Intelligence, Live Translation on AirPods 5 breaks down barriers by letting users communicate across languages.

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case deliver great improvements to the AirPods experience. Force sensor with volume swipe arrives on AirPods 5, a first for the open-ear form factor, adding the ability to quickly adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem.

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case feature a force sensor with volume swipe to quickly adjust volume on the stem.

Battery life is also improved, with up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge — one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned battery. This extends up to 22 hours with the charging case when listening with ANC. The wireless charging case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C.

AirPods 5 and the Environment

The new AirPods 5 were built with the environment in mind and drive progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. They are made with 40 percent recycled material overall,⁶ including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. AirPods 5 are manufactured with 35 percent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. Like all Apple products, their paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based⁷ and can be easily recycled at home.

Pricing and Availability

• Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 today for $129 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.

• Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case today for $149 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.

• For full feature functionality, use AirPods 5 paired with an Apple device running the latest operating system software.

• Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence.

• Siri AI is rolling out with iOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

• Live Translation is available on compatible Apple devices with the latest operating system software when paired with compatible AirPods with the latest firmware when Apple Intelligence is turned on. This feature is not available in all languages or regions.

• AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new AirPods 5 or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. In the U.S., customers can also choose AppleCare One Family, which extends that same coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group for one fixed monthly price. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

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Featuring the new Health Sensing System, which provides the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable; powerful insights including readiness; and longer battery life

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced Apple Watch Ultra 4 — the ultimate sports and adventure watch — now including new, advanced health and fitness features, and longer battery life.

Engineered with the new Health Sensing System and S11 chip, Apple Watch Ultra 4 delivers the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,¹ higher-frequency heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, and a new readiness score to support athletes of all kinds. Apple Watch Ultra 4 also offers extended battery life to track outdoor workouts for up to 45 hours and the most accurate on-device GPS in a sports watch.² A redesigned Health app on iPhone arrives later this year, including a new Longevity tab with a Health Age feature showing how metrics are tracking relative to a user’s age. In addition to powering the Health Sensing System, the S11 chip — Apple’s most powerful wearable chip — enables new Audio Intelligence features arriving later this year, to help users remember key moments from their conversations and stay alert to important sounds, built with privacy, security, and accessibility innovations at the core.³ With watchOS 27, Apple Intelligence powers Siri AI on Apple Watch, bringing personal context understanding and broad world knowledge to the wrist.

These features add to the many ways Apple Watch Ultra already supports users with advanced workout tracking across activities, sleep tracking, powerful health features like heart health notifications and the ECG app,⁴ and game-changing safety capabilities like satellite communications.⁵ Apple Watch Ultra 4 is the most comprehensive wearable across health, fitness, and safety.⁶

Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes in sleek and durable natural and black titanium options. It is available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.

“The new Health Sensing System and S11 chip take Apple Watch Ultra 4 — our most rugged and capable Apple Watch — to the next level, delivering longer battery life, faster charging, and the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing. “With powerful health and fitness insights including readiness, new intelligent features, and its large, bright display, Apple Watch Ultra 4 is designed to support you wherever you go, from your workouts, to adventures, to everything you tackle in a day.”

The Most Accurate Heart Rate Sensing in a Wearable

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is re-architected to provide continuous high-fidelity health monitoring using the Health Sensing System, featuring new optical and electrical heart sensors. Using this system and the S11 chip, Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable. A scientifically rigorous study on a diverse population of over 1,000 participants compared the new heart rate sensing accuracy on Apple Watch against leading wearables, with Apple Watch showing the highest accuracy across devices.

With larger, power-efficient green LEDs on the optical heart sensor, Apple Watch Ultra 4 now measures heart rate every five seconds, all day long. This continuous passive measurement delivers deeper insight into a user’s fitness and physiological state while making Exercise and Move Activity rings even more accurate. Users can view their real-time heart rate at a glance throughout their day on a new heart rate watch face complication.

HRV, a key indicator of stress and recovery, is now measured up to 24 times more often and available to view in a new section of the Heart Rate app. Apple Watch provides two separate variants of HRV for better understanding of a user’s health status. Recovery HRV is best for identifying daily signals of stress and recovery, while overall HRV is best for insights into a user’s broader health, including cardiovascular health. Higher variability is generally associated with better overall recovery, while a lower variability value is an indicator of stress.

Overnight vitals now includes recovery HRV measurements analyzed against a user’s personal baseline, providing a more complete view of their health status.⁷ A new daytime vitals view lets users toggle between overnight and daytime metrics, and can potentially spot shifts in their metrics before they show up overnight.

Readiness: A Daily Read on the Body’s Capacity

Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduces readiness, a new feature that analyzes a user’s recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep score to offer insight into their capacity for the day ahead. Readiness provides a single 0-10 score each day with a clear, actionable recommendation: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. This helps a user decide how to take on their day, whether they’re headed into a workday or tackling their training plan.

Readiness updates throughout the day as new data comes in, to reflect, for example, an intense workout or a shift in daytime vitals. Readiness clearly highlights which factors are driving the score and allows users to tap into more details. The scoring algorithm was developed using data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, in collaboration with exercise scientists and physicians at Apple.

Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging

For everyday use, Apple Watch Ultra 4 now offers more than two days of battery life, up to 50 hours. In Low Power Mode, it offers up to 84 hours of battery life.⁸ Charging is now faster than ever: Just 15 minutes adds up to 18 hours of additional battery life.⁹

For outdoor workout tracking, the new Extended Workout mode delivers up to 25 hours of battery life for tracking workouts with full GPS and heart rate readings — a 25 percent increase from the previous model. For even longer workouts, the Max Extended Workout mode allows Apple Watch Ultra 4 to track outdoor runs, walks, and hikes for up to 45 hours, typically enough to finish a 100-mile race, while still taking GPS readings every second.¹⁰

The Most Accurate Step Tracking of Any Smartwatch

The pedometer model has been completely redesigned with new machine learning algorithms and the S11 chip to provide more accurate distance measurements during indoor walk or run workouts, and more accurate step counts all day. As a result, Apple Watch Ultra 4 now offers the most accurate step tracking of any smartwatch.¹¹ The S11 chip also enables the brand-new Steps complication, so users can track their steps in real time, right from their watch face.

A Redesigned Health App Offering a Holistic View of Long‑Term Health

The Health app on iPhone serves as a central and secure location for a user’s health and fitness information, uniquely positioning it to provide a better understanding of a user’s health. The Health app has been redesigned to dynamically respond to a user’s data using Apple Intelligence, with a new Insights tab that surfaces timely health information and a new Longevity tab that analyzes a user’s longitudinal health data for deeper insights. The Longevity tab includes Health Age, an Apple Watch feature that shows users how certain metrics are tracking relative to their actual age.¹²

The Health app also includes movement evaluations that measure flexibility, strength, balance, and more using vision-based AI models on iPhone and heart rate data from Apple Watch. Users will be able to schedule and purchase new labs that feature over 50 key biomarkers for $119 directly through the Health app at approximately 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations in the U.S. The redesigned Health app will arrive later this year, starting in U.S. English.

Audio Intelligence: A New Way to Stay More Present and Engaged Throughout the Day

Since Apple Watch is always on a user’s wrist, it is the perfect device to help users stay alert to important sounds and stay present and engaged in conversations throughout the day. With the built-in microphone, the power of the S11 chip, the latest Apple Intelligence models on iPhone, and Private Cloud Compute, Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers a brand-new class of Apple Intelligence features. Audio Intelligence helps users stay aware of the world around them, catch what they missed, and remember key moments — with user control, privacy, security, and accessibility at the center of its design.

Audio Intelligence features include:

• Sound Recognition, which comes to Apple Watch to alert users who are deaf or hard of hearing of important sounds, even when their iPhone isn’t with them. This feature listens for sounds like sirens, alarms, doorbells, or a baby crying, and uses on-device intelligence to notify users when they’re detected.

• Live Rewind, which can help users recall what was just said in conversation. A double press of the Digital Crown shows the previous 15 seconds of a conversation as a text snippet, so users can catch something they may have missed or are less familiar with. Users can ask Siri about the content of the text or save it to the Siri app to revisit later.

• Siri Recap, which can create high-level summaries of conversations that users can review later to jog their memory. When Siri Recap is turned on, after a conversation, Apple Intelligence automatically generates a title and key points in the new Siri app, allowing users to be more present and engaged in the moment.

• Shazam, which instantly detects the music playing around the user and automatically displays the song title and artist’s name on the Music Recognition widget in the Smart Stack, easily glanceable on the wrist.

Privacy by Design

Audio Intelligence features are private by design, combining hardware, software, and services to protect user privacy in a way that only Apple can. These features do not create or store audio recordings, and raw audio used for processing is completely inaccessible to the operating systems, apps, the user, or Apple. This is because the S11 chip on Apple Watch Ultra 4 includes Secure Exclave, a dedicated hardware-isolated compartment that processes audio in complete isolation from the rest of the system, then immediately deletes it.

Users are in control and can choose whether to opt in to each Audio Intelligence feature. They can decide exactly where and when Siri Recap takes notes, and can turn Siri Recap on or off at any time, right from Control Center.

By design, Audio Intelligence features do not identify and attribute speakers, to protect the privacy of both the user and those around them. Siri Recap produces a brief, high-level summary of conversations — not a transcript — and is designed to exclude sensitive information like financial information or government-assigned identifiers. Live Rewind plays an audible chime when it is being used, even if Apple Watch is on silent, and shows a full-display animation and microphone indicator so people nearby can hear and see that the feature has been activated.

Live Rewind text snippets and Siri Recap summaries are end-to-end encrypted in the Siri app with iCloud syncing, and are not accessible even by Apple. Read more about how Audio Intelligence protects privacy. Siri Recap and Live Rewind arrive in beta later this year.

Siri AI Brings Personal Context Understanding and Broad World Knowledge

With watchOS 27, Apple Watch Ultra 4 supports Siri AI, an entirely new version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The new Siri app lets users continue conversations on the go and tap into Apple Intelligence capabilities — like personal context understanding and broad world knowledge — making Apple Watch an even more intelligent companion on the wrist. A new Siri Modular watch face makes it even easier to access Siri throughout the day.¹³

Featuring watchOS 27

watchOS 27 brings a range of additional updates to Apple Watch Ultra 4, including:

• A dynamic app grid featuring the icons for five Siri-suggested apps, which are a user’s most-used and recently used Apple Watch apps.

• A new single-handed tap gesture, which lets users conveniently open a widget in the Smart Stack by tapping their index finger and thumb. Now users can use the double tap gesture to scroll through the Smart Stack and single tap to select an individual widget — all using only one hand.¹⁴

• Smart Stack widget suggestions, which surface when they are most relevant, like a Parked Car suggestion from Maps or a Birthday Message suggestion on a close contact’s birthday.

• Support for perimenopause and menopause in Cycle Tracking on Apple Watch and in the Health app on iPhone.¹⁵

• Support for Workout Buddy on Apple Watch when users don’t have their iPhone nearby. Workout Buddy also now incorporates even more fitness data when delivering motivational insights, and is now available in Spanish in addition to English.¹⁶

Lineup and Bands

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is available in natural and black titanium.

This fall’s band lineup features new colors across the range. Trail Loop now comes in dark umber, sand, and burgundy, while Alpine Loop comes in desert, dark olive, and burgundy.

Ocean Bands are now made from a unique translucent silicone, which comes in three new colors: translucent gray, translucent kelp, and translucent black.

Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 4

In addition to Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 4 available in natural titanium, the Apple Watch Hermès collection introduces a bold new Grand H titanium band featuring a built-in extension mechanism to conveniently adjust the band to fit over a wet suit. Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 4 also features the new Fathom and Wonder watch face, which allows users to explore an illustration of the ocean’s depths. Rotate the Digital Crown to select one of four watch face options, from the surface to the seabed. Each option features a unique shade of blue and distinct animations.

The Apple Watch Hermès collection introduces a bold new Grand H titanium band featuring a built-in extension mechanism to conveniently adjust the band to fit over a wet suit.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Environment

The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 was built with the environment in mind and drives progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. It is made with 45 percent recycled material overall,¹⁷ including 100 percent recycled titanium in the 3D-printed titanium case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. All of the electricity used to manufacture Apple Watch Ultra 4 is sourced from renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and Apple has also invested in enough renewable energy around the world to match the electricity customers use to charge their Apple Watch. Like all Apple products, its paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based¹⁸ and can be easily recycled at home.

Pricing and Availability

• Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UAE, the UK, the U.S., and more than 50 other countries and regions can pre-order Apple Watch Ultra 4 today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.

• Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 (U.S.).

• New Apple Watch bands will be available to order today from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.

• watchOS 27 will be available for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later on Monday, September 14, and requires iPhone 11 or later or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) with iOS 27. Not all features are available on all devices or in all regions. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

• Apple Intelligence will be available with watchOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence.

• Siri AI is rolling out with watchOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.

• New subscribers may get three months of Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music with the purchase of Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch SE 3, or Apple Watch Ultra 4. Offer and service availability varies by region. See apple.com/promo for details.¹⁹

• AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new Apple Watch or, in the U.S., AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

• Apple Upgrade, a leasing program provided by Klarna and available in the U.S., gives eligible customers monthly payment options for Apple Watch Ultra 4, with 12- and 24-month leasing terms starting as low as $24.99 (U.S.) per month for 24 months. For more information, visit apple.com/shop/apple-upgrade.^

• For more information on Apple 2030, visit apple.com/2030.

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The all-new Apple Watch Health Sensing System enables a new readiness score and higher-frequency HRV, and a redesigned Health app offers users intelligent and actionable insights

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced its most advanced health and fitness experience yet, expanding what Apple Watch and iPhone can do as intelligent, science-driven tools for users’ personal wellbeing. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduce the new Health Sensing System, enabling the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, as well as a new readiness experience to give users insight into their body’s capacity to take on their day.¹ They pair with a redesigned Health app coming later this year to iPhone, which offers a holistic view of long-term health alongside new, easy-to-understand health and longevity insights powered by Apple Intelligence.² Together, these updates will give users a more complete picture of their health and fitness while keeping their personal health data private, secure, and under their control.

“At Apple, we believe technology can empower everyone with actionable, science-based insights built with privacy at the core. By combining breakthrough sensing on Apple Watch with Apple Intelligence in the Health app, we’re able to translate complex biometric data into clear guidance for users,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness. “This both helps people navigate their day-to-day routines with confidence and connects those moments with deeper context around their longevity, building a strong foundation for a healthier future.”

The New Health Sensing System on Apple Watch

The new Health Sensing System on Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 features new optical and electrical heart sensors, enabling higher-frequency heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, a new readiness score, a more comprehensive Vitals overview with the addition of HRV, and an updated Heart Rate app.

Accuracy of health data is critical to providing meaningful insights. A scientifically rigorous study on a population of over 1,000 participants with representation across demographic groups compared the new heart rate sensing accuracy on Apple Watch against leading wearables, and resulted in Apple Watch showing the highest heart rate accuracy across devices.

With larger, power-efficient green LEDs on the optical heart sensor, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 now measure heart rate every five seconds, all day long. This continuous, passive measurement delivers deeper insight into a user’s fitness and physiological state while making Exercise and Move Activity rings even more accurate. Users can view their real-time heart rate at a glance throughout their day — whether they’re recovering from a workout or dashing for the train — using the updated Heart Rate app and new watch face complications.

With the new Health Sensing System, Apple Watch Series 12 features the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable.

HRV, a key indicator of stress and recovery, is now measured as often as every five minutes — 24x more frequently — and available to view in a new section of the Heart Rate app. Apple Watch provides two separate variants of HRV for better understanding of a user’s health status. Recovery HRV is best to identify daily signals of stress and recovery, while overall HRV is best for insights on a user’s broader health, including cardiovascular health. Higher variability is generally associated with better overall recovery.

Overnight vitals now includes Recovery HRV analyzed against a user’s personal baseline, providing a more complete view of their health status. A new daytime vitals view lets users toggle between overnight and daytime metrics, and can potentially spot shifts in their metrics before they show up overnight.³

Readiness: A Daily Read on the Body’s Capacity

Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduce readiness — a new feature that analyzes a user’s recent activity, vitals, and sleep score, and then provides a single 0-10 score each day with a clear, actionable recommendation: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. This helps a user decide how to take on their workday or tackle their training plan.

Readiness updates throughout the day as new data comes in, reflecting, for example, an intense workout or a shift in daytime vitals. Readiness clearly highlights which factors are driving the score and allows users to tap into more details. The scoring algorithm was developed using data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, in collaboration with exercise scientists and physicians at Apple.

A Redesigned Health App with Apple Intelligence at Its Core

The Health app on iPhone is a central and secure location for a user’s health and fitness information, and can uniquely provide a better understanding of their overall health. Apple Intelligence brings powerful AI capabilities into the apps and experiences users rely on every day, making them more personal and helpful than ever, and with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, Apple Intelligence extends to the Health app. Redesigned to dynamically adapt to a user’s personal health and fitness metrics, the Health app now offers iPhone and iPad users a view of their long-term health alongside easy-to-understand insights, providing personalized guidance that can help them live a better day and healthier life. The redesigned Health app has been built to securely and privately protect a user’s data at every step.

Insights Tab
The new Insights tab surfaces timely health information with a summary that updates throughout the day across heart, sleep, readiness, fitness, vitals, and cycle tracking data. A new For You section delivers personalized recommendations and relevant articles based on a user’s data — like a suggestion to improve a wind-down routine after a stretch of late nights.

Longevity Tab
A new Longevity tab analyzes a user’s longitudinal health data for deeper insights into heart health, sleep, mental wellbeing, movement health, metabolic health, hearing, and nutrition. The tab includes Health Age, a new feature that uses Apple Watch data to show users how their metrics are tracking relative to their chronological age, informed by the best available science. The algorithm can factor in metrics from Apple Watch like VO2 max, resting heart rate, sleep, and HRV, and users can also add lab data, including A1c and LDL, to enrich the analysis.

A new Longevity tab analyzes a user’s longitudinal health data for deeper insights into heart health, sleep, mental wellbeing, movement health, metabolic health, hearing, and nutrition.

Health Age is a new feature that shows users how their metrics are tracking relative to their chronological age.

Movement Evaluations
Mobility is a critical marker of overall function and a strong predictor of independence, chronic disease risk, and quality of life. Yet routine assessment remains largely absent from proactive health management, typically requiring a visit to an exercise physiologist or physical therapist. Now, users can take in-depth physical assessments — measuring flexibility, strength, balance, movement mechanics, and VO2 max — right at home using their iPhone camera and Apple Watch. This experience runs entirely on device; no video is ever recorded, stored, or shared. Using vision-based AI models, these assessments provide real-time audio and visual feedback, and were developed using clinician input.

Users will be able to take in-depth physical assessments — measuring flexibility, strength, balance, movement mechanics, and VO2 max — right at home using their iPhone camera and Apple Watch.

Labs
Lab results from routine testing can provide important insights into a user’s overall wellbeing. Health app users can already import existing labs and see their results and trends over time. Users will be able to schedule and purchase new labs that feature over 50 key biomarkers for $119 directly through the Health app at approximately 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations in the U.S.

Users will be able to schedule and purchase new labs from Quest directly through the Health app.

Tailored Health Content
Users will be able to see videos and articles across each area of health that overlays their data with insights from Apple Health clinical experts explaining why it’s important. For example, after a user receives their annual lab results, the Health app will present a video from an expert explaining their LDL levels, what the data means, and how they can take steps to improve, if needed. Or if a user learns from their movement assessment that they need to work on their balance, the Health app will present a video from an expert explaining what they can do. They will also receive an exercise plan to help them improve their balance, with moves selected for their ability and needs.

The redesigned Health app will be available later this year, starting in U.S. English, with more languages to follow.

Perimenopause and Menopause Support Arrive on Cycle Tracking

A person’s menstrual cycle is an essential indicator of overall health, and the Cycle Tracking experience is designed to support individuals across life stages, from logging their first period to receiving a retrospective ovulation estimate, and now, to supporting perimenopause and menopause. Cycle Tracking adapts as users’ health priorities change, whether that’s rooted in curiosity, daily planning, family building, or long-term wellbeing.

With iOS 27, the Health app adds support for perimenopause and menopause, as well as notifications about cycle deviations inclusive of perimenopause, to Cycle Tracking. Users will be able to log if they are in perimenopause or menopause for further customization of their Cycle Tracking experience, track their symptoms, and monitor cycles over time. Additionally, if a user logs bleeding after menopause, they will receive a notification to speak with their doctor. New educational articles are available in the Health app to help users better understand this new chapter, in addition to tips informed by clinical experts.

Additionally, many people don’t recognize they’re in perimenopause because the symptoms can start years before their last period. Now, users age 40 and over can receive a notification if a deviation in their logged cycle patterns is suggestive of perimenopause, so they can speak to their doctor about it at their next appointment.⁴

More Ways to Stay Healthy

With iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27, Apple introduces additional ways to stay healthy:

• Workout Buddy works on Apple Watch even when users don’t have their iPhone nearby. The feature also now incorporates even more fitness data when delivering motivational insights, and is available in both English and Spanish.⁵

• Expanded GymKit functionality enables users with AirPods Pro 3 to sync their heart rate data through iPhone with compatible gym equipment, including treadmills and indoor bikes.

• More accurate treadmill readings, powered by new machine learning models, improve distance calculations from the very first step of a walk or run.

Availability

• watchOS 27 will be available for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later beginning Monday, September 14, and requires iPhone 11 or later or iPhone SE 3 with iOS 27. Not all features are available on all devices or in all regions. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

• The redesigned Health app will be available on Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone and iPad models with the latest software, with select features available only on iPhone. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Health Age requires Apple Watch. The test to estimate VO2 max requires Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3, or a third-party heart rate sensing device. Some features require users to be 18 or older. For information on Apple Intelligence availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/121115.

• Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

The post Apple advances health and fitness capabilities using Apple Intelligence and the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

News Summary:

• The NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform now includes the CUDA-Q Logical orchestration layer, giving the quantum industry an open, programmable way to design and test fault-tolerant quantum computing applications in areas such as drug discovery, financial modeling and materials development.
• Fermilab used CUDA-Q Logical to accelerate fault-tolerant architecture development from five months to three weeks — a 7x speedup.
• QUOPS is a benchmark for the future of quantum computing, measuring the readiness of fault-tolerant quantum hardware for practical applications. Developed by Sandia National Laboratories, QUOPS is now available in NVIDIA CUDA-Q.

NVIDIA today announced an expansion of the NVIDIA CUDA-Q™ open source platform with CUDA-Q Logical, an orchestration layer that provides a programmable, verifiable approach to developing useful applications for fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Fault-tolerant quantum processors with logical qubits are essential for useful quantum computing, allowing systems to overcome the errors inherent in physical qubits so they can execute the larger computations needed for practical applications such as drug discovery, financial modeling and materials development.

However, developing applications for such systems is a tedious, time-consuming codesign challenge: A change to an algorithm, error-correction code, hardware architecture or other QPU component can significantly change the resources needed to run any given application.

With CUDA-Q Logical, researchers can now design and orchestrate the many components required for fault-tolerant quantum computing applications, easily switching between options to identify optimal system configurations for performance with logical qubits.

“Quantum computing is maturing into an era of logical qubits, and researchers need an open, customizable platform capable of representing all aspects of a fault-tolerant system,” said Timothy Costa, vice president and general manager of quantum at NVIDIA. “The addition of CUDA-Q Logical provides power and flexibility to explore fully integrated, co-optimized systems regardless of qubit type and architecture — drastically shortening the timeline to useful quantum-GPU supercomputing.”

CUDA-Q Logical is already being used by QPU makers and labs including Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Infleqtion, IQM Quantum Computers, QCDesign Quantum Motion and Sandia National Laboratories.

Using CUDA-Q Logical, Iceberg Quantum modeled its fault-tolerant architecture for Diraq’s qubits, showing how 1,000 logical qubits can be created with just 150,000 physical qubits, roughly 10x fewer than Diraq’s previous estimates. CUDA-Q Logical gave an unprecedented way to rapidly assess potential implementations of Iceberg’s architecture, helping dramatically reduce the hardware needed for useful, fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Fermilab Uses CUDA-Q Logical to Explore Fault-Tolerant Applications
In early work, Fermilab researchers used CUDA-Q Logical to validate prior results and evaluate physical qubits, runtimes and other resource requirements across different error-correction approaches and quantum hardware.

Fermilab transformed complicated fault-tolerant system designs into a repeatable and verifiable computational workflow, accelerating fault-tolerant algorithm development from five months to three weeks, a 7x speedup.

“Fault-tolerant quantum computing is the path to unlocking new scientific discovery, but getting there will require researchers to codesign algorithm, error correction, architectures and hardware together,” said Anna Grassellino, chief technology officer at Fermilab and director of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center. “Using CUDA-Q Logical, our team explored combinations of these resources in just three weeks, compared with what would have typically taken about five months of building specialized infrastructure.”

Sandia Creates Benchmark for Future of Quantum Computing
QUOPS is a new, independent cross-platform benchmark developed by Sandia National Laboratories that measures the progress quantum computing systems are making toward utility-scale applications.

With Sandia’s QUOPS, the industry now has access to a hardware-agnostic, open method to benchmark progress toward shared goals for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Historically, progress in quantum computing has been measured primarily through advances in physical qubits — increasing qubit counts, improving fidelity and extending coherence.

“At Sandia, we can’t wait to see fault-tolerant quantum computers helping to solve problems of national importance for the Department of Energy and the United States,” said Timothy Proctor, co-director of Sandia National Laboratories’ Quantum Performance Laboratory. “Our mission right now is to bring that about sooner, by accelerating our industry partners’ progress. To do that, we, and other quantum computing stakeholders, have to be able to track and forecast the growth of quantum computer abilities. We created QUOPS to do exactly that, and we’re excited to see it used by quantum computing vendors and customers.”

Sandia shared early results in a preprint posted ahead of IEEE Quantum Week, reporting initial QUOPS benchmarks for QPUs from Google, IBM and Quantinuum. A QUOPS reference implementation is available in NVIDIA CUDA-Q.

Expanding the Quantum-GPU Supercomputing Platform
The ecosystem is also adopting NVIDIA’s larger lineup of quantum computing technologies for turning qubits into useful quantum-GPU supercomputers.

Diraq used NVIDIA Ising, the world’s first family of open models for building and deploying AI for useful quantum computing, to calibrate its silicon-based qubit processor.

Companies are integrating their quantum processors with GPU supercomputing using NVIDIA NVQLink™, the open system architecture for tightly coupling quantum processors with GPU supercomputers. With NVQLink:

• Anyon Computing developed a new quantum control system.
• Quandela developed a QPU-GPU architecture.
• Quantum Machines ran a demo of integrating state-of-the-art supercomputing resources with qubits at the Israeli Quantum Computing Center.

The NVIDIA CUDA-Q open development platform continues to be adopted across the quantum computing ecosystem:

• BlueQubit launched the Quantum Flywheel grant program for researchers, to give them access to NVIDIA accelerated computing through CUDA-Q.
• Qedma Quantum Computing and QCentroid each integrated their technology with CUDA-Q to support quantum error correction and mitigation, as well as the deployment of quantum applications.

The quantum ecosystem is also working with NVIDIA to develop new and improved quantum applications:

• IonQ announced progress on DQAOA-GPT, a quantum generative AI framework, using NVIDIA accelerated computing.
• MITRE published work on building GPU-accelerated digital twins of quantum sensors.
• Phasecraft is using NVIDIA cuQuantum to generate the largest-known variational quantum eigensolver emulated molecular database.
• UCLA and Caltech are advancing the design of control sequences needed to run quantum applications.

Availability
CUDA-Q Logical is now available through GitHub. Explore the QUOPS repository.

Learn more by reading these papers on CUDA-Q Logical and QUOPS.

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