6 last-minute Apple event rumors: iPhone price hikes, AirPods with cameras

Catch up on the latest last-minute Apple event rumors before the keynote begins, including official names, prices, colors, and hardware specs for the new foldable iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 lineup. Here is everything leaking right before Apple takes the stage today.

With only a handful of hours left before the big annual September event kicks off live from Apple Park at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, tech fans everywhere are tuning in for final updates. You might expect the constant flow of leaks to slow down as the keynote approaches, but the rumor mill is running hotter than ever. Analysts and accessory manufacturers continue to drop last-second details right up to the final wire.

tech enthusiasts around the world fully expect to see new flagship hardware announcements during the "Surprise and Shine" keynote. While the overall structure of the presentation is set in stone, specific details in the margins are still shifting. Critical information regarding exact device prices, color palettes, and technical hardware specs continues to spill out online.

SEE ALSO: What would really surprise at Apple's iPhone event

What Are the Latest Last-Minute Apple Event Rumors About the Foldable iPhone?

In a last-second report for Bloomberg, tech insider Mark Gurman revealed significant details about Apple's highly anticipated foldable device. According to the report, the brand-new foldable phone will officially be named the iPhone Duo. This marks a major naming shift as the company enters the foldable smartphone market.

The report states that the iPhone Duo will launch at a starting price of $2,000 for the 256GB storage configuration. While $2,000 is certainly a premium price tag, it is actually quite a bit less than industry watchers originally expected. Gurman noted that Apple plans to absorb some of the higher memory costs to keep the entry price point down.

Color options for the foldable flagship will be focused and streamlined at launch. Gurman reported that the device will be available in two distinct shades: white and dark blue. Customers eager to get their hands on the foldable phone will not have to wait very long after the keynote ends.

Shipments for the new iPhone Duo are slated to begin "as early as October," giving early adopters quick access to the new hardware. Additionally, Gurman confirmed that the foldable screen will feature full Apple Pencil support, adding extra functionality for productivity and creative tasks.

What Do Leaked Accessory Renders Tell Us About the iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra?

Last week, third-party phone accessory makers posted early renders of protection cases designed for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra models. While these case renders are almost certainly not real factory photos of the physical phones, they provide clear visual hints regarding device dimensions and physical contours.

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The case renders offer a clear look at what to expect from the foldable Ultra variant in terms of overall size and shape. Matching rumors that have circulated for months, the foldable device appears as a short, wide smartphone featuring a dual-camera module on the rear side.

The leaked case designs for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max highlighted four primary color finishes. These options include deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue, all of which align with previous leaks regarding Apple's fall color strategy.

One notable detail missing from the accessory renders was any sign of the entry-level base model. It is becoming increasingly clear across the tech world that Apple will delay the release of the base iPhone 18 until next spring, allowing the premium Pro and Ultra models to have full market attention throughout the fall shopping season.

Will We See Camera-Equipped AirPods at Today's Keynote?

In the same Bloomberg report detailing the foldable iPhone Duo, Mark Gurman offered updates on Apple's popular personal audio lineup. Gurman predicted that the heavily rumored AirPods featuring built-in cameras will not be announced during today's presentation.

Instead, event viewers should expect the standard AirPods 5 to make their debut during the keynote. The camera-equipped AirPods Pro Ultra are expected to follow in a separate announcement shortly after this event concludes.

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An leaked video showcasing the camera-integrated AirPods surfaced back in August. That video evidence indicates an official release is imminent, even if the new earbuds do not take center stage during today's showcase.

What Specs Are Leaked for the iPhone Duo Foldable Display?

An earlier interview with Gurman outlined fundamental hardware specifications for the foldable device that match persistent industry reports. The iPhone Duo is set to feature a 5.5-inch outer cover display paired with an expansive 7.8-inch inner main screen when unfolded.

MagSafe support is also confirmed for the new foldable form factor. Magnetic wireless charging had been a major point of speculation prior to Gurman's interview, making its inclusion a welcome clarification for users who rely on MagSafe accessories.

Regarding the central display crease, Gurman compared the internal hinge structure to designs seen on recent Samsung foldables. This comparison suggests the screen crease will not be entirely invisible, but it will be faint enough to avoid distracting users during daily operations.

Are Expected iPhone 18 Price Increases Higher Than Predicted?

Pricing expectations for the overall lineup have shifted favorably in the final hours before the presentation. Earlier market reports suggested that the premium foldable model could reach an average price of over $2,500, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max might see heavy price jumps of $200 to $300.

However, the latest figures from Gurman indicate much softer price adjustments across the board. The updated estimates suggest modest price increases of approximately $100 for the upcoming Pro hardware.

This milder price adjustment provides relief for consumers affected by current hardware costs. Even though Apple has been preparing us for iPhone price increases for months due to global component supply pressures, a smaller price jump makes the upgrade path more accessible.

What Software Updates Are Coming to the Apple Watch Series 12?

Hardware expectations for Apple's wearable line remain modest for this update cycle. Previous reporting confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 12, along with refreshed SE and Ultra variants, won't see major changes this year in terms of exterior chassis design.

Despite the static exterior, last-minute details highlight significant progress on the software front. Apple is preparing a new health application built specifically to track recovery metrics and everyday wellness.

This software initiative aims to position the Apple Watch as a direct competitor to popular screen-free fitness wearables like the Whoop strap and the Oura ring. By offering specialized health insights, Apple hopes to capture users interested in continuous health tracking without requiring hardware redesigns.

Summary of Key Apple Event Rumors

Here is a quick breakdown of what to keep an eye on during today's "Surprise and Shine" keynote presentation:

• iPhone Duo Launch: Apple's first foldable phone features a $2,000 price point, 256GB base storage, Apple Pencil support, and a release date as early as October.
• Display Specifications: The foldable device includes a 5.5-inch external cover screen and a 7.8-inch internal main display with MagSafe support.
• iPhone 18 Pro & Ultra Colors: Expected finishes include deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue.
• Base Model Delay: The standard base-model iPhone 18 is expected to debut next spring rather than at today's event.
• AirPods 5 Debut: Standard AirPods 5 will be announced today, while camera-equipped AirPods Pro Ultra will launch later.
• Softer Price Hikes: Price increases for Pro models are expected to sit near $100 instead of earlier $300 estimates.
• Apple Watch Health Focus: Series 12 introduces a dedicated health tracking app designed to compete with screen-free wearables like Whoop and Oura.

Stay tuned as all of these details are officially confirmed or updated on stage. Be sure to follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on all the latest news and hardware announcements straight from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote at Apple Park.

from Mashable
-via DynaSage