Category: Mobile Phones

  • Apple Cleans Up Lineup: Six Older iPhones, Watches, and AirPods Discontinued After iPhone 18 Pro Debut

    Apple Cleans Up Lineup: Six Older iPhones, Watches, and AirPods Discontinued After iPhone 18 Pro Debut

    Apple has officially trimmed its product lineup following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series on September 9. The company removed six older devices from its official roster, spanning iPhones, Apple Watch models, and AirPods, as part of its annual hardware refresh.

    Which Apple devices were discontinued?

    The newly discontinued products include:

    • iPhone 17 Pro
    • iPhone 17 Pro Max
    • Apple Watch Series 11
    • Apple Watch Ultra 3
    • Apple Watch SE 2
    • AirPods 4

    These models have been replaced by newer versions in Apple’s lineup: the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods 5. Apple’s strategy is to simplify its product range and give the latest hardware more prominence in stores.

    What this means for buyers

    While the discontinued devices are no longer listed on Apple’s official store, third-party retailers may still have remaining inventory. Shoppers looking for older Pro iPhones or Apple Watch models could see short-term discounts as sellers clear out stock ahead of the new generation’s dominance.

    iPhone 18 Pro pricing and features

    In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs. 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs. 1,79,900. Both models include the new A20 Pro chip, a variable aperture camera, and Apple’s C2 modem. The standard iPhone 17 remains available as a lower-priced flagship option, since Apple did not announce a regular iPhone 18 at the September event. Reports suggest it may arrive in spring 2027.

    AirPods 5 upgrades

    Alongside the hardware refresh, Apple’s new AirPods 5 bring improved noise cancellation, Live Translation support, and Siri AI features compared with the outgoing AirPods 4.

    Support continues for older devices

    Being discontinued does not mean these products are immediately obsolete. Existing units will continue to receive software updates and repair support from Apple even after leaving the sales lineup.

  • Apple Faces Photoshop Allegations Over iPhone Duo Promotional Image: Fingers Appear Unusually Long

    Apple Faces Photoshop Allegations Over iPhone Duo Promotional Image: Fingers Appear Unusually Long

    Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has come under scrutiny just a day after its unveiling. A promotional image showing the large foldable phone held in one hand has sparked a social media debate over whether the image was digitally altered.

    The iPhone Duo launched in India starting at Rs. 2,99,900. It unfolds to a 7.6-inch screen and replaces Face ID with Touch ID.

    Why the iPhone Duo Image Sparked Debate

    The controversy began after an image from Apple’s promotional campaign started circulating on social media. The photograph shows the unfolded iPhone Duo being held in one hand.

    An X user digitally removed the phone from the original image and shared the resulting picture online. With the device removed, the person’s fingers appeared unusually long. The image quickly sparked memes and speculation that Apple digitally altered the hand to make the foldable phone appear easier to hold.

    However, these claims remain unverified. The available evidence does not establish that Apple intentionally altered the hand or elongated the fingers in the promotional image.

    Camera Perspective Could Explain Unusual Proportions

    The hand’s appearance does not necessarily prove image manipulation. Product photography can alter how objects and body parts appear depending on the camera angle, lens distortion, perspective, lighting, and positioning.

    Cropping or digitally isolating part of an original photograph can also make proportions look different from the complete image. These factors could explain why the fingers appear unusually long once the phone is removed.

    The iPhone Duo’s large unfolded form also makes perspective important, as Apple seeks to present both its sizeable display and its ability to function as a handheld device.

    Apple Yet to Respond

    Apple has not publicly commented on the specific Photoshop claims surrounding the promotional image.

    Commercial product photography routinely involves post-production, including adjustments to lighting, color, and framing. But no concrete evidence currently shows that Apple deliberately changed the hand in this image.

    For now, the Photoshop claim remains a social media theory. The question of how practical the iPhone Duo feels in one-handed use will become clearer once reviewers and customers get hands-on experience with the device.

  • iPhone 18 Pro India: How to Save with No-Cost EMI, Cashback, and Trade-In Deals

    iPhone 18 Pro India: How to Save with No-Cost EMI, Cashback, and Trade-In Deals

    Apple has opened the iPhone 18 Pro purchase window in India with a range of financing options starting September 12. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs. 1,64,900 for the 256GB model, while the Pro Max begins at Rs. 1,79,900. Buyers can reduce the upfront cost through a six-month no-cost EMI plan, eligible bank cashback, and trade-in credits. Sales officially begin on September 18 across Apple’s online and retail channels in India.

    The biggest savings come from combining no-cost EMI with cashback and a trade-in. Apple offers up to Rs. 7,000 instant cashback via select cards from American Express, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank. Eligible customers can also receive trade-in credit worth up to Rs. 81,500, depending on the device and its condition.

    No-cost EMI does not mean banks simply waive interest. Banks calculate interest as usual, but the merchant or bank offsets that cost through an upfront discount. This keeps the repayment amount close to the discounted purchase price.

    For the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro, a six-month no-cost EMI works out to roughly Rs. 27,483 per month. A Rs. 7,000 cashback can bring the effective price down to Rs. 1,57,900, making the monthly installment about Rs. 26,317 across six months.

    Standard EMI plans tell a different story for those seeking longer repayment periods. Indicative interest rates around 15.99% can significantly raise the total cost over longer tenures. A 12-month plan may show a monthly payment near Rs. 14,961, but the overall repayment reaches roughly Rs. 1,79,532. While the lower monthly payment looks attractive, the longer tenure adds a meaningful financing cost. Buyers should compare the total repayment rather than focusing only on monthly affordability.

    Trade-in offers can create another major reduction. Apple currently advertises credit of up to Rs. 81,500, though the final value depends on the old phone’s model and condition. A strong financing strategy combines an eligible bank offer with trade-in credit and no-cost EMI. This approach lowers the amount financed while avoiding the higher interest costs of extended EMI plans.

    Bank offers can vary across cards and transactions, so the advertised Rs. 7,000 cashback does not guarantee the same benefit for every buyer. The final checkout amount, eligible tenure, and trade-in value should determine the purchase decision.

  • iPhone 18 Price Showdown: India, UAE, US – Which Country Pays the Most?

    iPhone 18 Price Showdown: India, UAE, US – Which Country Pays the Most?

    Apple’s latest iPhone lineup—the iPhone 18 Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max—hit the global market on September 9, 2026, with pricing that varies sharply across regions. A new comparison reveals that the United States offers the lowest official prices, while India tops the list as the most expensive market for Apple’s flagship devices.

    Global Price Comparison: US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, and India

    Across every storage configuration tested, the US provides the cheapest sticker price for the iPhone 18 Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The UAE ranks second, followed by Saudi Arabia. The UK and India are the priciest, with India taking the top spot for highest costs.

    iPhone 18 Duo (256GB) Pricing

    The entry-level 256GB iPhone 18 Duo is priced at $1,999 in the US, which converts to roughly AED 7,336. In the UAE, the same model retails at AED 8,499—a gap of about AED 1,163. Indian buyers face a much higher cost: Rs. 2,99,900, which translates to approximately AED 11,527.

    Higher Storage Widens the Gap

    As storage increases, the price difference becomes even more pronounced. For example, the 2TB iPhone 18 Duo costs about AED 11,740 in the US (after conversion), AED 13,599 in the UAE, and nearly AED 17,293 in India.

    iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Pricing

    The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the US for the 256GB variant, while the UAE lists it at AED 5,099 and India at Rs. 1,64,900. Similarly, the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299 in the US, AED 5,499 in the UAE, and Rs. 1,79,900 in India. Higher storage options further amplify these disparities.

    Beyond the Sticker Price: Taxes and Other Factors

    The US advantage is not absolute. Apple’s US prices are quoted before state and local sales taxes, so the final checkout amount varies by location. International buyers must also factor in travel costs, currency conversion fees, warranty limitations, and import duties, which can eat into apparent savings.

    For Indian consumers, the UAE presents a closer alternative than the US, but only after accounting for taxes, travel expenses, exchange rates, and import regulations. While the US offers the lowest list prices, the true cost depends on individual circumstances.

  • Samsung Mocks Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo as a ‘Reheated’ Copy

    Samsung Mocks Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo as a ‘Reheated’ Copy

    Apple officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo on September 9, and Samsung was quick to respond with a series of taunts. The South Korean tech giant, which has been releasing foldable devices since 2019, took to social media to mock Apple’s belated entry.

    Samsung Mobile US posted multiple comments on X during Apple’s event, calling the new iPhone ‘so far, so same’ and joking that Apple was late to the foldable race. The company even used the hashtag “#ItsTimeToSwitch” and quipped, “Let us know when you’re done reheating our leftovers,” suggesting the iPhone Duo is a copycat of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold series.

    Duolingo also joined the online banter, playing off the “Duo” name that is central to its language-learning app. The app traded playful replies with Samsung and Apple, while Samsung Canada shared a Galaxy Z Fold 8 video with a message about imitation.

    Samsung’s Foldable Advantage

    Samsung has been refining its foldable technology for years, giving the Galaxy Z Fold series a significant head start. Apple, however, enters the race with a massive user base and a powerful brand. The iPhone Duo could still reshape the market if Apple delivers a compelling user experience.

    To maintain its lead, Samsung must continue to innovate with stronger hardware—better cameras, longer battery life, and a thinner body—and optimized software. Apple’s foldable could make the technology more mainstream, especially if it integrates seamlessly with the existing iPhone ecosystem.

    Also Read: Apple iPhone 18 Launch: Foldable iPhone Duo, Pro, Watch Series 12

    Samsung still offers the experience, but Apple now commands the attention. The coming years will determine whether Samsung retains its lead or Apple turns foldables into a major segment of the iPhone business.

    Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives, and videos on Phones.

  • Apple iPhone Duo Foldable Launched in India at Rs 2,99,900: Specs, Pricing, and Availability

    Apple iPhone Duo Foldable Launched in India at Rs 2,99,900: Specs, Pricing, and Availability

    Apple has officially introduced its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, in India at a starting price of Rs. 2,99,900. The device was unveiled on September 10, 2026, and is aimed squarely at the premium segment, combining a book-style design with cutting-edge internals and a redesigned iOS experience tailored for a larger display.

    Design and Display

    The iPhone Duo features a book-style folding mechanism, transitioning between a 5.4-inch outer screen and a spacious 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display — the largest ever on an iPhone. The inner panel supports ProMotion, Always-On functionality, and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. A nano-texture finish helps reduce glare and minimizes the visibility of the fold crease. The device is built with a titanium frame, a precision hinge, and Ceramic Shield protection for added durability.

    Performance and Software

    Under the hood, the iPhone Duo is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, paired with a custom vapor chamber to handle sustained workloads. Apple claims significant CPU and GPU gains over the previous generation. The chip also enables Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri AI experience. The device runs iOS 27, which brings a redesigned interface for the larger screen, including Split View for running two apps side by side.

    Camera System

    Photography capabilities include a dual 48MP Fusion camera system with Main and Ultra Wide sensors. A feature called Duo Preview uses the outer display to show subjects a live view during rear-camera shots. The main camera also supports Dolby Vision video recording at up to 4K resolution and 120fps.

    Battery and Pricing

    The foldable body houses two batteries to support extended usage. Apple rates video playback at up to 31 hours on the inner display and up to 44 hours when using the outer display. In India, the iPhone Duo is priced as follows:

    • 256GB: Rs. 2,99,900
    • 512GB: Rs. 3,24,900
    • 1TB: Rs. 3,74,900
    • 2TB: Rs. 4,49,900

    The available color options are Star White and Night Sky.

    Availability

    Pre-orders in India open on October 16 at 5:30 PM IST, with sales beginning October 23. The iPhone Duo enters the Indian market as a luxury foldable, giving Apple a strong foothold in the growing foldable smartphone segment.

  • iPhone 18 Pro Camera Adds Mechanical Iris for Truer Aperture Control

    iPhone 18 Pro Camera Adds Mechanical Iris for Truer Aperture Control

    Apple is bringing a significant change to the iPhone 18 Pro camera. After nine years, the Cupertino-based company has redesigned the lens of the 48MP Fusion main camera with a mechanical iris made of six laser-cut blades. This iris adjusts the lens opening, giving users control over how much light enters the camera and how depth of field appears in their shots.

    Four Aperture Settings for More Flexibility

    The new mechanical iris supports four aperture settings: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4. At the widest setting, the lens lets in about 50% more light than f/1.8, which is a meaningful advantage in low-light scenes. Users can also close the aperture when they want deeper focus or a different cinematic look, giving the camera more creative flexibility.

    How the Aperture System Works

    Aperture controls both exposure and depth of field. Light gathering depends on the ratio between f-numbers: dividing the smaller opening by the larger one and squaring the result gives the light multiplier. Depth of field is also influenced by sensor size, so the f-number can be multiplied by the crop factor to find the full-frame equivalent look.

    A Focus on Lens Design, Not a Bigger Sensor

    Apple appears to be focusing on optical engineering rather than sensor size. The 1/1.28-inch main sensor reportedly remains the same one used since the iPhone 14 Pro. Instead, the redesigned lens unit is said to cost about 50% more than the seven-element lens in the iPhone 17 Pro, according to supply chain analysis.

    More Camera and Video Upgrades

    The iPhone 18 Pro also brings several video improvements. Cinematic effects can now be applied to standard footage after the shot at up to 4K Dolby Vision 60 frames per second. Time-lapse recording supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR as well. In addition, Smart Focus Tracking will hold a subject on the device and automatically reacquire it after the subject leaves the frame and returns. The combination gives both casual users and photographers more control over their mobile photography.

  • Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and Watch Series 12 at Surprise and Shine Event

    Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and Watch Series 12 at Surprise and Shine Event

    Apple launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the ‘Surprise and Shine’ event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on Wednesday. The event marked the first major iPhone launch under CEO John Ternus, following Tim Cook’s departure.

    iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable

    The iPhone Duo starts at USD 1,999, while the price in India starts at Rs. 2,99,900. Apple describes it as its thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded and the biggest design change to its flagship product. Ternus said other foldable phones ‘just feel like two phones awkwardly stuck together.’ Apple aimed for a display ‘that feels as natural and intuitive as (the) iPad.’ The hinge plays a key role in ergonomics and robustness.

    iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max Prices and Features

    The iPhone 18 Pro starts at USD 1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at USD 1,299. In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs. 1,64,900 and the Pro Max at Rs. 1,79,900. Both models offer 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black. Apple introduced a mechanical variable aperture for the main camera, allowing the lens opening to adjust the amount of light reaching the sensor. The Camera app also gets ‘Pro controls’ for photography and videos, including shutter speed for more motion blur.

    Apple Watch Series 12, AirPods 5

    Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 receive three Health Sensing System additions: increased electrode surface area for ECG, more efficient photodiodes, and background heart-rate readings every 5 seconds, 60x more than before. Apple said this is the most accurate heart-rate sensor in any wearable. AirPods 5 feature improved noise cancellation through new acoustic architecture, with 50% more noise cancellation. Customers can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case for Rs. 17,900, with stores receiving them on Friday, September 18. Apple also introduced Apple Reference Image to prove the authenticity of images taken with the new iPhone 18 Pro cameras. The company said it will support SynthID for identifying AI-created or edited images. Apple Reference Image will not be available in the EU or China. The event also focused on privacy and Apple Intelligence.

  • Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Full Specifications, Pricing, and Features

    Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Full Specifications, Pricing, and Features

    Apple officially launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its ‘Surprise and Shine’ event, bringing significant upgrades to camera technology, performance, battery life, and Apple Intelligence. The new Pro models retain the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes while introducing an aluminum unibody design, a redesigned Dynamic Island, and an enhanced camera system.

    Price and Availability in India

    The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900 for the 256GB variant, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced at Rs 1,79,900 for the same storage tier. Both models are available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options. Pre-orders in India commence on September 12 at 5:30 PM IST, with retail availability beginning September 18.

    Display, Design, and Color Options

    The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch panel. Both support ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and Always-On display. Color choices include Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy, with Burgundy being the new addition to the Pro lineup. The phones are equipped with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back, and carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The redesigned Dynamic Island can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously and supports Face ID.

    48MP Camera System with Variable Aperture

    Both models feature a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system with three rear cameras. The 48MP Fusion Main camera now includes a variable aperture with four settings: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0. The setup also includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra-Wide camera and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto camera. The telephoto lens offers 4x optical zoom at 100mm, 8x optical-quality telephoto at 200mm, and up to 40x digital zoom. Pro controls allow manual adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, and white balance.

    A20 Pro Chip and Battery Performance

    Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, powers the iPhone 18 Pro series. It features a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims the GPU is up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro with 50% more memory bandwidth. The iPhone 18 Pro delivers up to 34 hours of video playback, while the Pro Max extends to 43 hours. Both devices run iOS 27.

    For more updates, stay tuned to our coverage on the latest smartphone launches and technology news.

  • iOS 27: Release Date, New Features, and Compatible iPhone Models

    iOS 27: Release Date, New Features, and Compatible iPhone Models

    Apple’s iOS 27 update is set to arrive on September 14, bringing a redesigned Liquid Glass interface, a revamped Siri AI, performance boosts, and new features across core apps. The update supports iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).

    iOS 27 Release Date and Installation

    iOS 27 will be publicly available on September 14. Users can install it over the air by going to Settings > General > Software Update on compatible iPhones. The update was previewed at WWDC 2026 and introduces several improvements to enhance everyday iPhone use.

    Siri AI Gets a Major Upgrade

    One of the biggest additions is the next-generation Apple Intelligence and revamped Siri AI. The new assistant understands natural requests better, maintains context across interactions, and can perform tasks across supported apps. Siri AI also arrives as a standalone app, letting users access previous conversations. It combines Apple’s Foundation Models with Google’s Gemini AI models.

    Apple also introduced new parental controls, including Time Allowances and Schedules, plus an Ask to Browser feature that lets children request access to new websites.

    Faster Performance and Liquid Glass Changes

    iOS 27 refines Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, adding a slider to control opacity. Performance sees notable gains: apps launch up to 30% faster, photos load up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers complete up to 80% faster. The update includes an optimized CPU scheduler to improve performance across supported devices.

    More Changes Across iPhone Apps

    The Phone app gets a redesign and can display important information from Mail. Messages and Mail offer suggestions under certain messages. Safari can group tabs by topic and notify users when websites update, including price or product availability changes.

    iOS 27 Compatible iPhones

    iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and newer models, along with iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The lineup includes:

    • iPhone 11 series
    • iPhone 12 series
    • iPhone 13 series
    • iPhone 14 series
    • iPhone 15 series
    • iPhone 16 series
    • iPhone 17 series
    • iPhone Air
    • iPhone 17e
    • iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)

    Apple Intelligence features remain limited to iPhone 15 Pro models and later devices.