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

We’re just hours away from Apple’s “Surprise and shine” special event, where it’s expected to announce the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro, new Apple Watch models, and AirPods 5. Pre-order times We previously noted that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo pre-orders might begin on September 12, which is a day later than the typical pattern due to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In a post on social media today, reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro said that pre-orders will indeed begin on September 12 “at the usual time.” This would suggest 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET. iPhone 18 Pro tidbits In a blockbuster overnight report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman outlined several additional details about the iPhone 18 Pro: iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a mechanical aperture, and it’s possible this might not be available on the smaller iPhone 18 Pro. A revamped vapor chamber The Dynamic Island is “smaller and improved” and will now show up to three Live Activities instead of two. Additionally, in a post on social media, developer Pdfu shared code evidence that suggests iPhone 18 Pro will charge up to 33% faster than the iPhone 17 Pro models. iPhone 18 Pro models may support 33% higher charging C-rates, with the foldable iPhone matching the iPhone 17 family, based on code in Apple’s iOS 27 thermal charging optimizer. #AppleEventHere’s how models stack up against their predecessors: • iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max: 2.20C,…— pdfu (@itspdfu) September 9, 2026 AirPods 5 Gurman also shared new details on what to expect from AirPods 5, slated to be introduced today. According to the report, AirPods 5 will “come in versions with and without a wireless charging case and include dramatically improved noise cancellation.” The Bloomberg report also reiterated that Apple had planned to announce AirPods with cameras at this event, but those have since been delayed until next year. iPhone Duo tidbits In addition to breaking the news about the iPhone Duo, Bloomberg also shared a few additional specs for the device: Apple Pencil support The ability to run side-by-side apps with “iPad-like multitasking” White and dark blue color options Starting price of $2,000, on sale “as early as October” Wrap up What are you most excited to see at today’s Apple event? Are you planning to buy anything Apple announces? Let us know down in the comments. My favorite Apple deals right now: AirPods Pro 3 $199 (Reg. $249) AirTag 2: from $20 each (Reg. $29) M5 Pro MacBook Pro $2,899 (Reg. $3,199) AirPods Max 2 $449 (Reg. $549) M5 MacBook Air $1,649 (Reg. $1,799) Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.