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It's finally here. The long-rumored, highly anticipated first-ever foldable device from Apple has arrived.

And it's the most expensive iPhone ever.

Apple unveiled the foldable known as the iPhone Duo at its big "Surprise and Shine" iPhone event on Wednesday. And Apple seems to have delivered. The sentiment across the internet seems fairly positive.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods

If you're an Apple fan, you'll probably want an iPhone Duo. Maybe that is, until you see the price.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the 256GB storage model. That's the most expensive starting price for an iPhone ever, but it's actually cheaper than the rumored price previously reported by analysts. There was an expectation that the iPhone Duo base model could have launched at as much as $2,300.

However, if you're looking to max out the iPhone Duo to its highest storage capacity of 2TB, you might be in for some sticker shock.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone

A 2TB iPhone Duo will set you back $3,199. That's the most expensive iPhone ever. Period.

The 2TB iPhone Duo is a whopping $700 more than the brand new iPhone 18 Pro Max with 2TB of storage. 

In fact, the 2TB iPhone 18 Pro Max, which will retail for $2,499, is even less expensive than the 1TB iPhone Duo, which will launch at $2,599. That's a difference of a whole terabyte, and you're still paying $100 more for the iPhone Duo with half the storage space.

Apple fans will certainly be paying a premium for the company's first-ever foldable device.

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See what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event Wednesday brought the announcement of a new iPhone lineup as expected, plus the first-ever foldable iPhone, but true to the name of the event, Apple had another release ready to go: the AirPods 5.

The new earbuds will officially be available on Friday, Sept. 18, but preorders are live as of Sept. 9. The earbuds are available in two models: the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Both feature active noise cancellation (a deviation from the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC), and lower price points of $129 and $149, respectively (compared to the AirPods 4's $129 and $179).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 5 Starting at $129 Pre-order Here

New features on these earbuds include:

• 50 percent more active noise cancellation power than the AirPods 4 with ANC

• Lower price points, with the AirPods 5 starting at $129 (the same price as the non-ANC AirPods 4) and the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case starting at $149 ($30 less than the AirPods 4 with ANC)

• New multiport acoustic architecture for improved sound quality

• Battery life of up to five hours with ANC and an on-ear volume stem control on the more expensive AirPods 5

We'll update this story as major retailers' preorder listings go live.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone comes with a radically different design — and a $1,999 starting price — but it retains one of the iPhone’s most familiar charging features.

Yes, the iPhone Duo supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging at up to 25W. Apple says the phone can wirelessly charge to 50 percent in about 30 minutes when used with a MagSafe or Qi2 charger and a compatible power adapter rated at 35W or higher.

That support extends to Apple’s new accessories for the foldable device. The iPhone Duo Case and iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand both contain built-in magnets that align with MagSafe and Qi2 chargers. In other words, users won’t have to remove the case whenever the phone needs a charge.

The two-part Duo Case wraps around both sides of the foldable phone and will be available in Sand and Navy Blue for $79. Apple’s $129 Duo Folio comes in Navy Blue and Taupe and includes a kickstand that can hold the phone at different angles for reading, watching videos, or making FaceTime calls.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods

Both accessories, along with the iPhone Duo, go on sale for preorders on Oct. 16. Availability starts Oct. 23.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple How fast does the iPhone Duo charge?

If wireless charging isn’t fast enough, the iPhone Duo can reach 50 percent in around 20 minutes over a wired connection. Achieving that speed requires a USB-C cable rated for at least 60W and a compatible USB Power Delivery adapter.

Wireless charging takes around 10 minutes longer to reach the same level. Apple conducted its MagSafe testing with a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, although the company says an adapter rated at 35W or higher is required for the fastest supported wireless charging speed.

Actual charging times will vary based on the adapter, temperature, settings, and how the phone is being used.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone What is the iPhone Duo’s battery life?

Instead of trying to fit a single large battery around the folding display, Apple placed high-energy batteries on each side of the iPhone Duo. Software then manages them as a single dual-battery system.

Apple rates the Duo for up to 31 hours of video playback on its 7.6-inch inner display or up to 44 hours on the smaller 5.4-inch outer display. With usage divided evenly between the two displays, Apple estimates up to 24 hours per charge.

The phone’s A20 Pro chip and custom vapor chamber also help manage power and heat during gaming, multitasking, and AI workloads.

What else should you know about the iPhone Duo?

The $1,999 iPhone Duo is Apple’s first book-style foldable smartphone. When closed, it is roughly the size of a passport and provides a 5.4-inch outer display. Opening it reveals a 7.6-inch screen—the largest display Apple has put in an iPhone.

The Duo supports Apple Pencil via USB-C, runs two apps side by side, and can save app pairings for later use. Its hinge also lets the device support itself for hands-free video, FaceTime, time-lapse recording, or StandBy mode.

Other features include Touch ID in the side button, two 48-megapixel rear cameras, Spatial Audio, Ceramic Shield protection, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It comes in Star White and Night Sky, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

See what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Apple revealed the AirPods 5 wireless earbuds on Wednesday at its "Surprise and Shine" keynote event.

The AirPods 4 were announced two years ago, and the new version features some key upgrades. Like their predecessor, the new AirPods 5 come with two models. Unlike the previous gen, both feature active noise cancellation — but this doesn't result in a price hike.

In fact, the lower-tier model features ANC for $129, matching the price of the non-ANC model of the AirPods 4. The higher tier model goes for $149, which is $30 cheaper than the $179 AirPods 4 with ANC. This is especially notable in a time where most Apple prices have only gone up — including on the newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for tech price increases: See the full list

The AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are available for preorder now, with a release date of Friday, Sept. 18.

Here's what we else know about the newest addition to the AirPods lineup.

The Apple AirPods 5 features better noise cancellation, lower prices The volume stem on the AirPods 5 with wireless charging allows for more on-device control. Credit: Screenshot / Apple

We were expecting new AirPods with cameras at the September Apple event, but an update to the regular AirPods was also rumored in recent weeks.

The Apple AirPods 5 come with notable new features, including:

• Two models with and without ANC, priced at $129 and $149

• Updated adaptive EQ, which helps power better spatial audio

• 50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4

• Improved transparency mode for a more natural sound

• On the $149 model, a wireless charging case, and volume adjustment on the earbud stem

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

Despite the name, there's more of a difference between the two AirPods 5 models than just their charging cases.

• Battery life: The$149 AirPods 5 feature five hours per charge with ANC, besting the battery life of the AirPods 4 with ANC by one hour. With the case, these earbuds offer 22 hours of battery life.

• Volume control: For the first time on non-Pro earbuds, the stem of the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case has a force sensor volume swipe control on the stem.

• Wireless charging: The case on the more expensive AirPods 5 can be charged with an Apple Watch charger, Qi-compatible charger, and USB-C charger (which was available on the AirPods 4 with ANC).

Open-ear AirPods?

Technically, non-Pro versions of the AirPods have always been open-ear earbuds. That said, AirPods don't follow the model of most other open earbud models (that is, cuff or ear hook style buds).

Yes, there isn't an ear tip that sits in the ear canal, but the earbud is situated more as a semi-in ear bud than most other earbuds, which leave the ear canal completely unobstructed.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

With Apple Intelligence, you don't need to worry about emails or texts or calendar alerts. You can clear your skin and track your health stats and even generate entirely new realities.

And with Siri AI's Recap and Live Rewind, debuted at the Apple September iPhone event, it'll keep track of your memories, too.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods What do Live Rewind and Siri Recap do?

Announced Wednesday, Apple's new AI-powered audio features catch ambient audio of your live conversations in the background, analyzes them, and throws summaries, highlights, and direct quotes right back at you.

Forget the directions the stranger gave you? Siri's got you. Missed the thing your boss said? Siri is a great assistant. Didn't pay attention to the emotional story your best friend just recounted? Um — Hey Siri?

Apple's data collection feature calls to mind hardware devices like Pocket and Plaud, and AI recording and note-taking apps like Granola, which have become popular in Silicon Valley. The tool stirred immediate privacy concerns among Apple fans, with some likening it to a covert recording device — and once again calling to mind future data-mining technologies featured in Netflix sci-fi drama Black Mirror.

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When activated, Live Rewind uses that ambient recording ability to recount the last 15 seconds of audio captured in your vicinity, which can be saved to your device or described back to you instantly. Recap actively takes notes on conversations throughout your day, then offers up AI-generated summaries of what happened.

It's part of a fleet of Audio Intelligence features debuting with the new microphone aboard the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, including enhanced sound and music recognition.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Do these features collect your personal data?

Like its other Apple Intelligence features, Apple said during its presentation that recorded conversations for Siri AI's Recap and Live Rewind are end-to-end encrypted. Devices do not collect or store actual audio recordings, the company added, and Siri will not identify specific speakers or attribute quotes to named individuals.

Raw audio data — which Apple is adamant to describe not as exact transcripts, but as notes — is not accessible by app developers, users, or Apple itself.

Apple also added built-in content guardrails, which were not elaborated on during Wednesday's keynote. According to a blog post by Apple, Recaps are designed to "omit potentially harmful content." This means mentions of self-harm and hate speech won't be included in daily summaries. Similarly, Apple says Siri will filter out mentions of personally identifiable information like financial information or "authentication data" (passwords).

"While audio is not recorded and stored, and no speakers are attributed, consider those around you where conversations might be private or sensitive," Apple wrote.

Live Rewind with Siri Recap will be available in beta this fall, starting in English.

UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 1:43 p.m. This story was updated with additional information on privacy protections for Live Rewind and Siri Recap.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

The line between a phone camera and a professional camera just got a little bit blurrier.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, Apple introduced a variable-aperture main camera for both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max — giving creators a new level of control over light, focus, and the overall look of an image.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods

So, what exactly is a variable aperture? Put simply, the aperture is the opening inside a camera lens that determines how much light reaches the sensor. Previous iPhones used a fixed opening, which meant the phone had to rely heavily on software to adapt to different lighting conditions. The iPhone 18 Pro can physically widen or narrow that opening depending on the scene.

Variable aperture gives iPhone creators more control over light and depth of field. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

To make that possible inside a phone, Apple developed a system of six laser-cut blades, each thinner than a human hair. Made from a specialized polymer composite, the blades are designed to be light and flexible enough to move quickly while remaining durable over time.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

That tiny mechanical change could make a noticeable difference. In darker environments, the aperture opens to let in around 50 percent more light. In brighter conditions, it can close down to manage exposure while keeping more of the scene in focus.

And for creators, that means more control over depth of field and a more naturally cinematic look without relying entirely on digitally simulated background blur.

A wider aperture lets the iPhone 18 Pro capture more light—and more detail after dark. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Apple is also extending that flexibility beyond the moment of capture. Creators can apply Cinematic mode effects to regular video after it has been recorded, while 60-frames-per-second support allows footage to be slowed to half speed. Together, those additions make it easier to decide on a creative treatment during editing, rather than getting every setting perfectly right while filming.

Add a cinematic look to regular video, even after you’ve captured it. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

But Apple's push isn’t only about making images look more professional. It is also tackling a growing challenge created by AI: Proving that a photograph is real in the first place.

That's where the new "Apple Reference Image" comes in. The authentication system uses information captured by the iPhone's camera sensor at the moment a photo is taken, including a unique signature at the pixel level. Think of it as a secure digital negative — a hardware-backed link between the finished image and the physical camera that captured it.

Apple Reference Image helps creators prove a photo started with a real iPhone camera. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Here’s why that matters, especially right now. Most attempts to combat synthetic media focus on labeling AI-generated images or detecting them after they begin circulating. Apple is clearly approaching the problem from the opposite direction, and gives creators a way to demonstrate that an image originated with a real camera.

See what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Photographers can use a dedicated Reference mode in the Camera app. When an image needs to be verified, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute checks its raw data, capture timeframe and identifying characteristics of the sensor while limiting the information Apple retains. An authenticated image then receives a Reference badge that can be inspected on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

The Reference Image badge shows who captured the photo, where it was taken and the camera settings used. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Put it all together, and Apple wants the new iPhone 18 Pros to do two things at once: Help creators make images that feel less like they came from a phone, and help them prove those images came from a camera at all.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

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Apple's next big iOS update is finally on the launch pad.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, Apple showed off new wares like the iPhone 18 lineup, new Apple Watches, and more. One of the smaller (but still significant) nuggets of news to come out of the event concerned iOS 27. According to Apple, users with compatible iPhones will be able to install iOS 27 on Monday, Sept. 14.

What's new with iOS 27?

If you haven't been following along, iOS 27 is the one that finally brings us Siri AI. You can now talk to Siri like you would an AI chatbot, and it's powered by Google Gemini.

Some of the most exciting changes coming to iPhones involve new AI photo-editing features, such as spatial reframing. Users will more easily be able to remove unwanted details, or even describe the edits they'd like to Siri by voice or text. Android smartphones from Google and Samsung have had a full suite of AI editing tools for a couple years now, and Apple is finally catching up. Smart photo editing will also help users make the most of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new camera features.

Apple also included some new and subtle customization options for Liquid Glass, various small updates for apps like Health, Photos, and Notes, and more.

You can install iOS 27 by going to the Settings app, then General, then tapping "Software Update."

SEE ALSO: 5 Siri AI and iOS 27 features we’re looking forward to iOS 27 compatible devices

Of course, you can only go through that whole downloading process if you have a device that supports iOS 27. Here are the devices that work with the new iOS:

• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12

• iPhone 12 Mini

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 13 Mini

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16e

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17e

• iPhone Air

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max

• iPhone 18 Pro

• iPhone 18 Pro Max

• iPhone Duo

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck.

After years of rumors and leaks (not to mention increasingly convincing prototypes), Apple’s foldable iPhone is finally here.

At its "Surprise and shine" keynote today, Apple announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone. The book-style device opens to reveal a larger, iPad-like screen for apps, videos, games, and multitasking, while still folding down to fit in a pocket. As expected, the device carries a high price tag.

SEE ALSO: Apple's first foldable: What 3 years with a Fold taught me

The iPhone Duo is expected to start at $1,999 with 256GB of storage and go on pre-sale as early as Oct. 16. It will be available on Oct. 23.

iPhone Duo features and specifications Credit: Apple

With the Duo, Apple says it set out to make the experience feel continuous. The two sides meet inside a single frame, creating the largest display the company has ever designed for an iPhone. Apple says the open screen is 50 percent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max display and 80 percent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro’s.

The iPhone Duo has the following features:

Displays: A 5.4-inch outer Super Retina XDR display and a folding 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display. The larger screen is designed to feel spacious in both portrait and landscape orientations, while matching aspect ratios help content transition naturally when the phone is opened or closed. Both screens include ProMotion, an Always-On display, and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. The inner display also has a nano-texture finish intended to reduce glare, reflections, and the visibility of the crease.

Credit: Apple

Foldable design: A book-style design built around a precisely controlled hinge that supports the center of the display throughout the opening and closing motion. Apple says the uninterrupted interior screen has no visible crease, while its FaceTime camera is hidden beneath the display. An integrated magnet array keeps the phone securely closed, while more than 100 hinge components control its movement and hold the display flat when fully opened.

Multitasking: The foldable version of iOS 27 can show two Home Screens or run two apps side by side. Users can tap the divider to save apps as a pair and return to them together later. Videos can also be pinned at the top of the display while another app remains open below. Split View can also open two windows from the same app, allowing you to compare two Safari pages at once, for example. Apple says Netflix, Zoom, and Slack are among the third-party apps already adapted for the folding display.

Credit: Apple

Apple Pencil: Apple Pencil support turns the larger interior display into a space for handwriting, sketching, marking up documents, and more precise creative work. Support for Apple Pencil with USB-C is coming later this year and will work on both displays.

Credit: Apple

Flexible viewing: The Duo can remain open at different angles for hands-free video. Fold it in the opposite orientation, and the lower half can become a keyboard, giving the phone a compact, computer-like setup. The foldable design also expands StandBy, which works on either display — even when the phone isn’t charging.

Authentication and controls: Touch ID returns in the side button, allowing users to unlock the Duo whether it is open or closed. The phone can also unlock with a connected Apple Watch. Camera Control is also included and can launch the new Siri Camera mode, which lets Siri analyze what the camera sees to answer questions and take action.

Cameras: The rear system pairs a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera can capture images at up to 48MP, shoots at 24MP by default, and includes an optical-quality 2x Telephoto option. The Ultra Wide camera also supports macro photography.

Credit: Apple

Foldable camera features: The Duo's outer display can act as a preview while someone is being photographed with the rear cameras. Smart Take uses on-device AI to recognize when subjects are posing and automatically capture the shot, while Kid Cue plays Peanuts animations on the outer screen to help get a child’s attention. Users can also take higher-resolution selfies with the rear cameras and see themselves on the outer display.

Video: The 48MP main camera records 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Vision. Cinematic effects can be added after capture at up to 60 fps, while an updated Audio Mix can improve voices and isolate music. The Duo can also support itself for tripod-free time-lapse recording in 4K Dolby Vision.

Performance: The Duo is powered by the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, with a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says it delivers up to 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro, with twice the AI compute power and 50 percent more unified memory bandwidth. A custom vapor chamber helps manage heat during gaming, multitasking, and demanding AI tasks.

Apple Intelligence: The larger display is designed to work with Siri AI, allowing users to keep Siri open beside another app. Siri can use personal context, understand onscreen content, search across apps, and complete related actions. Apple Intelligence also adds Spatial Reframing, Extend, and an upgraded Clean Up tool for editing photos.

Credit: Apple

Battery: A battery on each side of the Duo works as a single dual-battery system. Apple rates it for up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display, 44 hours on the outer display, or 24 hours of mixed use. Wired charging can reach 50 percent in around 20 minutes, while MagSafe or Qi2 charging can reach 50 percent in around 30 minutes.

Audio: Two speakers — one at the top and another at the bottom — provide Spatial Audio for movies, music, and games.

Durability: Ceramic Shield protects the device, while internal structural elements are designed to make it feel solid each time it is opened or closed. Ceramic Shield 2 on the outer display offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation. The inner display uses a scratch-resistant coating, a custom nano-textured polymer layer, high-strength glass, and a titanium support plate. The Duo is also rated IP68 for splash, water, and dust resistance.

Materials: The enclosure is made from mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, while the 3D-printed hinge cover has a contrasting micro-blasted finish. Internal support ribs and ceramic-fiber inserts reinforce the frame.

Connectivity: The Duo is eSIM-only worldwide. Apple’s N1 wireless chip supports WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while its C2 modem adds AI-assisted improvements to cellular quality and reliability, including mmWave support in the U.S.

Colors: The iPhone Duo will be available in Star White and Night Sky.

Credit: Apple

Dimensions: Apple calls the Duo the thinnest iPhone it has ever made when opened. Closed, it is similar in size to a passport, and its outer display still provides 90 percent of the screen area of an iPhone 18 Pro.

Whether the iPhone Duo becomes the next major chapter in the iPhone’s history or remains an expensive niche device will become clearer once it starts reaching customers on Oct. 23.

This is a developing story...

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park

The talk of the internet during this September Apple event might be the foldable iPhone, but the tech giant released a slew of other products today, including the Apple Watch Series 12.

In 2025, rumors circulated that Apple was keeping major upgrades to the Apple Watch under wraps, and that turned out to be right. The Apple Watch Series 11 only saw some minor-seeming improvements, like chip tweaks. But it also boasted a 24-hour battery life, which was significant. No FaceTime calls or Apple Intelligence camera last year, though.

What about the Series 12? Apple calls it the "ultimate device for a healthy life."

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods The Apple Watch Series 12 price, release date, new features Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Priced at $399, the newest Apple smartwatch will be available for preorder today and released on Sept. 18. ultimate device for a healthy life

The Apple Watch Series 12 has the following features:

• Health Sensing System that provides a more accurate, continuous heart rate data. The new Apple Watch takes background heart rate readings every 5 seconds, which is 60 times more often than before. It also tracks HRV (how the body responds to stress and recovery) every 5 minutes, which is 24 times more than before.

• New additions include a Readiness score, whether you're prepping for a race or a busy week. Readiness analyzes recent activity, vitals, and sleep to give you a score — whether you should recover, pace yourself, or you're ready. (Notably, the Oura Ring already has a Readiness score.)

• On the Apple Intelligence front, the Apple Watch Series 12 introduces Audio Intelligence, including a host of tools thanks to the watch's built-in headphones. Sound Recognition can listen for sounds like alarms, door bells, and baby cries. Live Rewind chronicles the last 15 seconds of a conversation, while Siri Recap uses ambient listening to take notes of conversations. (Apple assured that the audio isn't recorded or stores, the audio can't be accessed, and speakers not identified. All live rewind syncs are end-to-end encrypted, apparently.) Audio Intelligence will be available in English beta later this year

The Apple Watch Series 12 comes in space gray, black, light gold, and dark bronze, and 100 percent recycled aluminum. There are gold and silver metal versions, and pearl white and night blue ceramic versions. As the Series 11, the Series 12 has a 24-hour battery life

All the health stats flow into the Health app, which is getting a redesign later this year. New additions to Health app include personalized guidance powered by Apple Intelligence, Health Age, and a new Longevity tab.

This is a developing story...

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are official!

Apple announced its next-generation iPhone lineup at its big September "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, after months of rumors and leaks about the devices.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299. Preorders begin on Sept. 12, and the new iPhones will officially be released on Sept. 18. 

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods Meet the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max specs, which include new A20 Pro Credit: Apple

As expected, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive with critical upgrades:

The new Apple smartphones will be powered by the company's latest Silicon chipset, the A20 Pro. The A20 Pro was built for AI processing, just as Apple launches the new Siri AI with iOS 27, so it will easily be able to handle Apple's most advanced new AI features. Apple said it had to completely redesign its Silicon chipset in order to create the A20 Pro.

In addition to the chip itself, Apple created a brand-new next-generation vapor chamber to keep the iPhone cool and deliver the highest possible performance.

And Apple really showcased that power during the event by focusing on Apple Intelligence and all-new Siri AI features.

New iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max colors revealed

As leaked by a few third-party case makers last week, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in four colors: black, silver, burgundy, and a light blue, which Apple is calling "glacier.

Credit: Apple

Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, specifically confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro models will be available in an "incredibly deep black," answering users' complaints about the lack of a black colorway in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 battery life

Reports previously claimed that the premium iPhone 18 models would be receiving a big battery upgrade, and Apple delivered. Even though the iPhone 18 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple says it delivers the same battery life. As for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is calling it the "the largest increase of battery life ever on iPhone."

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro provides 36 hours of video playback and 24 hours of battery life per charge. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has 45 hours of video playback and lasts 30 hours per charge. Apple also says that the iPhone 18 Pro can reach 50 percent charge in 15 minutes. Just 5 minutes of charging time result in an additional 6 hours of video playback.

Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cameras get massive upgrade

This is the big upgrade. Speculation about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera upgrades has been spreading online for years. The new Pro iPhone 18 models introduce a physical variable aperture in their 48MP fusion main camera, providing users with ultimate control over depth of field and low-light photography. Apple says it included laser-cut components thinner than a human hair to pull this off.

In addition to the anticipated variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have new Pro Controls for more professional photo and video outputs.

Credit: Apple

Apple also introduced Apple Reference Image, which signs photo data on each image to confirm what was actually in the shot.

Smaller Dynamic Island: The Dynamic Island has been shrunk, while simultaneously gaining additional functionality with 3-in-1 activity display.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max prices

The iPhone 18 Pro will launch at a starting price of $1,199, while the iPhone Pro Max will start at $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Starting at $1,199 Learn More

This is a developing story...

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Last month, we reported that Apple would likely be raising iPhone prices after raising MacBook and iPad prices earlier this summer. And now that the annual September Apple event is here, we can confirm that the iPhone 18 Pro line has fallen victim to price hikes.

We speculated that Apple might raise phone prices by $100 to stay in line with Samsung's and Google's increases — or, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said, that Apple might feel like it could get away with higher price hikes than competitors thanks to the company's new Upgrade program. Apple's "Surprise and Shine" keynote has confirmed a $100 increase for the Pro and Pro Max models.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced on Sept. 9. The base model iPhone 18 will be announced at a later date. The new phones have the following MSRPs:

• iPhone 18 Pro: Starting at $1,199 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro)

• iPhone 18 Pro Max: Starting at $1,299 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max)

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Apple's new iPhone lineup is here, and there's a burgundy gem among the available colors.

Announced at Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday in Cupertino, California, the tech giant's new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Pro Max will come in a rich burgundy hue, which is as far from Cosmic Orange as you can get.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods

Previously rumored as "Dark Cherry," the burgundy color will be available on the iPhone 18 Pro alongside light blue, black, and silver. It's like having a dark academia wine bar in my pocket.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro comes in burgundy. Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

Mashable's Matt Binder has all the details you need about the tech and specs of the new iPhones.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

New CEO John Ternus is ushering in the next era for Apple, including the shiny new iOS 27 and its AI-powered features.

Debuting alongside the brand-new iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's game-changing folding iPhone Duo, iOS 27 promises a more streamlined experience across the company's app ecosystem and finally addresses some longstanding complaints.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods iOS27 highlights

Apple's latest operating system is banking heavily on its new Siri AI, a supercharged version of the assistant that the company has been teasing for years. With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri can write for you, edit photos, make custom shortcuts, and much, much more.

Siri isn't the only iOS 27 upgrade, though. Apple announced improvements to Maps and Wallet, better Camera launch and AirDrop drop speeds, and

Check out more from the new iOS below:

• Updated Liquid Glass: Apple is adding new customizable options for its Liquid Glass design.

• Alarm volume fixes: iOS 27 will let users customize volume levels for individual alarms, independent from device sound levels. For those who have woken up to a silent alarm one too many times, this is huge.

• iPhone Hand Off: Users can use one number across two phones. The feature initially launches with T-Mobile customers, with Verizon and other carriers to follow.

• Shared albums: Apple users can now add their Android and Windows friends to shared albums via iCloud, which now include options for full-resolution photos.

• Video to Photo: No need for screenshots, users can save select video frames as photos right in their camera roll.

• Apple Music: Apple is adding new transition options and refreshing its music pages.

• Apple Podcasts: Looking for a specific moment in your fav podcast? Siri now lets you search in shows as you watch.

• New keyboards: Apple is adding new keyboards for indigenous languages.

• New parental controls: First announced at WWDC, Apple users can set up Child Accounts for minors, which include a suite of new safety features for web browsing and communication.

• New Health app features: Also announced at WWDC, Apple's latest health support features for menopause and perimenopause are now rolling out.

How to get iOS27

iOS 27 is available starting Sept. 14 for compatible Apple users.

To upgrade your device, go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. Just make sure your phone is backed up and plugged in before hitting start.

Mac users can download OS 27 (aka "Golden Gate") now. And don't worry, iPad users, you get all of the new features too, with iPadOS 27.

UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 11:27 a.m. This story was updated with a specific release date for iOS27.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

SAVE $150: Amazon and Best Buy have the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) on sale for just $1,649 as of Sept. 9. That's 8% off its usual retail price of $1,799 and $50 better than its Labor Day deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,649 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,799 Save $150   Get Deal

It's a big week for all things Apple, including Apple deals. Right now, Amazon and Best Buy are offering a very rare discount on the starlight, 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 1TB of storage: It usually retails for $1,799, but you can score it on sale for just $1,649 — its lowest price since late June, when it got a $200 price increase.

As I've written before, decent MacBook deals have become scarcer ever since Apple raised its prices this summer. The ultraportable MacBook Air, Apple's most popular laptop, has also reportedly faced shortages in recent months. You can blame RAMageddon on both counts.

Apple's M5 MacBook Air (pictured here in sky blue) is our favorite MacBook for most people. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This particular MacBook Air deal is especially surprising to see because the same model was only $100 off over Labor Day weekend. (I normally expect retailers to save their best, highest discounts for their holiday sales.) Also worth noting: This deal manages to beat Apple's $100 education discount, too.

The 15-inch MacBook Air is our reigning favorite MacBook for most people for its fast, versatile performance, lightweight design, and ample future-proofing. Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth called it a "damn near-perfect machine," and we think it's still a good value even after its price bump. Still, waiting for a good deal never hurts. Snagging it on sale right now means you're only paying a $50 premium on its original MSRP.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

SAVE $15.82: As of Sept. 9, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is on sale at Amazon for just $63.18 as a Lightning deal. That's 20% in savings, but you'll have to act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xteink Xteink X3 mini e-reader $63.18 at Amazon
$79 Save $15.82   Get Deal

If you've ever wished you could slip a book into your pocket, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader was made for you. And for a limited time, it's on sale for 20% off its already affordable cost.

As of Sept. 9, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is just $63.18 as a Lightning deal at Amazon. That's $15.82 less than its $79 price tag, but you'll have to act fast to secure the discount. You only have about 10 hours (at the time of writing) to get your hands on this deal, or until the counter bar says "100% claimed." So, don't delay pressing that add-to-cart button.

I have to be honest here; I don't particularly understand the hype of this ultra-mini, ultra-trendy e-reader. I prefer my basic Kindle, which is already small enough to fit in my purse. It also doesn't have backlighting, which means you can only read in bright settings (a personal dealbreaker for me). But surely there must be a reason this thing is popular. With a 3.7-inch screen, it's not only small enough to slip in your pocket (yes, even women's pockets), but can also magnetically attach to the back of your phone for seamless reading on the go. It'll last you up to 10 hours before needing a charge and offers 16GB of built-in memory, with up to 256GB expandable memory.

Also, like the Xteink X4 Pro that Mashable's Sam Mangino tested, the Xteink X3 is only compatible with DRM-free e-books. That means no DRM-protected books from Kindle, Libby, or other platforms. Mangino notes that articles you can upload via URL work best on these tiny e-readers. Still, for the cute mini form factor and TikTok cred, $63 really isn't a bad deal. Just be sure you know what you're signing up for.

In a shock to no one, IFA 2026 introduced the world to new tech that we cannot wait to try out. Dyson showcased the $500 squiring toothbrush during an off-site event, DJI launched a brand new 360-degree camera we have fingers crossed hard will land in the U.S., and Anker released a dizzying number of new headphones and earbuds.

But if we're being honest, there was a standout product at IFA in 2026, and it was not the humanoid robots that walked around holding hands with attendees. The robot lawn mowers won IFA 2026, and there's good reason.

Do you really need a robot lawn mower?

The robot lawn mowers are getting smarter, more efficient, and easier to use than ever before. We're long past the era of having to bury a wire boundary to the point that most robot lawn mowers are nearly plug and play. After the initial mapping, they're off doing their thing without needing any assistance.

This year, IFA held an outdoor exhibition area for robot lawn mowers to do their thing outside with real-life conditions. But to be honest, the indoor displays were much more impressive, incorporating steep slopes, obstacles, and big hurdles for the robots to show off their skills. 

In an email to Mashable, CEO at IFA Leif Linder said, "The interest in robot lawn mowers reminds me of where robot vacuums were a few years ago. What started as an interesting innovation is quickly becoming a part of everyday life," he said. "These mowers handle the yard on autopilot, adapt to terrain and weather, and give you time back every week. Robotics become truly extraordinary when they take care of your problems instead of becoming one more thing you have to manage, and robotic lawn mowers have just crossed that threshold."

Below, I've rounded up the coolest robot lawn mowers I saw at IFA 2026 and models that could be worth considering if you're over the chore of keeping the lawn manicured.

Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series

The tech mega brand Dreame keeps surprising us, in the best way possible. The brand makes one of Mashable's favorite robot vacuums for cleaning up pet hair and the affordable Dreame Chrona LED mask is a top pick. But in a corner of the brand's giant display at IFA, we got to see Dreame's lineup of robot lawn mowers. Specifically, the Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series brings about a solution to a pesky issue with robot lawn mowers: getting those satisfying perfect edges.

Dreame's robot lawn mower course features steep hills and obstacles. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

At the Dreame booth, I was able to flip the A4 AWD Pro over to check out just how the robot mower goes about achieving an edge-to-edge cut. In addition the main cutting blades, a designated blade setup hangs out near the edge, making it possible to get a clean cut that doesn't require you to follow along with a trimmer.

Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

At the time of writing, we don't have U.S. pricing or a exact launch date for the new Dream A4 AWD Pro. If you're in a hurry to snag a Dreame robot lawn mower to work on fall yard maintenance, check out the Dreame LiDAR 3500 Robot Lawn Mower A3 AWD.

Segway Navimow X430 Robot Lawn Mower

You know Segway for making electric scooters a thing, but the brand has so much more on offer including a solid lineup of robot lawn mowers. At IFA 2026, the brand introduced us to the Navimow H5 Pro which has a circular mowing disc that slides out when needed to get clean edges.

A cutting deck that knowns how to get close to the edge. Credit: Segway Navimow

But a model that's already out in the U.S. also showed off at IFA: the Navimow X430 robot lawn mower. This robot can handle mowing yards that measure up to one acre, and it's zero-turn maneuvering means there's less of a chance a turn could cause damage to the lawn.

All-terrain wheels come in handy during rain. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Another major benefit of robot lawn mowers that's apparent with the Navimow X430 is how quiet they can operate. There's no way I could stand beside a traditional gas mower and hold a conversation at a normal level, but that's easy next to the Navimow X430. The brand mentions this model stays under 68 decibels. It's also on sale at Amazon today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Navimow Navimow X430 $2,249 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $250   Get Deal Yarbo M Series

In an industry where features between brands can blur, Yarbo stands out. The brand is making modular robot lawn mowers that can be used as a robot lawn mower in the spring and summer and then transform into a leaf collector come fall and a snow blower in the winter. Of course, you'll need the add-on accessories to make this happen, but the versatility on its own is impressive. In addition, Yarbo models have towing capabilities.

The Yarbo M Series focuses on a compact design. Credit: Yarbo

The Yarbo is already available for sale in the U.S. as either a robot lawn mower or in several bundle options to include the leaf collector, snow blower, and trimmer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yarbo Yarbo modular robot lawn mower $4,999 at Amazon
  Get Deal Roborock RockMow Z1 and RockNeo Q2

Like Dreame, we've come to love Roborock robot vacuums which means we're thrilled to see them expand into the area of robot lawn mowers. At IFA, the brand showcased two new models. The rugged Roborock RockMow Z1 has 4WD and LiDAR navigation. The more compact RockNeo Q2 has a unique feature of a WiFi repeater module in the charging base itself which helps keep a stable connection to your home's WiFI.

Most robot lawn mowers want the base to be outside, but the Roborock can be outside or inside. Credit: Roborock

We don't have U.S. launch date information or pricing on either of these models yet, but we'll keep an eye on availability. If you're looking for a Roborock model that's already available in the U.S., look to the Roborock RockNeo Q110H which happens to be on a great sale at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock RockNeo Q110H Robot Lawn Mower $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $499.01   Get Deal

Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event is sure to be full of surprises, but the imminent launch of the new AI-powered Siri is not one of them.

The tech giant has been dangling its new, technologically advanced Siri over the heads of Apple users for years, following a 2024 announcement that Apple was overhauling its famed assistance as the company dived deeper into AI. In June, the company debuted the first glimpses of a new Siri with the first-ever Siri app, followed shortly by access to Siri AI via the iOS 27 beta.

Beta testers likened the experience to using other popular chatbots, like ChatGPT and Gemini, but with the added umph of Siri having access to your entire phone, including emails, calendar, and notes app. Apple has described it as a "truly helpful AI that’s centered around you and your needs."

Now, as Apple readies iOS 27 for rollout, the dream of a better Siri may finally come true.

Siri plus Apple Intelligence

Apple's supercharged AI Siri — now simply referred to as Siri AI — is powered by the conversational capabilities of Apple Intelligence. At this year's Apple developers' conference, the company announced that Apple Intelligence would receive its own upgrade, powered by Google Gemini models, to bring it up to snuff with competitors.

With these new models behind it, Siri can more efficiently scour the web for information, answer requests using natural language processing, and understand exactly what's on your screen. Here's a breakdown of Siri's other features:

• Dedicated app: A new app exclusively for Siri, which allows users to talk directly with the assistant in a dedicated chat space.

• Siri Camera mode: iPhone users can press the Siri button while using the camera to get live context and ask questions about what their viewfinder is capturing.

• Image Playground: A major upgrade to its previous iterations, Siri AI can now generate realistic images.

• Photo editing: With the help of Apple Intelligence, Siri can expand your images or even reframe their perspective.

• Text editing: Siri is further integrated into writing across Apple apps, including Notes, email, and text messages.

• Automatic shortcuts: Siri can create a complicated shortcut with ease, using just your description.

Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot How to try Siri AI

The new Siri is now available via beta and will roll out in English to Apple iOS 27 and macOS 27 users this fall. Apple explained that beta testers may face usage limits as the company continues to test Apple Intelligence capabilities.

UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 10:19 a.m. This story was updated with new information about Siri AI beta and the Siri AI rollout timeline.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

SAVE $78: As of Sep. 9, get the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $76.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $76.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $78.00   Get Deal

If you're looking to get a new tablet but don't want to break the bank, you should seriously consider a device from the Amazon Fire family. Right now, you can score one for a significant discount, and it's well worth swooping in and grabbing, especially as it's the lowest price we've seen on this particular model all year.

As of Sep. 9, get the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $76.99 at Amazon. That's $78 off and a discount of 50%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best tablets of 2026: Comparing iPad, Samsung, and Lenovo

While this tablet isn't quite as zippy or as powerful as a member of the iPad family, it's still a great pick for under $100. It works great as a quick and easy way to browse the internet, watch your favorite shows and movies, or just keep up with friends and family. It's also perfect to give younger (but still mature) kids who need a tablet as well.

Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "great for on-the-go entertainment" and labeled it an "excellent value", which means it'll worth investing in at this discount while it lasts. Since it's up for grabs for such a great price, it's likely that discount won't be around for very long, so it might be prudent to add it to your cart while it's still here.

TL;DR: The HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is $599.99 at Staples, down from $1,149.99. That's a $550 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

I used to use only HP laptops until I got my MacBook, but according to our Senior Shopping Reporter, Haley Henschel, this unassuming laptop beats Apple and other brands for battery life.

During hands-on testing, the HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop clocked 40 hours and 14 minutes of continuous playback on a single charge. According to Henschel, "No other laptop we've tested (PC, MacBook, or Chromebook) comes remotely close to rivaling its stamina." In fact, it ran for nearly twice as long as Mashable's top-performing MacBook Pro.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best laptops for college students at school this fall

"If you're looking for the best battery life laptop of 2026, your hunt ends here," Henschel wrote, noting that its "multi-day stamina" makes it the perfect match for on-the-go workers "who hate fighting over outlets at cafés and airports." Henschel praised its huge, surprisingly colorful 16-inch display, comfy keyboard, and added that it "runs super cool and quiet" even when stressed out with tons of browser tabs.

And right now, you can get it on sale. Staples is still having its Labor Day Sale (whether the dev just forgot to take it down is neither here nor there), and the HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop is listed at $599.99, down from $1,149.99. That's a $550 discount and a damn good deal for a laptop that can outlast a MacBook.

The premise of Abner Pastoll's horror film Nervous is sure to spark internet opinions: a woman suddenly becomes unable to hear men's voices, while women's voices sound crisp and clear. 

It's a topical hypothetical from the British-South African director of 2019's A Good Woman Is Hard to Find that harnesses the power of feeling heard, with Nervous' central character isolated and dismissed by her husband as paranoid. Nervous creates a feeling that's effectively captured through sound itself, with Pastoll's team crafting an unsettling immersive experience — though there's one element of the film that raised this critic's eyebrows.

Premiered at this year's FrightFest in London, Nervous demands to be experienced in a cinema — or at least with the best sound system you can find.

What is Nervous about? Ko Asung and Sarah Bolger in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story Robot

Married couple Sarah (Sarah Bolger) and Sungsoo (Sungsoo Yune) — the actors' characters share their real names — have plans to buy a house together, so when Sungsoo decides to go house hunting himself, surprising his wife with a furniture-less rural abode outside Seoul, she feels undermined by his attempted grand romantic gesture. It doesn't help that there's a strange woman milling around the house when they arrive, and reports of stabbings and disappearances in the area being reported on the radio.

Sarah is Irish, Sungsoo is Korean, with language an awkward but steadily evolving dynamic between them. However, Sarah's feeling of isolation swells as she's often spoken for in conversations and left to her own devices as a newly minted housewife. Sarah has left her career as an investigative journalist to run the household, with Sungsoo constantly referring to her inquiring mind as a negative; as obsessive, over-the-top "here you go again" behaviour. We learn over the course of the film why Sarah tends toward such insistent investigation, but before we get there, the couple discover a creepy black record player in the attic, equipped with a completely silent album.

After listening to this supposedly empty recording, Sarah starts to lose her ability to hear men, starting with an increasingly frustrated Sungsoo. But someone she can hear loud and clear is their mysterious and alluring neighbour, Eunbyeol (The Host's Ko Asung). Is Sarah's experience medical? Or is there something more supernatural going on?

Featured Video For You 'No Other Choice' skewers the job market. Here's why Park Chan-wook made it. Nervous is a triumph of sound design, of course Sungsoo Yune in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story Robot

For the film to work, properly immersing the audience in a sense of auditory distinction, Nervous needs impeccable sound design. Thankfully, supervising sound editor Nick Baldock (Black Mirror) and his team create a fittingly rattling ride for the viewer, in which men's voices become more muffled, women's crisp and clear. 

The task requires considerable craft from the actors, especially Bolger, with sharp editing from Pastoll, visceral foley artistry, and compelling cinematography from Jungmin Lee that plays with depth of field to determine Sarah's focus. And it's paired with some grisly body horror elements, with watch-through-your-hands gore from visual effects artists Mykola Shurin and Howard Gardner. Nervous will have you painfully aware of each and every sound after you leave the cinema.

Nervous plays with oppressed desire through a tired trope  Ko Asung in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story Robot

As Sarah's focus pulls from the men in her life — her husband, doctors, friends — Nervous plays with desire through the character of Eunbyeol. It's here the film unfortunately falls into the "depraved bisexual" trope, in which Eunbyeol is presented as the temptress next door, a lust-fueled predator poised to disrupt the film's main "conventional" marriage. While Ko's bold performance brings nuance and genuine likability to the character, the film itself seems set against her through sexually charged cinematography and editing, and non-existent backstory in the script.

It's a shame the film leans into such a stale trope, as it undermines the effective central message of women feeling unheard, not believed, and being portrayed as paranoid. While Sarah's burgeoning desire is portrayed as innocuous, Eunbyeol is seen as a vamp dancing on a moral compass. Bolger and Ko's chemistry here is undeniable, but to see this stereotype still pervading 2026 cinema is frustrating.

While this element of the film is disappointing, the effect of the film overall is memorable, as a spark-igniting speculation on what it means to be heard or to truly hear others as a woman. Pastoll uses the horror genre to consider the inner workings of a couple, the idea of broken trust, and a sense of gender roles informing behaviour. Make sure you watch it at full volume.

Nervous was reviewed out of FrightFest in August 2026. Cinematic release details are TBC.

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