On Wednesday, Apple began its annual conference to unveil its latest products with the appearance of its former CEO, Tim Cook, before the new CEO, John Terrence, introduced the audience, saying: “This is your man,” in a scene that bore an indication of the transition of leadership within the American technology giant, coinciding with the unveiling of new generations of the company’s most prominent products.
The event, which was held at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, represented the first major product conference during the era of Terrence, who assumed the position of CEO in early September, while the company's first foldable iPhone topped the company's advertisements, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the AirPods 5, and the new generation of Apple Watch watches.
“iPhone Duo”...the first foldable phone from “Apple”
The “iPhone Duo” is at the forefront of Apple’s advertisements, as it is the first foldable phone in the company’s history, in a major shift in the traditional design of the “iPhone”. The device adopts a design that opens to provide an internal screen that is the largest ever in the company’s phones, with an area exceeding 50 percent of the “iPhone 18 Pro Max” screen, with an external screen that allows the device to be used as a traditional phone when closed. (Apple)
The internal screen is 7.6 inches, Super Retina Apple also hid the FaceTime camera under the internal screen to provide a continuous viewing area without visual interruption. (Apple)
The company adopted a frame and detailed cover made of fifth-grade titanium, with a scratch-resistant layer on the internal screen and a “Ceramic Shield” layer on the front and back, in addition to water and dust resistance according to the “IP68” standard. The hinge design allows the phone to be used in different positions, including placing it on a surface to watch video or make FaceTime calls without having to hold it. (Apple)
In terms of performance, the “iPhone Duo” works with the “A20 Pro” chip with two neural engines that include a total of 16 cores to process artificial intelligence applications, in addition to a cooling system that relies on a vapor chamber. Apple says that the six-core CPU is up to 20 percent faster compared to the A19 Pro chip, while the memory range has increased by up to 50 percent. (Apple)
The device uses, for the first time on the iPhone, a system that relies on two batteries to take advantage of the internal space on both sides of the phone, in addition to a design based on the electronic chip “eSIM” and the new “C2” modem. The video playback time reaches 31 hours using the internal screen and 44 hours using the external screen, while the battery can be charged to 50 percent within about 20 minutes using fast wired charging. (Apple)
As for photography, it relies on a 48-megapixel dual rear camera system, which includes a main camera and an ultra-wide camera, with support for 4K video shooting at a rate of up to 120 frames per second. It also includes a 12-megapixel front camera, in addition to a FaceTime camera hidden under the internal screen. Cameras benefit from having two screens, as the person being photographed can see a live preview of the image on the external screen. (Apple)
Apple developed the iOS 27 system to take advantage of the new design, as it is possible to run two applications side by side on the internal screen, and watch video while using another application, in addition to switching between the external and internal screen according to the device’s status.
The iPhone Duo is available in two colors: Night Sky and Star White.
“iPhone 18 Pro”...focus on the camera and artificial intelligence
The camera topped the most prominent changes in the “iPhone 18 Pro” and “iPhone 18 Pro Max”, as the 48-megapixel main camera got a variable lens aperture for the first time in “iPhone” phones, giving the user greater ability to control the depth of field and the amount of light entering the sensor.
Apple added professional photography tools that allow manual control of aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure, in addition to improvements in 4K video shooting and Dolby Vision high dynamic range.
In light of the rapid spread of images produced and modified with artificial intelligence, the company introduced the “Reference Images” feature, which aims to help verify the authenticity of the images. The technology relies on creating an uneditable reference copy of the captured image, which can later be compared to the modified copies to see what changes have been made to them.
The two phones work with the “A20 Pro” chip manufactured with 2 nm technology, with an increase in graphics processing capabilities and running artificial intelligence models directly on the device. Apple also redesigned the heat management system using a larger vapor chamber, which it said helps increase sustained performance by up to 40 percent compared to the previous generation.
The battery also received updates, as the video playback time reaches 36 hours in the “iPhone 18 Pro” and 45 hours in the “iPhone 18 Pro Max” in models that rely exclusively on the electronic chip.
Apple will offer versions that rely on the electronic chip only in a group of markets, including Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, in addition to the United States, Canada, and Japan. Pre-order for the two phones begins on September 12, while the devices are available from September 18.
“AirPods 5”
As part of updating audio products, Apple unveiled the AirPods 5, which comes with a design that keeps the ear open with a new multi-port audio structure, improvements to sound quality and noise cancellation technologies.
The company said that the new generation provides up to 50 percent more noise cancellation compared to the “AirPods 4” headphones with the active noise cancellation feature, in addition to an improved sound transparency pattern and the “Adaptive Sound” feature, which automatically balances noise isolation and hearing ambient sounds according to the environment in which the user is located.
The headphones support responding to the voice assistant “Siri” using head gestures, while the “Conversation Awareness” feature automatically reduces the volume of the content when the user starts talking to someone nearby.
As for the version equipped with a wireless charging case, it provides up to five hours of listening with the noise cancellation feature turned on on a single charge, and about 22 hours using the charging case, in addition to the ability to control the volume directly from the headset.
“Apple Watch Series 12”
In wearable devices, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 12, which focuses more on monitoring health and fitness, with a new sensor system and the S11 chip to provide more frequent measurements of heart rate and heart rate variation.
Apple said that the watch can measure the heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, while the new data allows it to provide a more detailed picture of the activity and physiological state of the user.
Among the new additions is the “Readiness” feature, which collects activity data, training load, sleep, and vital signs to provide an assessment from zero to 10 that helps the user know the extent of his readiness for activity or his need for recovery. The rating changes throughout the day as new data comes in.
The watch also includes features for tracking sleep, heart health, ECG, and alerting to indicators of sleep apnea, in addition to fall detection and emergency features. The S11 chip will also provide features to recognize important sounds in the surrounding environment, with the aim of helping the deaf and hard of hearing.
The Series 12 provides a battery life of up to 24 hours, and up to 10 hours during outdoor exercise, while a 15-minute charge gives up to an additional 12 hours of use.
The watch is available in sizes 42 and 46 millimeters and in aluminium, titanium and ceramic options, and will hit the market on September 18.
«Apple Watch Ultra 4»
Apple also revealed the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which is aimed more at athletes and lovers of adventures and outdoor activities, with a combination of the new health sensor system, the S11 chip, and advanced capabilities for tracking exercises and navigation.
The watch provides high-frequency measurements of heart rate and heart rate variation, in addition to the “readiness” feature found in the “Series 12”, with a focus on providing data that helps athletes monitor stress levels, recovery, and preparation for training.
Apple is also betting on the battery as one of the strengths of the Ultra 4, as its lifespan reaches 50 hours in daily use, and rises to 84 hours when running low power mode. Jogging, walking and long outdoor trips can also be tracked for up to 45 hours, with location data still being recorded once every second.
The company said that the watch also offers an advanced positioning system, in addition to satellite communication capabilities and health and safety features, while charging for 15 minutes provides up to an additional 18 hours of use.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is available in two options, natural titanium and black, and will arrive in the market as of September 18.
The Huawei Watch Kids
Compliance with Saudi standards
The watch series, in its regular and “Pro” versions, is the first series of children’s watches equipped with a camera that complies with the standards of both the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standardization, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Middle East” tested the “Pro” version of the series, and we mention a summary of the experience.
Innovative design
The design of the watch combines a futuristic look with durable metal touches, accompanied by an AMOLED screen with a diameter of 1.82 inches, which provides a clear view and is comfortable for the eyes.
The screen supports full 360-degree rotation, with the ability to flip it, giving children freedom and ease of use.
The Pro version features an instantly detachable and mountable design, with an attached camera case and suspension strap, to transform the watch body into a mobile pocket camera with ease.
- The thickness of the watch is only 13.4 millimeters, and it is comfortable to wear for extended periods, with a strap with a three-dimensional design.
The watch is resistant against getting wet according to IPX8 and IPX9 standards, with its ability to withstand twice the atmospheric pressure while swimming, playing in the rain, or washing hands without any worry.
Superior safety and security of baby monitor
The watch's advanced safety features put parents' peace of mind first, by providing accurate tracking and immediate response in emergency situations.
The watch relies on Huawei's self-developed location technology, which includes GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS, in addition to dual-band Wi-Fi networks to determine the child's location with extreme accuracy inside and outside buildings.
The “Safety Zones” feature allows parents to draw geographical boundaries through the FamCare application, and receive immediate alerts when the child enters or leaves those boundaries.
- The SOS emergency button is activated by pressing the side button five times in a row to send an immediate distress call, in addition to providing a “Class Mode” mode to prevent the child from being distracted and to perform his homework quietly.
The “Fam Care” application allows you to manage the watch remotely, and to approve exclusively contacts and friends, to ensure a communication environment free of numbers or strangers, while sending messages received from unknown contacts to parents for review and management.
Integrated healthcare and vital signs monitoring
The watch gives top priority to the child’s physical and psychological health through advanced sensors that provide a continuous picture of his general condition.
It is the first children's watch to include a PhotoPlethysmoGraphy PPG optical heart rate sensor, to monitor heart rate 24 hours a day and provide accurate graphs of health status.
- It provides a feature of tracking the mood and emotional state to display the child’s psychological state through simplified cartoon icons (cheerful, neutral, or frustrated), to help parents understand their children’s daily feelings.
- The feature supports the arrangement of walking steps, and turns daily physical activity into fun interactive challenges that stimulate movement and healthy physical activity.
Creative photography abilities
The watch allows children to document their memories and daily experiences, thanks to advanced and fun photography equipment:
The front camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, with an ultra-wide viewing angle of 110 degrees for taking integrated group photos.
The rear camera has a resolution of 13 megapixels to clearly capture the details of the surrounding world.
The camera supports shooting using the timer, night mode, and more than 100 creative photography styles, in addition to 14 custom filters, and more than 100 interactive stickers that allow children to express their artistic creativity.
Video calls and advanced communications
Instant communication features ensure that parents stay in visible and stable communication with their children at every moment.
- The watch supports making high-resolution video calls using the front and rear cameras, allowing parents to see the child and his surroundings in real time during transportation or emergencies.
- The AI Noise Cancellation algorithm is activated, to ensure that the child’s voice is heard completely clearly even in noisy places, such as playgrounds and schools.
The watch supports coverage of more than 30 frequency bands globally, in addition to providing the MeeTime application, to ensure smooth communication anywhere and anytime.
Support social growth and safe communication
The advantages of social communication help build a child’s social skills and self-confidence within a reliable, protected, interactive environment.
The “Shake to Add Friends” feature allows children to add their friends with a simple touch, or a shake of the wrist, between “Huawei” watches for children and similar watches in complete safety.
- It allows sharing identification cards and recommendations from friends, to enhance enjoyable social interaction without exposing the child’s security to any risk.
Battery and technical performance
As for the technical specifications of the Huawei Watch Kids X1 Pro, they are:
-Screen diameter: 1.82 inches.
-Image resolution: 408 x 480 pixels.
-Forearm diameter: 120-190 mm.
-Front camera resolution: 5 megapixels.
-Rear camera resolution: 13 megapixels.
-Built-in storage capacity: 64 GB.
-Working memory: 2 GB.
-Battery charge: 850 mAh - 1 hour.
-Buttons: A button to return to the main screen.
-Fast charging support: Yes, it can charge up to 50 percent of the battery in just 20 minutes, thanks to the magnetic charging design.
-Support wireless networks: “Wi-Fi”, “Bluetooth”, and telecommunications networks.
-Built-in speaker and microphone: Yes.
-Thickness: 13.4 mm.
-Weight: 72 grams (with bracelet).
Huawei Watch Kids X1 specifications
As for the specifications of the Huawei Watch Kids X1, they are the same as the specifications of the “Pro” version above, but with the following differences:
-Forearm diameter: 115-190 mm.
-Built-in storage capacity: 32 GB.
-Weight: 70 grams (with bracelet).
-The camera cannot be separated from the bracelet and turned into a handheld camera.
-Availability: The watch is available in the Arab region in purple or black for the “Pro” version at a price of 1,299 Saudi riyals (about 346 US dollars), starting from the fourth week of this September, with the ability to pre-order it starting today. The price of the regular version of the watch is 999 Saudi riyals (about 266 US dollars), and it is available in blue or pink.
Meta announced the launch of Muse, a personal artificial intelligence agent designed to carry out tasks on behalf of users, in a step that moves the uses of artificial intelligence from simply answering questions and generating content to performing actual actions and dealing with applications and digital services.
The company said that “Muse” can handle simple tasks, such as sending emails and booking travel trips, in addition to implementing more complex projects that require planning and follow-up for longer periods. The user can set a specific goal, and the agent can develop a plan to implement it, organize the necessary time and resources, and then complete a number of steps independently.
The agent works through the “Muse” application, and can also be contacted directly via “WhatsApp,” in a way similar to messaging with another person. It is based on the “Muse Spark” model, which Meta describes as its most powerful and efficient model to date in implementing actual tasks.
According to the company, “Muse” can open the Internet browser, fill out forms, and deal with applications and services that a person uses daily. It can also continue performing tasks even after closing the application, and return to the user when developments occur or when he needs his approval for sensitive procedures, such as sending an email or completing a purchase.
According to Meta, the agent can help with tasks that go beyond simple daily procedures, such as selling a car, trying to reduce the value of an invoice, or modifying a training plan according to the user’s changing circumstances and obligations.
Secure virtual machine
Meta has developed a special architecture to run the agent under the name “Muse Secure VM”, which is a secure virtual machine allocated to each user inside the cloud, which hosts the agent and user data, and allows him to use a private browser to carry out the required tasks.
The company said that each virtual device operates independently from the devices of other users, while a separate agent named “Sentinel” operates inside it, isolated from “Muse” at the system level, and is responsible for monitoring and securing operations.
