October 1, 2026, 2:04 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple’s tech fall is in full swing. Mid-September saw the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max following the big keynote in Cupertino. Now, in October, the iPhone Duo is set to follow–possibly along with a few other, as yet unannounced products. Apple might host its own small event for this.
Online Presentation on October 13?
At the end of September, the well-known “Daring Fireball” tech blogger John Gruber floated the idea that Apple might hand over iPhone Duo test devices to selected reviewers directly at a media event on October 13 or 14. Gruber’s experience is that Apple prefers to hand over high-profile product innovations in person. Only those who sign a confidentiality agreement receive the devices. Shipping always carries the risk that the products might reach the public before the sales launch.
Just a few days later, Mark Gurman from “Bloomberg” reported that Apple might introduce its new smart home products on October 13. Alongside the HomePod mini 2 and a more powerful Apple TV 4K, the focus is primarily on the completely new smart home hub with its own operating system.
The introduction of the smart home products and the handover of the iPhone Duo test devices could thus fall on the same date. Coincidence? Hardly. Gruber wrote in another post about Apple’s planned home hub: “If that actually comes, it must be introduced with a keynote video and some kind of media event with hands-on demos.”
Mini-Event with Subsequent Hands-On
A pre-recorded Apple presentation, broadcast on the company’s website and YouTube on October 13, is conceivable. Subsequently, Apple could show the presented devices to selected media representatives. The hands-on would also be suitable for the handover of the iPhone Duo test devices.
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Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on Friday, October 16. Delivery is scheduled for Friday, October 23. Apple typically provides test devices about a week before the sales launch. If Apple is indeed planning an event for October 13, a public announcement would likely be expected in the week leading up to the date.