Today, we have the 5th collaboration between Melbourne’s finest boutique, Up There Store, and ASICS, featuring the iconic ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20 in the ‘Safety Yellow’ colourway.
Surprisingly, you can still grab a pair from Up There Store and the ASICS Australia website. They retail for $300 AUD. For me, they fit true to size. However, if you have wide feet, I recommend going up half a size for a more comfortable fit.
1. The GEL-KAYANO 20 is an Australian street icon
First, let’s talk about the silhouette.
The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20 has become a true Australian streetwear icon. Over the years, its bold colourways have been highly coveted by sneaker collectors and enthusiasts.
Now, the Safety Yellow colourway takes that tradition to the extreme!
However, one detail makes this collaboration stand out.
That Safety Yellow-to-white gradient is the chef’s kiss! I honestly can’t remember seeing this effect executed quite like this on a pair of GEL-Kayano 20s. It gives the shoe a unique visual identity while keeping the original technical aesthetic intact.
2. The GEL-KINSEI 4 influence is unmistakable
Next, you can see the clear homage to another iconic ASICS model: the GEL-KINSEI 4.
The two-tone archival mesh creates a distinctive upper while also adding breathability. Meanwhile, reflective 3M detailing appears across the toe box, Tiger Stripes and ASICS branding on the tongue.
These details might seem subtle at first. However, they really come alive when the light hits them.
3. The technology delivers the perfect finishing touch
Finally, we need to talk about the tech.
The clear GEL pods in the forefoot and rearfoot provide an incredible visual pop. They work beautifully with the translucent Trusstic plate and segmented traction outsole.
Together, these elements highlight the technology that made the GEL-Kayano 20 such a memorable performance runner.
But wait!
You might be asking, “Where is the Up There branding?”
Well, the cheeky team at Up There left us some unmistakable clues.
Look closely and you’ll find Up There’s signature green on the insoles, lace tips and Trusstic guidance line. They also come with an extra pair of white oval laces, with you guessed it—Up There’s signature green lace tips!
It’s subtle. It’s clever. And it works.
As for the fit, don’t overthink it. The shoe itself is the real highlight.
It doesn’t matter what you wear on top because everything underneath is guaranteed to POP!
So, what are you waiting for?
The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20 ‘Safety Yellow’byUp There Store is still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long. This could easily become one of the most coveted homegrown Australian GEL-KAYANO 20 collaborations yet.
Attention all ballers! Kyrie’s kicks are finally here in Australia.
Today, we’re checking out the ANTA KAI 2 Speed in the ‘Butterfly Dance’ colourway, inspired by Kyrie Irving’s effortless footwork and graceful directional changes on the basketball court.
Retailing for $196 AUD, the ANTA KAI 2 Speed is now available at au.anta.com, alongside several other Kyrie signature colorways. Plus, if you sign up on the ANTA website, you can score an extra 10% off your first order.
So, how does Kyrie’s latest signature shoe perform on court?
ANTA KAI 2 Speed Fit
For my average-width feet, the ANTA KAI 2 Speed fits true to size. However, if you have wider feet, I’d recommend going half a size up for a little more room and comfort.
Full-Length A-SHOCK PRO Cushioning
First, the full-length A-SHOCK PRO midsole immediately stood out. Encased in a lateral TPU Wraparound, it delivers consistent shock absorption and cushioning across the entire foot.
As a result, the KAI 2 Speed feels responsive while still providing enough cushioning for hard landings and explosive movements.
Meanwhile, the top-loaded midfoot X-shaped Nylon plate handles snapback, energy return and torsional stability. This setup helps the shoe stay stable when you’re constantly changing direction.
Breathable KAI Shield Upper
Next, ANTA uses its KAI Shield logo TPU upper. It feels breathable, flexible and supportive while keeping your foot securely locked in.
More importantly, the upper provides enough structure without making the shoe feel overly restrictive. That balance helps keep your feet comfortable and fresh throughout your game.
Reliable Dual Rubber Traction
Finally, the Dual Rubber Thread traction pattern provides plenty of grip.
The outsole combines a digital traction pattern that wraps up the sides of the shoe with a reliable inner herringbone pattern. Therefore, the KAI 2 Speed gives you the traction you need for aggressive lateral movements, quick cuts and Kyrie-style shifty footwork.
ANTA KAI 2 Speed: Should You Buy It?
Overall, the ANTA KAI 2 Speed brings together responsive cushioning, solid stability, a supportive upper and dependable traction. Most importantly, it delivers the performance you need when the game gets fast and unpredictable.
If you’re looking for Kyrie Irving basketball shoes in Australia, the Kai 2 Speed deserves a serious look.
The ‘Butterfly Dance’ is available now at au.anta.com, along with other colorways from the Kyrie signature line.
So, if you’ve been waiting to play in Kyrie’s latest kicks, now is the time to check them out.
The Australian retailer brings a refined black and gunmetal finish to the GEL-SD-LYTE, inspired by the craft of traditional weaving.
ASICS and Australian contemporary fashion retailer Above The Clouds are teaming up once again, this time putting their own spin on the GEL-SD-LYTE™.
The collaboration takes a quieter approach to sneaker design, drawing from Japanese design principles where form, function and materials come together as one.
At the heart of the sneaker is an intricate woven upper, inspired by the ancient act of weaving and the way craft has been passed from generation to generation, culture to culture and city to city.
Black and Gunmetal
The sneaker arrives in a clean Black / Gunmetal colourway, with the woven detailing giving the GEL-SD-LYTE a distinctive texture while keeping the overall look minimal and refined.
Rather than relying on loud colours or oversized branding, the design lets the construction of the shoe do the talking.
It’s a subtle approach, but that’s exactly what makes this collaboration work.
The woven upper adds depth to the otherwise understated silhouette, while the black and gunmetal palette gives it a timeless finish.
From Sydney to the World
There’s also a strong Australian connection behind the project.
Established in 2010, Above The Clouds has grown from a Sydney-based concept inspired by Tokyo’s fashion districts into a contemporary retailer with flagship spaces in both Sydney and Melbourne.
The retailer has built its identity around contemporary fashion, global design and immersive retail experiences, making this collaboration with ASICS a natural extension of that approach.
A wider release will then follow on Saturday 3 October 2026 through ASICS.com/AU and selected global retailers, including KITH, Notre and Dover Street Market.
The sneaker will retail for $300 AUD.
Item Code: 1203B090.001 Colour: Black / Gunmetal
For Above The Clouds and ASICS, this is less about making noise and more about letting craftsmanship, materials and design speak for themselves.
Quietly detailed. Built around craft. Very Above The Clouds. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.
Pizza, DJs, sneakers, giveaways and giant 16-inch New Yorker slices. Domino’s is taking over Potts Point for one night only.
Sydney is getting a taste of New York.
To celebrate the return of its supersized 16-inch New Yorker pizzas, Domino’s is throwing a FREE New York-inspired Block Party in Potts Point on Thursday 24 September.
And this isn’t just about pizza.
For one night, Domino’s is bringing together pizza, music, sneakers and NYC street culture, with DJs, Foot Locker sneaker drops, giveaways, free food and drinks all going down under one roof.
Best of all, entry is completely FREE.
No ticket. No RSVP. Just turn up and get amongst it.
Pizza. Music. Sneakers.
The Domino’s New Yorker Block Party is built around the kind of energy you’d expect from a New York street party.
There’ll be plenty of the new 16-inch New Yorker pizzas, featuring those giant foldable slices that are made for grabbing and getting stuck into.
And you’ll be able to wash it down with free drinks, including ice-cold Coca-Cola.
Then there’s the music, with DJs bringing the NYC Block Party energy throughout the night.
But for us, the sneaker side of things is where it gets interesting.
Foot Locker Is Bringing the Heat
Domino’s is teaming up with Foot Locker for sneaker drops and giveaways, adding a proper streetwear and sneaker culture element to the night.
So while you’re there for the pizza, you might want to keep your eyes open.
You never know what could drop.
There’ll also be giveaways and surprises throughout the night, alongside plenty of that New York attitude Domino’s is bringing to the whole campaign.
The Details
DOMINO’S NEW YORKER BLOCK PARTY
📅 Thursday 24 September
⏰ 6:00pm–9:00pm Doors open at 6:00pm
📍 Room 22 22 Bayswater Road Potts Point, Sydney
🎟️ FREE ENTRY No ticket required. First come, first served.
🔞 18+
⚠️ Limited capacity
With entry being first come, first served and capacity limited, we’d recommend getting there early rather than rolling in fashionably late.
Because once those New Yorker slices start coming out, you don’t want to be standing outside watching everyone else have a good time.
Drop Everything. It’s Domino’s.
The Block Party is part of Domino’s bigger ‘Drop Everything It’s Domino’s’™* brand evolution, which puts craveability, personality and culture back at the centre of the brand.
And honestly, pizza + DJs + sneakers + free stuff sounds like a pretty solid Thursday night.
Sydney, you’ve got your plans.
Drop everything. It’s Domino’s.™
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Domino’s Australia is turning up the flavour with a fresh brand platform, a supersized New Yorker range, a major Coca-Cola partnership and plenty more on the way.
There are some things you can pause.
The laptop. The group chat. The movie. Whatever you were doing five minutes ago.
But when Domino’s arrives, apparently everything else can wait.
Domino’s Australia has officially entered a new era with the launch of its new ‘Drop Everything* It’s Domino’s’™** brand platform, putting craveability, personality and the simple joy of pizza back at the centre of the brand.
Developed with Bureau of Everything, the new platform is built around a pretty relatable idea: when that Domino’s box arrives, suddenly whatever you were doing before doesn’t seem quite as important.
And honestly, we get it.
Meet the New Yorker
First up is the new Domino’s New Yorker range, launching nationally with some serious New York energy.
At an authentic 16 inches, the New Yorker is the biggest pizza currently on the Domino’s menu. It comes with hand-stretched dough, premium toppings and those giant foldable slices that are basically made for grabbing, folding and getting stuck in.
The new range features five New York-inspired pizzas:
The Big Cheese
Pepperoni Boss
Hot Honey Pepperoni Boss
Little Italy
Bacon Kingpin
The range is already live across Domino’s Australia, with the New Yorker section currently featuring all five pizzas.
And yes, the Hot Honey Pepperoni Boss sounds exactly like the kind of pizza that can derail your plans for the evening.
Domino’s x Coca-Cola
The refresh isn’t stopping at the pizza box.
Domino’s has also announced Coca-Cola as its new drinks partner, bringing two instantly recognisable brands together across the Domino’s experience in Australia and New Zealand.
Because a giant New Yorker with an ice-cold Coke?
Yeah. That combination makes sense.
Sydney Is Getting a New York Takeover
Domino’s is also taking the New Yorker beyond the store.
On Thursday 17 September, a bright yellow New York-style cab will hit the streets of Sydney, transformed into a Domino’s New Yorker delivery vehicle.
The cab will travel through some of Sydney’s recognisable locations, making special deliveries along the way, with free New Yorker pizza and Coca-Cola available at selected stops. Domino’s says fans should keep an eye on its social channels for locations and details.
Then on Thursday 24 September, Domino’s is bringing the NYC energy back to Sydney with a free New York-inspired Block Party, featuring DJs, entertainment, giveaways and plenty of New Yorker pizza.
More details are set to be announced through Domino’s Australia’s social channels.
And There’s More Coming
The New Yorker might be the first big drop, but Domino’s isn’t finished.
The brand has teased another major announcement this Wednesday, with something aimed squarely at dessert lovers.
So, if you see a yellow cab cruising around Sydney this week, don’t assume you’ve somehow ended up in Manhattan.
The New Yorker has landed.
And Domino’s is telling everyone to Drop Everything* It’s Domino’s..™**
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UP THERE and Up There Athletics are teaming up with adidas for their first collaboration together, giving the Adizero Evo SL ATR an outdoor-ready makeover that blends performance, utility and streetwear style.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR by UP THERE & Up There Athletics takes the versatile runner and pushes it into a more rugged direction, combining technical outdoor materials with a colour palette inspired by both brands.
Built for more than just the pavement, the sneaker features a water-repellent ripstop nylon upper, fused TPU mudguard and a lugged Continental rubber outsole designed to provide additional traction.
Underfoot, adidas‘ Lightstrike Pro midsole tooling keeps the performance DNA of the Adizero Evo SL intact, while reflective stripes add another functional detail to the design.
The colourway keeps things earthy and understated, with contrasting pops of green becoming the standout feature. Fluorescent green appears across the sawtooth laces and external branding, while richer green tones hit the pull-tab webbing and insole, a signature touch from UP THERE.
The collaboration comes with two sets of sawtooth laces, green and khaki, giving you the option to switch up the look depending on how you want to wear them.
It’s a pretty natural progression for the Adizero Evo SL ATR, bringing together adidas’ performance technology with the Australian retailers’ distinct approach to colour, outdoor influence and contemporary sneaker culture.
And with this being the first project between UP THERE and Up There Athletics, it’s a collaboration worth keeping an eye on.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR by UP THERE & Up There Athletics drops September 17. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.
atmoscon is back, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations of sneakers, music, fashion and contemporary culture in Japan.
Taking over Tokyo’s Shinjuku Sumitomo Building on October 31 and November 1, 2026, atmoscon 2026 will bring together 26 leading brands under the theme “PLAYGROUND for Next Generations.”
But this isn’t just another sneaker event.
This year’s atmoscon is designed as a full-day cultural experience, taking over both the Triangle Plaza on Level 1 and the Underground Hall on B1, giving visitors plenty to explore beyond simply checking out the latest releases.
26 Brands. One Massive Playground.
The 1F Triangle Plaza will be packed with brand activations, exclusive products and experiences from some of the biggest names in the sneaker world.
Image from atmoscon 2025
Expect to see Nike, Jordan Brand, adidas Originals, New Balance, ASICS SportStyle, Converse, BIRKENSTOCK, HOKA, Salomon, On, PUMA, Vans, Crocs, Saucony, Merrell, FILA, Crep and more.
The 2026 edition also welcomes several brands making their atmoscon debut, including New Era, ’47, NORTHWAVE, KEEN, HYBEX and Anima.
Image from atmoscon 2025
And atmoscon is pushing beyond sneakers and fashion this year, with LIBERTY WALK bringing its automotive culture to the event, while Japanese esports organisation CRAZY RACCOON joins the lineup.
One of the collaborations we’re definitely keeping an eye on is the adidas Originals x atmos x LIBERTY WALK project.
The LIBERTY WALK booth will showcase a special collection inspired by the collaboration, including an atmos-exclusive scale model of the LB-Super Silhouette 180.
Visitors can also pick up an event-exclusive special box featuring the commemorative scale model alongside a limited-edition collaboration T-shirt featuring all three brands.
For car and sneaker heads, this is definitely one booth worth making a beeline for.
CRAZY RACCOON will also have a dedicated presence at atmoscon, displaying championship trophies alongside the highly anticipated adidas Originals × atmos × CR collection.
Members of the organisation’s streamer roster are also scheduled to make appearances, bringing another side of Japanese youth culture into the event.
It’s another example of atmoscon expanding beyond traditional sneaker culture and into the wider worlds of gaming, entertainment and lifestyle.
More Than Just Shopping
Image from atmoscon 2025
The Underground Hall will become the heart of the music experience, with live performances covering genres including J-Pop, idol and hip-hop.
Meanwhile, atmos pink will bring its “atmos pink Lab”, where visitors can create custom charms, personalise caps and socks, and take photos at the Life4Cuts self-photo studio.
The idea is simple: don’t just walk around looking at products — get involved.
PLAYGROUND for Next Generations
The theme for 2026, “PLAYGROUND for Next Generations,” is about creating a space where the next generation can discover new products, ideas and people.
atmos describes culture as something that grows organically from the streets, communities and people who bring it to life — and atmoscon is designed to bring those groups together under one roof.
There’s even a bigger push for younger visitors this year, with free admission to the 1F venue extended to high school students and younger. Eligible visitors may be asked to show valid student identification.
atmoscon 2026
With sneakers, fashion, music, food, automotive culture, art, gaming and exclusive collaborations all packed into one venue, atmoscon 2026 feels less like a traditional sneaker convention and more like a snapshot of where street culture is heading.
And with 26 brands, two floors and two full days, Tokyo is going to have one serious playground this October.
Image from atmoscon 2025
Event Details
atmoscon 2026 📅 October 31 – November 1, 2026 📍 Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, Tokyo 🎮 Theme: PLAYGROUND for Next Generations 👟 26 brands 🎟️ Ticket details to be announced via the official atmoscon website
Note: 1F day-pass admission covers the booths and experiences, while a separate stage ticket is required for the B1F live music performances.
Image from atmoscon 2025
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After making its Parramatta debut earlier in the year, It’s More Than Just Sneakers returned to Sydney on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for its second Sydney event of the year.
The July edition continued the momentum from the April event, bringing together sneaker collectors, streetwear fans, resellers and collectors from across the community for another day centred around buying, selling, trading and simply catching up with like minded people.
Following the move to the Albion Hotel in April, the second Sydney event was another opportunity to see how It’s More Than Just Sneakers continues to evolve while keeping the same idea at its core.
It isn’t just about showing up to buy sneakers.
It is about the people you meet, the collections you discover and the conversations that happen around the tables.
As the doors opened, the venue quickly filled with the familiar mix of collectors and vendors. Tables were lined with sneakers spanning different brands, eras and styles, with plenty of opportunities to find something that might not normally turn up in your usual sneaker store.
For collectors, events like this are always about the hunt. You might arrive looking for one particular pair and leave having discovered something completely different.
There were also new vendors joining the event, adding even more variety to the day. From health supplements and apparel vendors to Pokémon rugs, Hot Wheels, Funko Pops and, of course, sneakers, there was something for all kinds of collectors and interests.
That variety is a big part of what makes the event what it is. You can come looking for a pair of sneakers and end up discovering a Pokémon rug, checking out some Hot Wheels, finding a new piece of apparel or adding a Funko Pop to the collection. To all the new vendors who joined us for the first time, welcome to the family.
And while sneakers remain the foundation of the event, the July edition once again showed that the culture surrounding them has grown well beyond footwear.
There is also something different about seeing collections in person.
Online marketplaces and social media make it easier than ever to buy and sell, but they don’t quite replicate the experience of being able to pick something up, look at the details, talk to
A massive thank you goes out to our sponsors and vendors for their ongoing support, and to our incredible volunteers who make sure everything runs smoothly. You’re all a big part of what makes It’s More Than Just Sneakersone of the most loved events on the scene.
Until next time, Sydney. Thank you for the love and energy. Make sure you’re following @thekickzstand and signed up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the next stop of the tour. Trust us, you’ll want to be there. For information on other It’s More Than Just Sneakers events or features, click HERE.
Cecilie Bahnsen and ASICS are back with another striking collaboration, introducing the GEL-KINETIC™ FR, a fashion-forward silhouette inspired by the movement and energy of flowers in motion.
Arriving in two core colourways, Piedmont Grey/Silver and Black Coffee, the latest release continues the creative partnership between the Copenhagen-based designer and ASICS, blending Bahnsen’s signature modern femininity with the brand’s technical approach to footwear.
The concept behind the GEL-KINETIC™ FR comes from nature in constant motion — petals falling, stems growing and flowers shifting with the environment. That idea is translated directly into the sneaker through layered textures, sculptural details and playful floral elements.
The upper features a fine micro-textured base with a soft semi-matte finish, contrasted by subtle high-shine surfaces that catch the light. Debossed, embossed and high-frequency flower motifs are worked into the construction, making the floral detailing feel like part of the shoe rather than simply an added graphic.
Small flower charms and beads add another layer of personality, bringing rhythm and movement to the silhouette. Archival lacing and strap systems are also reworked with a more dynamic construction, while a softly padded half tongue and adjustable Velcro straps provide comfort and flexibility.
Of course, the unmistakable Cecilie Bahnsen DNA is still there. Her signature drawcord lacing and flower-shaped eyelets give the GEL-KINETIC™ FR its distinctive fashion-led identity.
Underfoot, ASICS brings its performance heritage into the mix with a sculptural GEL™ heel structure, designed to provide cushioning and impact absorption while keeping the silhouette feeling lightweight and contemporary.
The campaign takes the concept of movement even further. Shot with artist and photographer Isabelle Wenzel, the imagery explores the body through abstraction, movement and play, set against the striking architecture of an open-air theatre in Copenhagen.
Through fragmented and reconstructed compositions, limbs, gestures and silhouettes become almost sculptural — creating a visual language that connects Bahnsen’s world of modern femininity with ASICS’ Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy.
The result is another Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS collaboration that sits comfortably between fashion and performance, using texture, movement and playful floral details to give the GEL-KINETIC™ FR a personality all its own.
Release Details
Model:Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-KINETIC™ FR Colourways: Piedmont Grey/Silver & Black Coffee Release Date: September 12, 2026
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Apple had a pretty big night. The September 9 Apple Event delivered the usual next-generation iPhone upgrades, but this time there was a much bigger surprise waiting at the end.
After introducing the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple finally unveiled something we’ve been hearing about for years: iPhone Duo, Apple‘s first-ever foldable iPhone.
And it is easily the headline of the entire event.
Alongside the new iPhones, Apple also introduced Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5, while pushing Apple Intelligence further across the ecosystem.
Here’s everything you need to know.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Get Serious
Before Apple dropped its biggest surprise, it introduced the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Both models feature the new A20 Pro chip, designed to deliver a major jump in performance, graphics and on-device AI. Apple has also redesigned the thermal system with a much larger vapour chamber to help sustain performance during demanding tasks.
The Pro models now come in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver and Black, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays respectively.
But photography is where things get particularly interesting.
The new 48MP Pro Fusion camera system introduces the first variable aperture on an iPhone, giving users more control over light and depth of field. The system also includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide and 48MP Fusion Telephoto camera with up to 8x optical-quality zoom.
Apple is also offering up to 2TB of storage for the first time.
For Australia, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at A$2,099, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at A$2,299. Pre-orders open September 12, with availability beginning September 18.
Then Apple Said: One More Thing…
And this was the moment everyone was waiting for.
Apple finally revealed iPhone Duo.
This is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and rather than simply folding a standard iPhone in half, Apple has redesigned iOS around the new form factor.
Closed, Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display. Open it up and you’re looking at a massive 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display, making it the largest display ever put into an iPhone.
The inner display also features a special nano-texture finish designed to reduce reflections and make the fold less noticeable.
Both displays support ProMotion, Always-On and up to 3,000 nits of outdoor brightness.
And yes, Apple Pencil support is coming later this year.
A Foldable That Actually Changes How You Use an iPhone
The hardware is only half the story.
Apple has redesigned iOS 27 around Duo’s two-screen experience.
When you open the phone, apps can automatically expand onto the larger display, while multitasking lets you run two apps side-by-side.
You can have Messages open alongside Mail, browse the web while watching video, or position the device in different ways to create what Apple calls a more flexible experience.
Duo can also be partially folded into different positions, essentially turning the phone into its own stand.
Apple has also moved Face ID away from the equation, with Touch ID built into the side button.
Underneath it all is the A20 Pro chip, supported by a redesigned thermal system and two batteries positioned within the two halves of the device.
The result is an iPhone that feels more like a phone when closed and something closer to a mini tablet when opened.
The Camera Gets a Foldable Makeover
Apple hasn’t forgotten photography either.
iPhone Duo features a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, combining a 48MP Fusion Main and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera.
There’s also up to 2x optical-quality zoom, 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120fps and improved low-light video.
But one of the coolest features is Duo Preview.
When you’re taking a photo of someone, the person you’re photographing can see themselves on the outer display before you take the shot.
And because Duo has cameras on both sides of the device, Apple is leaning heavily into the idea of using the entire phone as a creative tool rather than simply another camera phone.
iPhone Duo Is Coming to Australia
This is the part that will hurt the wallet.
In Australia, iPhone Duo starts at A$3,499.
It will be available in Night Sky and Star White, with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options.
Australian customers can buy iPhone Duo from Apple and selected carriers and retailers from October 23, 2026.
At A$3,499, this is definitely not replacing the regular iPhone.
It’s Apple entering an entirely new category.
AirPods 5 Bring ANC to More People
Apple also introduced AirPods 5, and this might be one of the more interesting upgrades for everyday users.
The new open-ear AirPods now feature Active Noise Cancellation, with Apple claiming up to 50 per cent more noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC.
There’s also a redesigned acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ, improved Transparency mode and Personalised Spatial Audio.
And Apple is pushing its AI features here too.
AirPods 5 can access Siri AI hands-free, while head gestures allow users to respond to Siri without touching their phone.
Then there’s Live Translation, allowing AirPods to help translate conversations across supported languages.
Australian pricing starts at A$219, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost A$249.
Both are available from September 18.
Apple Watch Series 12 Is Getting Smarter About Your Health
The new Apple Watch Series 12 might look familiar, but underneath it Apple has introduced a completely new Health Sensing System.
The biggest addition is Readiness.
Instead of simply showing you a collection of health statistics, Apple Watch analyses your activity, sleep and vital signs to give you a daily score from 0–10.
The result is a simple recommendation:
Recover. Pace Yourself. Ready. Go For It.
The new system also measures heart rate and heart rate variability more frequently, giving users a better picture of stress and recovery.
There’s also a redesigned Health app coming later this year with features including Health Age and a new Longevity section.
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at A$649 in Australia, with availability from September 18.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Is Built for the Long Haul
For the adventure crowd, Apple also introduced Apple Watch Ultra 4.
The new Ultra keeps its rugged titanium design but gets the same Health Sensing System and S11 chip found in Series 12.
The headline upgrade?
Battery life.
Ultra 4 can provide up to 50 hours of everyday battery life, with up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode.
For serious outdoor workouts, Max Extended Workout mode can track runs, walks and hikes for up to 45 hours, with GPS and heart-rate readings continuing throughout.
There’s also the new Readiness feature, higher-frequency HRV measurements, satellite connectivity and new Audio Intelligence features.
In Australia, Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at A$1,349, with availability from September 18.
Apple Intelligence Gets Even More Personal
Running through all of these announcements is Apple’s bigger push into Apple Intelligence.
With iOS 27, Apple is making Siri more conversational and more aware of personal context, while keeping privacy at the centre of the experience.
Siri AI can understand information across apps and help users take actions without having to manually jump between them.
Apple is also introducing features like Live Translation, while Apple Watch gains tools such as Siri Recap and Live Rewind.
For example, Live Rewind can transcribe the last 15 seconds of a conversation, allowing you to quickly go back to something you might have missed.
It’s a much bigger shift towards Apple Intelligence becoming something you interact with throughout the entire Apple ecosystem rather than simply another feature on your iPhone.
So, What’s the Big Story?
There were plenty of announcements last night, but there’s really one that stands above everything else.
iPhone Duo.
Apple has spent years watching Samsung, Google and others experiment with foldable phones. Now it’s finally entering the category, but in typical Apple fashion, it’s not simply presenting a folding screen.
It’s trying to rethink what an iPhone can actually be.
A phone when you need it.
A bigger screen when you want it.
A device that can stand, fold, multitask and adapt to how you’re using it.
At A$3,499, it’s certainly not going to be for everyone.
But that’s probably not the point.
Apple has officially entered the foldable era.
And things are about to get interesting.
The Apple September 2026 Line-Up
iPhone 18 Pro — From A$2,099 iPhone 18 Pro Max — From A$2,299 iPhone Duo — From A$3,499 Apple Watch Series 12 — From A$649 Apple Watch Ultra 4 — From A$1,349 AirPods 5 — From A$219 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — A$249
September 12: iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max pre-orders September 15: iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence availability September 18: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Apple Watch and AirPods 5 availability October 23: iPhone Duo arrives in Australia
Apple has officially entered its next chapter and honestly, that “One more thing…” was worth the wait.
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