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Apple Watch Series 12 Specs, Price & Colors (2026) | Craft by Merlin
The Apple Watch Series 12 launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Duo at Apple’s September 9, 2026 event. It keeps the same case shapes and display sizes as recent generations, with the real upgrades going into a new chip, a rebuilt health sensor system, and a longer feature list in watchOS 27. Apple Watch Series 12 Specs at a Glance Spec Detail Chip Apple S11 System in Package Case sizes 42mm and 46mm in aluminum and titanium, 43mm and 47mm in the new ceramic option Display OLED Always-On Retina, up to 2,000 nits, 1.77 inch (42mm) or 1.96 inch (46mm) Storage 64GB Connectivity 5G RedCap on cellular models Durability Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models, rated 60 percent tougher than Series 11’s Ion-X glass; 50m water resistance; IP6X dust resistance Health Health Sensing System: always-on optical heart rate every 5 seconds, HRV measured up to 24x more often than before, plus a new Readiness score Audio Intelligence Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and Shazam (Live Rewind and Siri Recap arrive in beta later in 2026) Battery Up to 24 hours normal use, 38 hours in Low Power Mode, 10 hours of outdoor workout tracking with GPS Materials and colors Aluminum in Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold, and Space Gray; Titanium in Radiant Gold and Natural; Ceramic in Pearl White and Night Blue Software watchOS 27, with Siri AI and a redesigned Find My app Price From $399 Release Pre-orders opened September 9, in stores September 18, 2026 What’s Actually New This Year Case design and display sizes carry over from recent generations, so the visible changes are modest. The bigger shifts are the new Health Sensing System, which takes heart rate readings every five seconds throughout the day rather than periodically, the new Readiness score that estimates whether to rest, pace yourself, or train normally based on recent vitals and sleep, and the return of a ceramic case option for the first time since Series 5. Pairs Naturally With a Custom iPhone 18 Craft by Merlin does not currently customize the Apple Watch Series 12, but many customers reserving a finish from the iPhone 18 collection pair it with the new Watch as a matching set straight out of the box. If you are building out your Apple lineup for this launch, the iPhone is the piece where Craft by Merlin’s customization already applies. 24K Full Gold 24K Rose Gold Black Alligator Leather Brown Alligator Leather Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection to see all eight finishes.
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AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?
Apple just made its own lineup harder to shop. For the first time, the entry-level AirPods 5 ships with real Active Noise Cancellation, a feature that used to be the main reason to pay up for AirPods Pro. So if both now cancel noise, both run on Apple’s H2 chip, and both support Siri, what is actually left to justify the $120 gap between them? Quite a lot, as it turns out, just not where most people expect. AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3 at a Glance Spec AirPods 5 AirPods Pro 3 Price $129 (USB-C case) or $149 (Wireless Charging Case) $249 Fit Open-ear, no silicone tips In-ear, silicone tips in 5 sizes including XXS Chip Apple H2 Apple H2 Active Noise Cancellation Up to 50% stronger than AirPods 4 Up to 3x stronger than AirPods 5, per Apple’s own figures Battery (earbuds) Up to 4 hours with ANC on ($129), up to 5 hours on the $149 case Up to 8 hours with ANC on Battery (with case) Up to 20 hours Up to 24 hours Extra features Live Translation, hands-free Siri, next-gen Adaptive EQ Adaptive Audio, personalized Spatial Audio, hearing health features including heart rate sensing Water resistance IP57 IP57 The Real Difference Is Fit, Not Features Most of the headline features are now shared between the two, which makes the fit the actual decision point. AirPods Pro 3 seal your ear canal with a silicone tip, the same way earplugs do, which physically blocks outside noise before any electronics get involved. AirPods 5 sit loosely in the ear with no seal at all, which is more comfortable for a lot of people, especially anyone who finds in-ear tips uncomfortable over long wear, but it puts the entire noise-cancelling job on software and microphones rather than a physical barrier. How Big Is the Noise Cancellation Gap, Really? Apple’s own comparison page puts a number on it: AirPods Pro 3 cancel up to three times more noise than AirPods 5. That gap comes almost entirely from the physical seal, not from better microphones or smarter processing, since both models share the same H2 chip. If you fly often, work in loud environments, or simply want the strongest possible noise cancellation, that three-times figure is the one number in this comparison worth taking seriously. Who Should Buy AirPods 5 You mostly listen at home, walking, commuting, or in a normal office, not on flights or in consistently loud environments You find silicone ear tips uncomfortable or simply prefer an open-ear feel You want real ANC without paying Pro pricing You do not need the hearing health or heart rate features Who Should Buy AirPods Pro 3 You travel frequently or want the strongest noise cancellation Apple makes You prefer a secure, sealed in-ear fit, including for workouts You want Apple’s hearing health features and heart rate sensing You want the longest single-charge battery life available in the lineup Craft by Merlin Customizes Both, So You Don’t Have to Choose Twice Whichever way this decision goes, you do not have to settle for Apple’s stock white on either one. Craft by Merlin hand-customizes both the AirPods 5 and the AirPods Pro 3, across genuinely different styles depending on what you are after. AirPods 5, Hand-Painted Craft’s Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection is hand-finished in four colors, each starting from a genuine Apple AirPods 5 with every original feature, ANC included, fully intact. Glacier AirPods 5 Burgundy AirPods 5 Black AirPods 5 Silver AirPods 5 AirPods Pro 3, Several Ways The AirPods Pro 3 line goes considerably further, with both painted and material-led options depending on how far you want to take it. Bold Collection: Solid, saturated hand-painted colors Painted Collection: The full range of hand-painted finishes Combo Colors Collection: Two-tone designs pairing complementary colors Lifestyle Collection: Everyday-wear finishes built around subtler palettes Alligator Leather: Genuine alligator leather wrapped cases, from the Royal tier Calf Leather: A softer, more understated leather option, also Royal tier Ostrich Leather: Distinctive quill-pattern ostrich leather, Royal tier Crystal: Mirror gloss crystal finishes, Royal tier Pairs With Your iPhone 18 If you are also picking up an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, Craft by Merlin’s custom finishes on that hardware follow the same logic: genuine Apple devices, hand finished, in colors and materials Apple does not officially sell. Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection.
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Phone 18 Pro Max: Full Specs, Price, and Release Date
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is Apple’s largest and most expensive phone from its September 9, 2026 event, sharing its core hardware with the smaller iPhone 18 Pro but adding a bigger screen, a larger battery, and a higher price at every storage tier. Here is the full spec sheet and where to get one in a finish Apple does not sell. iPhone 18 Pro Max Specs at a Glance Spec Detail Chip A20 Pro, 2 nanometer process, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, Dual 16-core Neural Engine Display 6.9 inch OLED, ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, Always-On, Dynamic Island Rear camera Triple 48MP system with a variable aperture main lens (f/1.4 to f/4), manual Pro controls Front camera 18MP Battery Around 5,567 mAh with fast charging support Build 249g, 8.8mm thick, Ceramic Shield 2 front and back, aluminum unibody, IP68 rating Connectivity C2 modem with satellite based 5G, Emergency SOS, Messages, Roadside Assistance, and Find My via satellite SIM eSIM-only in most markets, with longer battery life than physical-SIM variants Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB Colors Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue, Burgundy Software iOS 27 Price From $1,299 (256GB) Release Pre-orders opened September 12, on sale September 18, 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro The two share the same chip, camera system, connectivity, and color lineup. The Pro Max steps up to a 6.9 inch display against the Pro’s 6.3 inch, carries a larger battery, and costs a flat $100 more at every storage tier, from $1,299 at 256GB to $2,499 at 2TB. iPhone 18 Pro Max Pricing by Storage Storage Price 256GB $1,299 512GB $1,499 1TB $1,899 2TB $2,499 Want the iPhone 18 Pro Max in More Than Apple’s 4 Colors? Apple ships the iPhone 18 Pro Max in four official colors: Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue, and Burgundy. Craft by Merlin already has eight custom finishes open for pre-booking on this exact model, from full-body 24K gold to hand wrapped alligator leather and four distinct crystal tones. Nothing about the A20 Pro chip, the camera, or the display changes, only how the phone looks and feels in your hand. 24K Full Gold 24K Rose Gold Black Alligator Leather Brown Alligator Leather Crystal Silver Crystal Nude Crystal Blue Crystal Orange Reserve any finish with a deposit of AED 1,000, and every pre-booking currently includes a free Apple AirPods 4. Delivery is expected 2 to 3 weeks after Apple’s retail launch on September 18, with insured shipping worldwide. Explore the full Craft by Merlin the iPhone 18 Pro Max collection.
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Is There a Black AirPods 5? Apple Says No, But Craft by Merlin Made One
Short answer: no, Apple does not make a black AirPods 5. It launched in a single color, white, on September 9, 2026, and every generation before it, AirPods 1 through 4, followed the exact same rule. That said, a black AirPods 5 does exist. It is just not made by Apple. Craft by Merlin hand-paints a genuine Apple AirPods 5 into a black finish, keeping every original feature intact. Here is the full picture. Does Apple Make a Black AirPods 5? No. When Apple confirmed the AirPods 5 at its September 9, 2026 event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Duo, it shipped in white and only white, the same color every standard AirPods model has used since the original AirPods launched in 2016. There is no black option, no dark color option of any kind, on Apple’s own store. Why Doesn’t Apple Sell Black AirPods? Apple has never explained this decision directly, but the pattern is consistent enough to draw a few conclusions. The white AirPods silhouette has become one of Apple’s most recognizable design signatures, arguably as identifiable as the shape of the iPhone itself, and sticking to one color keeps that signature intact rather than diluting it across a palette. It is also worth noting this rule applies specifically to the in-ear AirPods line. The over-ear AirPods Max has shipped in multiple colors for years, including Space Gray and Midnight, so the white-only approach appears to be a deliberate choice for the earbuds specifically, not a technical limitation. So How Do You Actually Get a Black AirPods 5? Since Apple will not sell you one, the only way to get a black AirPods 5 is through a third-party finish applied after the fact. That generally falls into three categories: adhesive skins, which are cheap but offer no real protection and tend to peel; aftermarket cases, which hide the color rather than changing it and add bulk; and hand-painted customization, which repaints the actual AirPods and case in a durable finish while keeping the hardware genuine. Craft by Merlin works in that third category. Craft by Merlin’s Apple AirPods 5 Black 26 Craft by Merlin’s Apple AirPods 5 Black 26 starts as a brand-new, genuine Apple AirPods 5, the same model Apple sells, and hand-paints it in a deep black finish using automotive-grade paint applied in three separate layers for an even, durable coat. The finish is sealed with a transparent protective layer designed to resist everyday scratching, and every pair is made in Dubai and backed by Craft by Merlin’s 1-year warranty. Base hardware: genuine Apple AirPods 5, standard case or Wireless Charging Case Chip and audio: Apple H2 chip, Active Noise Cancellation, next-generation Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio Smart features: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Siri, Live Translation Battery: up to 4 hours of listening with ANC on a single charge, extended by the case Finish: automotive-grade paint, 3-layer coating, scratch-resistant transparent protective layer Price: AED 865, with a 1-year warranty and free worldwide shipping Shop the Apple AirPods 5 Black 26. What Actually Changes, and What Doesn’t The customization is entirely cosmetic. The paint sits on the outside of the earbuds and the case; nothing about the internal hardware is modified, replaced, or altered. That means Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, and every other feature on the AirPods 5 work exactly as Apple built them. What you are buying is a genuine AirPods 5 that happens to come in the one color Apple refuses to sell. Building Out an All-Black Apple Setup? If you are pairing this with an iPhone 18, Craft by Merlin’s Black Alligator Leather finish is built on the exact same idea: genuine Apple hardware, hand finished, in a color Apple does not officially offer. Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection.
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iOS 27 Is Here: Every New Feature and Every iPhone That Supports It
Apple released iOS 27 to the public on September 14, 2026, five days after confirming the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo at its "Surprise and Shine" event. It is the biggest Siri update in years, wrapped around a long list of smaller, genuinely useful changes. Here is what actually changed, which iPhones get it, and why some devices get a noticeably fuller version of it than others. What’s New in iOS 27 Siri AI: An Entirely New Assistant The headline feature is Siri AI, a rebuilt version of Siri with its own dedicated app, built in part on Google Gemini technology working alongside Apple’s own models. It carries context across devices, so a conversation started on iPhone can continue on iPad or Mac without repeating yourself, and it now has screen awareness, meaning it can understand and act on whatever is currently on your display. The Camera app gets its own Siri Mode: point the camera at something, ask a question about it, and Siri can identify it, look up details like nutrition information, and log the exchange in the Siri app for later. Write with Siri is now available system-wide, with built-in automatic proofreading wherever you type. Smarter Shortcuts and Photos Describe a Shortcut lets you build an automation just by typing what you want it to do, instead of assembling it step by step. The Photos app picks up Extend and Reframe tools alongside an improved cleanup tool for removing unwanted objects from a shot. Liquid Glass, Refined iOS 27 gives users more granular control over the Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26, alongside smoother animations, faster unlocking, and more fluid transitions in Control Center and between apps. Several early reviews also note phones running cooler during everyday use, hinting at real efficiency gains rather than just visual polish. Everyday Quality-of-Life Changes Independent volume controls for alarms and timers, separate from media volume New clipboard tools built into the keyboard Custom Wallet passes Larger home screen widget options New parental safety features Where Siri AI Isn’t Available Yet Siri AI is not available on iPhone or iPad in the EU at launch, due to regulatory constraints, and remains unavailable in China while Apple works through separate regulatory issues there. The rest of iOS 27, including Liquid Glass refinements and the quality-of-life changes above, is unaffected and ships everywhere. Which iPhones Support iOS 27 iOS 27 supports every iPhone that could already run iOS 26, going all the way back to the iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE, plus the three new devices from September’s event. That is more than 30 eligible devices in total, with no models dropped from the list this year. iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation) 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 SE (2022) 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 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, all three pre-loaded with iOS 27 out of the box Not Every iPhone Gets Every Feature Compatibility is not the same as capability here. iOS 27 installs on any iPhone 11 or newer, but two harder hardware lines determine how much of the update you actually experience. Apple Intelligence, the underlying AI framework Siri AI is built on, requires an A17 Pro chip or newer, which means iPhone 15 Pro and every model released after it. A second, higher bar applies to Siri AI’s most demanding features, including custom Siri voices: those need an A19 Pro chip or newer, a list that currently includes only the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. Everything older than an iPhone 15 Pro still gets iOS 27’s performance improvements, Liquid Glass refinements, and quality-of-life features, just without Siri AI itself. Where the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Fit In The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max ship with iOS 27 already installed, and their A20 Pro chip clears every hardware bar Apple has set for this update, Apple Intelligence and the full Siri AI feature set included. If getting the complete iOS 27 experience is part of why you are upgrading, these are currently two of only six iPhones that deliver all of it. Apple sells both in four official colors: Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue, and Burgundy. Craft by Merlin already has eight custom finishes open for pre-booking on this exact hardware, from full-body 24K gold to hand wrapped alligator leather and four crystal tones. Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection to see all eight. iOS 27 and Your AirPods Siri AI’s hands-free access carries over to AirPods, so the assistant upgrades described above extend to however you already listen. If you are also looking for AirPods in a finish Apple has never sold, Craft by Merlin hand-paints a genuine Apple AirPods 5 into a black finish, keeping every original feature, including ANC and Siri access, fully intact. Shop the Apple AirPods 5 Black 26.
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AirPods 5: Full Specs, Price, and Release Date
Apple rounded out its September 9, 2026 event with the AirPods 5, an open-ear earbud with a noise cancellation upgrade Apple calls its biggest yet for the format, alongside Live Translation and hands-free Siri. AirPods 5 Specs at a Glance Spec Detail Active Noise Cancellation Up to 50 percent stronger than AirPods 4, via a new multiport acoustic architecture Audio Next-generation Adaptive EQ, more natural Transparency mode Intelligence features Live Translation and hands-free access to Siri Battery (standard, $129) Up to 4 hours with ANC enabled per charge, up to 20 hours total with the case Battery (higher tier, $149) On-stem volume control, roughly 1 extra hour of ANC battery life, and a wireless charging case Price $129 standard, $149 with the wireless charging case and extra controls Release Pre-orders opened September 9, in stores September 18, 2026 AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 The headline change is noise cancellation: Apple says the AirPods 5 cancel roughly 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4, on top of a new Adaptive EQ tuning and a more natural sounding Transparency mode. Live Translation and hands-free Siri access carry over as marquee software features, now paired with the improved acoustic hardware. Craft by Merlin’s Own AirPods 5 Collection Craft by Merlin now customizes the AirPods 5 directly, with a Custom Painted collection hand-finished in four colors: Glacier, Burgundy, Black, and Silver, each starting from a genuine Apple AirPods 5. One distinction worth knowing before you order: every current iPhone 18 pre-booking still includes a free standard Apple AirPods 4, not the AirPods 5 covered above, so the two offers are separate. If you want the newer AirPods 5 hardware in a hand-painted finish, Craft by Merlin’s Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection is open now. • Glacier AirPods 5 • Burgundy AirPods 5 • Black AirPods 5 • Silver AirPods 5 And if you have not pre-booked your iPhone 18 yet, the free AirPods 4 offer is still running across all eight finishes in the collection.
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iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone, Fully Explained
The iPhone Duo was the biggest surprise of Apple’s September 9, 2026 event: the company’s first foldable phone, arriving on its own release schedule separate from the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Here is everything Apple confirmed about it. iPhone Duo Specs at a Glance Spec Detail Chip A20 Pro, the same chip used in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Outer display 5.4 inch screen, ProMotion, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness Inner display 7.6 inch screen with a nano-texture finish, ProMotion, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness Build Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front and back, IP68 rating Thickness 5.2mm when unfolded, thinner than the iPhone Air Accessories Optional Folio case with a built-in kickstand Storage From 256GB up to 2TB Software iOS 27 Price From $1,999 (256GB) Release Pre-orders open October 16, in stores October 23, 2026 Why the Duo Ships Later Than the Rest of the Lineup Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which went up for pre-order on September 12 and reached stores on September 18, the Duo runs on its own five-week-later schedule: pre-orders open October 16, with the device arriving in stores October 23. Apple has not explained the gap publicly, though it is consistent with a more complex, lower-volume product needing more production runway. Craft by Merlin’s Customization, on the Hardware Available Today Craft by Merlin’s customization program currently covers the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both of which run the same A20 Pro chip found inside the Duo. If you want that same level of hand finished craftsmanship on hardware you can pre-book right now rather than waiting for October, the current collection covers eight finishes, from full-body 24K gold to hand wrapped alligator leather and four crystal tones. 24K Full Gold 24K Rose Gold Black Alligator Leather Brown Alligator Leather Crystal Silver Crystal Nude Crystal Blue Crystal Orange Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection.
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Custom Painted AirPods 5: Craft by Merlin’s New Hand-Painted Collection
Apple launched the AirPods 5 in white, and only white. That has not changed with this generation, and based on Apple’s own pattern over the past few years, it is unlikely to change with the next one either. Craft by Merlin’s new Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection fills that gap with four hand-painted finishes, each applied to a genuine pair of AirPods 5. The Collection: Four Hand-Painted Finishes Every pair in the collection starts as an authentic Apple AirPods 5. The customization is applied entirely to the exterior, by hand, so no two pairs are ever perfectly identical. Glacier Glacier takes its cue from pale winter light on glass, a cool, muted blue-gray that reads as calm and considered rather than flashy. It sits close enough to Apple’s own palette that it never looks out of place next to other Apple hardware, while still being immediately recognizable as a Craft finish the moment someone looks twice. It suits anyone who wants their AirPods to look deliberate rather than decorated, and it pairs particularly well with the Crystal Silver and Crystal Blue finishes in Craft’s iPhone 18 collection for a matched, cohesive look across your devices. Reserve the Glacier finish. Burgundy Burgundy is the boldest finish in the collection, a deep, wine-toned red with a rich, almost matte depth that changes character depending on the light. It draws more from leather goods and fine accessories than from consumer electronics, which is exactly the point: this is a finish for someone who wants their AirPods to feel considered and a little luxurious, not just colorful. It also makes a strong, memorable gift, especially paired with one of Craft’s Rose Gold or Crystal Nude iPhone 18 finishes for a warm, coordinated palette. Reserve the Burgundy finish. Black Black takes the AirPods 5 away from its default white and into something closer to stealth, a clean, matte finish that disappears into an all-black setup rather than standing out from it. It is the most understated option in the collection and tends to appeal to buyers who want the upgrade in materials and craftsmanship without a loud visual statement attached to it. It also happens to be the natural match for Craft’s Black Alligator Leather iPhone 18 finish, for anyone building a matching black and gold set. Reserve the Black finish. Silver Silver stays closest to Apple’s original AirPods aesthetic, a bright, neutral tone that still carries the depth and finish quality of a hand-painted piece rather than a factory coat. It is the safest, most universally flattering choice in the collection, works with any wardrobe or device pairing, and photographs cleanly, which also makes it the strongest resale and gifting option if you are buying for someone else and are not certain of their taste. It sits comfortably alongside Craft’s Crystal Silver iPhone 18 finish for buyers who prefer to keep their whole setup neutral. Reserve the Silver finish. What You Are Actually Buying Each pair begins as a genuine, brand-new Apple AirPods 5, not a replica or a third-party earbud. Craft’s artisans hand-paint the exterior of the earbuds and the charging case, then seal the finish with a protective coating designed to resist everyday scratching and fading. The customization is cosmetic only: Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, hands-free Siri access, and the rest of the AirPods 5 feature set work exactly as Apple built them. Price and What Is Included The Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection is priced at 865 AED - 985 AED, the same across all four finishes. Every pair ships with Craft’s standard 1-year warranty and free worldwide shipping. Pairs Naturally With Your iPhone 18 If you have already pre-booked an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max from Craft’s collection, you already have a free Apple AirPods 4 coming with that order. The Custom Painted AirPods 5 is a separate, newer product line for anyone who wants the painted finish and the AirPods 5 hardware specifically, whether as a standalone purchase or an upgrade alongside your iPhone. Explore the full Craft by Merlin iPhone 18 collection to see all eight custom finishes currently open for pre-booking.
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iPhone 18 Pro: Full Specs, Price, and Release Date
The iPhone 18 Pro is one of three devices Apple confirmed at its September 9, 2026 "Surprise and Shine" event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the first-ever iPhone Duo. It keeps the 6.3 inch size that defined the iPhone 17 Pro but changes almost everything underneath. Here is the full spec sheet, what actually changed from last year, and where to get one in a finish Apple does not sell. iPhone 18 Pro Specs at a Glance Spec Detail Chip A20 Pro, 2 nanometer process, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, Dual 16-core Neural Engine Display 6.3 inch OLED, ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, Always-On, Dynamic Island Rear camera Triple 48MP system with a variable aperture main lens (f/1.4 to f/4), manual Pro controls Front camera 18MP Connectivity C2 modem with satellite based 5G, Emergency SOS, Messages, Roadside Assistance, and Find My via satellite Durability Ceramic Shield 2 front and back, aluminum unibody, IP68 rating SIM eSIM-only in most markets, with longer battery life than physical-SIM variants Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB Colors Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue, Burgundy Software iOS 27 Price From $1,199 (256GB) Release Pre-orders opened September 12, on sale September 18, 2026 What Changed From the iPhone 17 Pro The outside barely moved: same 6.3 inch screen, same aluminum unibody, same triple 48MP camera layout. The real upgrade is internal. Apple’s own figures put the A20 Pro at roughly 18 percent faster and 30 percent more power efficient than the A19 Pro, on top of the new variable aperture camera and the C2 modem. eSIM-only units also gain extra video playback time versus the physical-SIM version, since the space once used by the SIM tray now holds more battery. iPhone 18 Pro Pricing by Storage Storage Price 256GB $1,199 512GB $1,399 1TB $1,799 2TB $2,399 Want the iPhone 18 Pro in More Than Apple’s 4 Colors? Apple ships the iPhone 18 Pro in four official colors: Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue, and Burgundy. Craft by Merlin already has eight custom finishes open for pre-booking on this exact model, from full-body 24K gold to hand wrapped alligator leather and four distinct crystal tones. Nothing about the A20 Pro chip, the camera, or the display changes, only how the phone looks and feels in your hand. 24K Full Gold 24K Rose Gold Black Alligator Leather Brown Alligator Leather Crystal Silver Crystal Nude Crystal Blue Crystal Orange Reserve any finish with a deposit of AED 1,000, and every pre-booking currently includes a free Apple AirPods 4. Delivery is expected 2 to 3 weeks after Apple’s retail launch on September 18, with insured shipping worldwide. Explore the full Craft by Merlin the iPhone 18 Pro collection.
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iPhone 18 Pro Crystal Silver: Minimal on the Outside, Loud on the Inside
Silver has a habit of looking modern no matter the decade. The iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Crystal Silver Edition by Craft by Merlin leans into that, giving Apple's newest flagship a bright, reflective crystal finish that feels closer to engineered glass than to a typical phone back. Pre-bookings are now open to customers worldwide. What "Crystal" Actually Means Here Craft by Merlin's crystal finishes are applied across the frame, bezels, camera ring, and side panels of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, then polished to a mirror gloss that catches light rather than absorbing it. Crystal Silver is the most neutral option in the collection, closer to brushed chrome than to any single color, which is exactly why it pairs so easily with any case, outfit, or setting. A scratch-resistant protective coating is applied over the finish to keep that shine intact through daily use. Full iPhone 18 Performance, Untouched The customization is purely cosmetic. Every Crystal Silver unit ships with the complete iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max feature set: Dynamic Island for live activities and multitasking A20 Pro chip for top-tier speed ProMotion display technology with Always-On support An advanced triple-lens camera system eSIM-only connectivity for a fully digital setup Storage runs from 256GB through 2TB, matching the range available across Craft by Merlin's crystal collection. The Offer on the Table Pre-book the Crystal Silver Edition today for a deposit of AED 1,000, against a full price in line with the rest of the crystal line at approximately AED 11,799. Every pre-booking currently includes a free Apple AirPods 4, and delivery is scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after Apple's official iPhone 18 launch, shipped worldwide with full insurance. Why Buyers Choose Silver Crystal Silver tends to appeal to people who want the customization without the color commitment. It reads as premium in a boardroom, a studio, or a night out, without pulling attention the way a bold color or precious metal finish might. It is also the safest resale and gifting choice in the collection, since a neutral tone suits almost anyone. Steps to Reserve Visit the [Crystal Silver product page] Select your model and preferred storage size Pay the AED 1,000 deposit to secure your unit and free AirPods 4 Track your delivery timeline once the official launch date is confirmed Because each crystal unit is individually finished and polished by hand, batches are limited and processed in the order reservations are received.
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iPhone 18 Pro Max 24K Gold: The First Luxury Pre-Booking Worth Making This Year
There is a particular kind of phone that never gets carried in a pocket. It gets set down on a table where people can see it. The iPhone 18 Pro Max 24K Full Gold Edition by Craft by Merlin is built for exactly that moment, and pre-bookings are now open worldwide for anyone who wants to be first in line the day it ships. Why a Gold iPhone Still Turns Heads in 2026 Gold plating on a phone sounds simple until you see it done properly. Craft by Merlin wraps the entire frame of the iPhone 18 Pro Max in genuine 24K yellow gold, including the bezels, the camera ring, and every side panel, then finishes it with a mirror gloss polish so the reflections look intentional rather than accidental. It is not a sticker or a spray coat. It is a full-body plating process meant to survive years of handling, backed by a protective layer that resists scratching and fading. What You Are Actually Pre-Booking This is the iPhone 18 Pro Max, not a modified older model, so the technology underneath the gold is exactly what Apple built: Dynamic Island for live activities and multitasking A20 Pro chip for the fastest performance in the lineup ProMotion display with Always-On support An advanced triple-lens camera system eSIM-only connectivity for a fully digital setup with no physical SIM tray Storage comes in 512GB and 1TB, so there is room for whichever you actually use your phone for, whether that is a working archive of files or a few years of photos and video. The Pre-Booking Offer, In Plain Terms Craft by Merlin's pre-booking model is straightforward: you secure your unit today for a refundable deposit of AED 1,000, with the full 24K Gold Edition priced at AED 12,799. Every pre-booking placed right now also comes with a free Apple AirPods 4, so you are not just reserving a phone, you are locking in a bundle before it disappears. Delivery is scheduled for 2 to 3 weeks after the iPhone 18 officially launches, and shipping is free and insured to anywhere in the world. Because the device ships with your name, initials, or a custom design engraved on request, no two orders leave the workshop looking identical unless you want them to. Who This Edition Is For Gold has always signalled the same thing across cultures and price points: this was chosen, not settled for. If you buy technology as an heirloom rather than a consumable, gift a device to mark a milestone, or simply want the one iPhone in the room that nobody else has, the 24K Gold Edition is the version built with you in mind. How to Reserve Yours Visit the iPhone 18 Pro Max 24K Gold product page Choose your model (iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max) and storage size Pay the AED 1,000 deposit to lock in your unit and your free AirPods 4 Wait for your delivery window, opening 2 to 3 weeks after Apple's official launch Pre-booking slots for the gold finish are limited by production capacity, not by demand alone, so reserving early is the only way to guarantee your spot in the first batch.
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iPhone 18 Pro Crystal Nude: The Quiet Luxury Pick of the Collection
There is a growing appetite for tech that does not scream for attention, and the iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Crystal Nude Edition by Craft by Merlin fits squarely into that shift. Instead of a bold color or a precious metal, this finish uses a soft, skin-toned crystal glaze that reads as effortless rather than engineered. Worldwide pre-bookings are open now. The Appeal of a Softer Finish Craft by Merlin applies the Crystal Nude customization across the full frame, bezels, camera ring, and side panels of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, then seals it with a mirror gloss polish that gives the nude tone gentle, luminous reflections rather than a flat, matte look. A scratch-resistant coating protects the finish underneath, the same protective standard used across every crystal color in the collection. Same Flagship Hardware Underneath Nothing about the phone's capability changes with the finish. Every Crystal Nude unit carries the full iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max specification: Dynamic Island for live activities and multitasking A20 Pro chip for flagship-grade performance ProMotion display with Always-On technology An advanced triple-lens camera system for professional-level photography eSIM-only support for a fully digital mobile experience Storage is available from 256GB up to 2TB, giving buyers the flexibility to match capacity to how they actually use the phone. What Your Pre-Booking Gets You Reserve the Crystal Nude Edition for a deposit of AED 1,000, with the full price set at AED 11,799. As with every model currently open for reservation, this pre-booking includes a free Apple AirPods 4. Delivery arrives 2 to 3 weeks after Apple's official iPhone 18 launch, with worldwide insured shipping included. Who Gravitates Toward Nude Tones Nude and neutral finishes have become a genuine trend across fashion, interiors, and now tech, largely because they photograph well in almost any light and never compete with what someone is wearing. This edition suits buyers who see their phone as an extension of a broader aesthetic, minimalist, warm-toned, and considered, rather than as a standalone statement piece. How to Pre-Book Visit the [Crystal Nude product page] Choose your model and storage size Pay the AED 1,000 deposit to lock in your order and free AirPods 4 Wait for your delivery window to open after Apple's official launch Every crystal unit is hand finished individually, so early reservations move through production first.
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iPhone 18 Pro Black Alligator Leather: Executive Style You Can Reserve Now
Some luxury finishes are about shine. This one is about texture. The iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Black Alligator Leather Edition by Craft by Merlin wraps the back of the device in genuine alligator leather, hand finished in a deep black tone that reads more like a briefcase or a boardroom accessory than a phone. Worldwide pre-bookings are open now. Craftsmanship Over Shortcuts Alligator leather is not a material you can rush. Craft by Merlin's artisans hand select the hide, cut it to the exact contours of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and wrap it by hand rather than machine press it, which is what preserves the natural scale pattern and gives each unit its own subtle texture. The leather is then treated to resist scratching, fading, and general daily wear, so it holds up the way a good leather bag or wallet would. The Technology Wrapped Inside Underneath the leather is the standard, unaltered iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Dynamic Island for multitasking and live activities Apple's Pro chip for flagship-level performance ProMotion display with Always-On technology A professional-grade triple-lens camera system eSIM support for a fully digital mobile setup Storage options run from 256GB up to 2TB, the widest range in Craft by Merlin's iPhone 18 lineup, which makes this edition a practical choice for people who actually fill up their storage with work files, not just photos. Pre-Booking Price and Offer You can pre-book the Black Alligator Leather Edition today for a deposit of AED 1,000, against a full price. As with every model in this launch, your pre-booking includes a free Apple AirPods 4. Delivery arrives 2 to 3 weeks after Apple's iPhone 18 launches, shipped worldwide with insurance included. Who This Finish Is Built For Black leather reads as understated in almost every setting, which is exactly why it works so well on a device you are carrying into client meetings, on flights, or across a desk during a presentation. It is a finish that photographs professionally without trying to, and it ages the way good leather goods do, developing character rather than wear. How to Secure Your Unit Visit the [Black Alligator Leather product page] Pick your model, iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, and your storage tier Pay the AED 1,000 deposit to lock in your order and your AirPods 4 Wait for confirmation of your delivery window post-launch Leather units are limited by how much can be hand finished per batch, so early pre-bookings are prioritized.
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