News

Apple’s latest iPhone models are arriving in the Philippines, with preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max opening on October 2, 2026. Local availability is scheduled for October 16, giving Filipino customers an opportunity to reserve their preferred model ahead of the release. Orders are available through Apple’s Philippine online store and participating local retailers.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup features the A20 Pro chip, an upgraded camera system with a variable-aperture 48-megapixel main camera, and improvements to battery life and sustained performance. Apple’s Philippine store lists starting prices of ₱94,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro and ₱99,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with prices increasing for higher storage capacities.

Power Mac Center is also accepting preorders through participating branches and online channels. Its preorder period runs until October 15, followed by midnight launch activities at selected locations, including Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and The Annex at SM City North EDSA. The retailer has announced preorder kits, trade-in offers, and partner promotions, with benefits depending on the purchase channel and location.

Meanwhile, Apple has announced a separate Philippine schedule for the iPhone Duo. Preorders will begin on October 16 at 8 p.m. Philippine time, with availability starting October 30. The model starts at ₱159,990 for the 256GB version and comes in Star White and Night Sky, expanding the choices available to customers considering Apple’s newest devices.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have partnered to bring free cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) training to Filipino learners. The collaboration was formalized through a Strategic Training Agreement signed on September 29, 2026, in Taguig City. The courses will be integrated into the TESDA Online Program (TOP).

The initial offerings include Fundamentals of AI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and AWS Certified AI Practitioner. These courses introduce learners to machine learning, AWS cloud services, security, pricing, generative AI, and responsible AI practices. TESDA said the courses offered through TOP have no prerequisites or training fees, making them accessible to beginners.

The partnership aims to help Filipinos develop digital skills for employment and career advancement. Learners who complete certification-track courses may access additional AWS Academy learning pathways through the TESDA Women’s Center, subject to availability. Eligible participants may also receive certification exam vouchers, although these depend on applicable requirements and policies; completing the training does not automatically grant AWS certification.

Interested learners can visit the TESDA Online Program website to create an account, browse its course catalog, and check for the AWS offerings as they are rolled out. The platform provides online learning resources and enrollment guidance, giving Filipinos a convenient starting point for developing new technical skills.