Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first-ever foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo. The company unveiled the new device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its latest launch event.
The iPhone Duo marks one of the biggest design changes in the history of the iPhone and brings Apple’s technology into direct competition with established foldable smartphone makers.
iPhone Duo gets a large foldable display
The iPhone Duo features a book-style folding design. When folded, the device comes with a 5.4-inch outer display, while unfolding it reveals a much larger 7.6-inch internal screen.
The larger display is designed not only for watching videos and consuming content but also for multitasking. Users can run two apps side by side, giving the device a smartphone-meets-tablet experience.
The foldable iPhone also supports the Apple Pencil, extending its functionality beyond that of a conventional smartphone.
Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip
The iPhone Duo is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which is based on a 2nm manufacturing process. The chip is designed to deliver improved performance, graphics capabilities and on-device AI processing.
Apple has also equipped the foldable phone with a vapor-chamber cooling system to help manage heat during intensive use. It also features the company’s new C2 modem.
Apple focuses on durability
Apple has paid particular attention to the phone’s folding mechanism and hinge design. The company has worked to minimise the visible crease on the internal display while maintaining a smooth folding experience.
The device also comes with IP68 water and dust resistance, offering additional protection against everyday exposure to the elements.
iPhone Duo price and availability
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, while its starting price in India is ₹2,99,900. This makes it the most expensive iPhone in Apple’s current lineup.
Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on October 16, with the phone expected to go on sale from October 23.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market
Apple’s arrival in the foldable smartphone segment comes several years after companies such as Samsung, Google and several Chinese smartphone manufacturers established themselves in the category.
With the iPhone Duo, Apple is betting on its hardware-software integration and wider ecosystem to attract consumers looking for a premium foldable device.
The steep price puts the iPhone Duo firmly in the ultra-premium segment, but Apple’s strong brand appeal and ecosystem could make its first foldable iPhone an important new competitor in the rapidly growing foldable smartphone market.
