2 hrs ago
Apple Unveils ₹3 Lakh Foldable iPhone Duo Amid Market Slump
Apple has made its first phone that can fold open into a larger screen.
It is called the iPhone Duo and starts at about ₹3 lakh.
The phone has one screen outside and a bigger screen inside.
Both screens can work with an Apple Pencil.
Apple says it designed the display to avoid a noticeable crease and a plastic-like feel.
The phone will use only an electronic SIM to leave more room for its battery.
Analysts think Apple could become the biggest maker of foldable phones in the next few years.
However, the phone will face strong competition from companies such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Samsung.
Apple also introduced several other products, including new iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches.
Apple has introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, with prices beginning at ₹299,900.
The device has a 7.6-inch inner display, a 5.4-inch outer screen and support for Apple Pencil on both panels.
Apple says the custom nano-texture display is designed to look perceptually flat without a crease or plastic feel.
Analysts forecast Apple could capture 25% of global foldable shipments in 2026 and 41% in 2027.
Apple also launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
- Who
- Apple introduced the iPhone Duo; analysts from the International Data Corporation and Smart Analytics Global assessed its market prospects.
- What
- Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, alongside other updated products.
- Where
- The launch's location is not specified; its potential impact is discussed in the global market, especially China.
- When
- The article does not specify the iPhone Duo's launch date; it discusses forecasts for 2026 and 2027.
- Why
- Apple is entering the growing foldable-phone segment as overall smartphone shipments are forecast to decline.
Growth Opportunity
Market Challenges
Apple's role in foldables
Growth Opportunity
Apple's entry could increase interest in foldable phones and potentially make the category the only smartphone segment to grow in 2026.
Market Challenges
The device enters a segment where Samsung already has its eighth iteration, while Huawei and Xiaomi are also releasing new models.
Premium pricing
Growth Opportunity
The high price reflects Apple's attempt to create a premium foldable with a large display, extensive storage and a custom nano-texture screen.
Market Challenges
The starting price of ₹299,900 could limit the device's appeal, particularly as global smartphone shipments are forecast to fall 14.3% year on year.
Prospects in China
Growth Opportunity
Analysts forecast Apple will become the world's leading foldable-smartphone vendor by shipment share in 2026 and 2027.
Market Challenges
China has the world's largest group of foldable-phone users and established competitors, so Apple's ability to make an impact there remains uncertain.
Key facts
- Starting price
- ₹299,900
- Inner display
- 7.6 inches
- Outer display
- 5.4 inches
- Storage options
- 256GB to 2TB
- SIM format
- eSIM only
- Projected Apple foldable share
- 25% in 2026 and 41% in 2027, according to the article
- Foldable-phone penetration forecast
- 1.5% in 2025, 2.2% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027
Quotes
Abhilash Kumar
Lead research adviser (director) at Smart Analytics Global
“Apple is forecast to capture 25 per cent of global foldable shipments in 2026 and 41 per cent in 2027, becoming the world’s number one foldable smartphone vendor. Wide-fold models will account for 45 per cent of shipments in 2026 and 67 per cent in 2027, becoming the dominant foldable form factor.”
telegraphindia.com
“Foldable smartphone penetration is forecast to rise from 1.5 per cent in 2025 to 2.2 per cent in 2026 and 3.2 per cent in 2027.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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