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Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo in Major Lineup Revamp
Apple showed its first phone that folds open, called the iPhone Duo.
When opened, it has a very large 7.6-inch screen.
It also has a smaller screen on the outside and can work with an Apple Pencil.
People can use two apps or two website windows at the same time.
The Duo will cost at least $1,999 and will go on sale October 23.
Apple also showed new iPhone Pro models with better batteries, cameras and speed.
The company highlighted new artificial-intelligence features for Siri and said privacy remains important.
New AirPods and Apple Watches were announced too.
Some investors were not very excited, and Apple’s shares fell after the announcement.
Apple CEO John Ternus unveiled the foldable iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, at an event in Cupertino.
The Duo has a 7.6-inch unfolded display, a 5.4-inch outer screen, Apple Pencil support and split-screen features.
The Duo starts at $1,999, with preorders beginning October 16 and sales starting October 23.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max add battery, camera and performance upgrades, with prices starting at $1,199 and $1,299.
Apple also introduced AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, while delaying the entry-level iPhone 18 until spring.
- Who
- Apple, led by CEO John Ternus, introduced the new products; Tim Cook remains executive chairman.
- What
- Apple unveiled the foldable iPhone Duo and updated iPhone Pro, Apple Watch and AirPods models.
- Where
- The event was livestreamed from Apple’s headquarters and held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.
- When
- The products were announced Wednesday; Ternus became CEO on September 1, 2026. Pro-model preorders begin September 12, while Duo preorders begin October 16.
- Why
- Apple is using the Duo to enter and potentially expand the foldable-phone category while advancing its iPhone lineup and AI capabilities.
Apple’s Growth Case
Skeptical View
Foldable-phone strategy
Apple’s Growth Case
Apple says the Duo improves on existing foldables with a sturdier design, a smaller crease, a large display and software built around folding.
Skeptical View
Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee said foldables remain a very small part of the smartphone market, leaving Apple to prove it can turn the niche into a meaningful segment.
Market reaction
Apple’s Growth Case
Apple presented the Duo as the largest design change in iPhone history and a product that could energize growth for its biggest-selling lineup.
Skeptical View
Investors responded cautiously, with Apple shares falling 1.4% to $311.92 during the event, according to Bloomberg.
Artificial intelligence
Apple’s Growth Case
Apple emphasized new Siri AI capabilities, privacy and security, and practical day-to-day uses.
Skeptical View
The company is still trying to catch up with rivals in incorporating AI, according to the reports.
Key facts
- Foldable model
- iPhone Duo
- Duo starting price
- $1,999; in India, the 256GB model is priced at ₹2,99,900
- Duo availability
- Preorders begin October 16; sales begin October 23
- Duo display
- 7.6-inch unfolded display and 5.4-inch outer screen
- Pro models
- iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199; iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299
- Pro availability
- Preorders begin September 12; sales begin September 18
- Other products
- Apple introduced AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
Quotes
Dipanjan Chatterjee
Forrester analyst commenting on Apple’s entry into the foldable-phone market
“The difference is that foldables still represent a minuscule share of the smartphone market. The test of Apple's ambition will be whether it can expand that niche into a meaningful new segment.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“The foldable launch is straight out of Apple's playbook: Wait for the product to work out its kinks and for the market to offer glimpses of viability, then enter and shape the category.”
thehindubusinessline.com
John Ternus
Apple chief executive officer who presented the product launch event
““I couldn’t be more proud of the teams across Apple who made today possible,””
thehindubusinessline.com
““We made massive advances in the most important areas,””
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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