Archive · 21 Sep 2026
iPhone Duo May Boost Foldables, But Slab Phones Will Endure
Apple has introduced a phone called the iPhone Duo that folds open into a larger screen.
Other companies have made folding phones before, but Apple’s entry could make more people notice them.
Experts say Apple may make foldables easier to use by connecting the hardware and software closely.
More app developers may also create programs designed for two screens.
However, folding phones are still a very small part of the smartphone market.
The iPhone Duo is also much more expensive than most phones.
Because of its price, many people will not buy one soon.
Experts think foldables may grow gradually, while regular flat phones will continue selling in large numbers.
Apple’s iPhone Duo has shifted attention from foldable novelty toward software, multitasking, and everyday usability.
Experts say Apple’s entry could validate foldables, attract developers, and expand the category’s appeal over the next four years.
Foldables currently account for less than 1% of smartphones in India and about 2% globally.
India’s foldable market is estimated at roughly 700,000 units in 2026 and projected to reach 1–1.2 million in 2027.
Starting at $1,999 in the United States and Rs 2,99,900 in India, the iPhone Duo is expected to remain an ultra-premium product for several years.
- Who
- Apple, along with analysts Prabhu Ram of CyberMedia Research and Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research.
- What
- Apple’s iPhone Duo could help move foldable phones from a premium niche toward wider adoption, but is unlikely to quickly replace traditional slab phones.
- When
- The article discusses the market outlook from 2026 onward, including projections for 2027 and the next three to four years.
- Where
- The market figures cover India and the global smartphone market; the iPhone Duo is priced in the United States and India.
- Why
- Apple’s software-and-hardware integration and developer appeal may strengthen foldables, while high prices limit mass adoption.
Foldables’ Growth Potential
Slab Phones’ Staying Power
Mainstream adoption
Foldables’ Growth Potential
Apple’s entry could validate foldables, shift attention toward practical benefits, increase developer interest, and broaden the category over time.
Slab Phones’ Staying Power
Foldables still represent a small market share, and the iPhone Duo’s high price is likely to restrict adoption to the ultra-premium segment for several years.
Effect on traditional phones
Foldables’ Growth Potential
The iPhone Duo could be an important inflection point that makes foldables a more common premium flagship form factor.
Slab Phones’ Staying Power
Experts do not expect foldables to immediately phase out slab phones, which will continue driving worldwide volume sales.
- iPhone Duo starting price
- $1,999 in the United States
- India starting price
- Rs 2,99,900
- India top-tier price
- Rs 4,49,900 for the 2TB configuration
- Current foldable share
- Less than 1% of smartphones in India and around 2% globally
- India 2026 foldable market
- Approximately 700,000 units
- India 2027 projection
- Approximately 1–1.2 million units
- Mass-adoption outlook
- Analysts expect foldables to remain concentrated in the ultra-premium segment for the next three to four years