Apple has introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone and the most significant change to the iPhone since its 2007 debut. Unveiled by new CEO John Ternus, the device opens like a book, combining a compact exterior screen with a larger bendable display. It starts at $1,999 and will be available October 23, tells The New York Times (full article available to subscribers).
When opened, the Duo lets users operate two apps simultaneously. Its exterior is glass, while the inner display uses a custom polymer. Software automatically adapts as the device is folded or unfolded. Apple is positioning the Duo as a more integrated alternative to existing foldables, which have been commercially available since 2018 but account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments.
The launch gives Ternus an important opportunity to demonstrate Apple’s ability to innovate. The iPhone generates more than $200 billion annually and represents about half of Apple’s revenue, yet recent models have faced criticism for incremental improvements. Counterpoint Research expects Apple to ship more than 12 million foldables next year, representing about 5% of its iPhone shipments.
The Duo arrives as rising memory-chip costs pressure the electronics industry. Apple has already raised prices across several products, including older iPhones. Its new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are also $100 more expensive than their predecessors.
Apple used the event to emphasize artificial intelligence across its product portfolio. The iPhone 18 Pro features the new A20 Pro chip for running Apple’s advanced AI models, along with improved battery life and cameras.
The company also introduced AI-powered Apple Watch features for summarizing activities and conversations, recognizing sounds, and recalling recent speech. Updated watches add more frequent heart-rate measurements and activity-readiness information. Apple also refreshed its AirPods with improved noise cancellation, sound quality, fit, and charging options.
