Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. The new device was unveiled on September 9. It is marking one of the biggest design changes in the iPhone range since its original launch.
The iPhone Duo opens like a book and combines the convenience of a smartphone with a much larger screen for entertainment, work and multitasking. Apple says the device has been designed around both its hardware and software, with iOS 27 adapted specifically for the foldable format.
A New Foldable Design
When closed, the iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display. When opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch inner OLED display, giving users considerably more screen space for browsing, watching videos, gaming, and using multiple apps.
Both displays support ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz. The larger screen also uses a nano-texture finish designed to reduce glare. Apple has used a titanium construction and a precision hinge as part of the phone’s foldable design.
The device is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. It also uses a dual-battery design and advanced thermal management to support performance while keeping the foldable body thin.
Designed for More Than a Larger Screen
Apple is positioning the Duo as more than a phone with a folding display. The larger screen is intended to make multitasking easier, allowing users to work across apps and enjoy a more tablet-like viewing experience.
The phone also supports Apple Pencil, opening up additional possibilities for note-taking, drawing, and other tasks. Its camera system has been adapted to take advantage of the foldable design, giving users new ways to take photos and record videos.
The Duo comes in Star White and Night Sky and is available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options. Its starting US price is US$1,999, placing it firmly in Apple’s premium smartphone range.
Apple Enters a Competitive Foldable Market
Apple’s arrival gives the foldable smartphone market a major new competitor. Samsung and several other manufacturers have already spent years developing foldable devices, while Apple has remained outside the category.
The company appears to be taking a different approach by combining the foldable screen with its existing ecosystem, software, and hardware design. The challenge will be convincing customers that the higher price is justified by the additional flexibility.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, with availability starting October 23.
What This Means for Apple
The iPhone Duo marks a major shift in Apple’s smartphone strategy. Its success will depend on how consumers respond to the foldable design, premium pricing, and larger screen experience. As Apple enters a market already led by established foldable-phone makers, the Duo will be closely watched by both customers and the technology industry.
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