12/09/2026
Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone and one of the company’s biggest hardware redesigns in years. Unveiled on September 9, the device marks Apple’s move into a category that competitors such as Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi have already been developing for years.
The iPhone Duo uses a book-style folding design, with a 5.4-inch outer display that opens into a 7.6-inch inner screen. Apple says the larger display is designed for activities such as gaming, watching content and multitasking, while the device remains compact enough to fit in a pocket when closed.
The phone is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip and features a redesigned hinge, dual-battery architecture and an advanced cooling system. Its foldable design also introduces new camera experiences, including the ability to use the rear cameras for selfies while previewing the shot on the outer display.
But Apple’s entry comes with a premium price. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone in Apple’s current lineup. Preorders are scheduled to begin on October 16, with availability starting October 23.
Apple’s move could significantly reshape the still-niche foldable smartphone market. The company is betting that its hardware-software ecosystem can turn foldable phones from an experimental category into a mainstream premium product.
The bigger question now is whether Apple can make the foldable iPhone a new growth engine or whether its high price will keep it limited to a luxury segment.