Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its $1,999 iPhone Duo, marking one of the biggest redesigns of its flagship smartphone line since the iPhone X. The company is betting on a passport-inspired design, advanced hardware and privacy-focused technology to compete with foldable phones that have been offered by Samsung and Chinese manufacturers for years.
The iPhone Duo features a compact, passport-like design when folded and opens into a 7.6-inch display that can be used in both horizontal and vertical orientations. A smaller 5.4-inch outer display allows users to operate the device while it is closed. Apple said the Duo is its thinnest iPhone when fully opened and uses a new titanium body and custom hinge system.
Apple’s new foldable is positioned as a productivity-focused device, offering users the ability to run multiple apps side by side on its larger internal screen. The company demonstrated features for business users, including multitasking, video calls and expanded views of messaging applications.
The device will be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip and will feature the company’s new C2 modem, further reducing its reliance on Qualcomm for wireless connectivity. Apple said the battery can provide up to 24 hours of mixed dual-screen use and can reach 50% charge in approximately 20 minutes.
Analysts expect the iPhone Duo to generate significant interest in the growing foldable smartphone market. International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that Apple could capture a substantial share of the premium foldable segment as production expands.
Apple is also emphasizing privacy and artificial intelligence with its latest iPhone lineup. CEO John Ternus described the iPhone as a personal AI hub, highlighting Apple’s approach of processing Apple Intelligence features on the device whenever possible to reduce reliance on cloud-based data processing.
The company also introduced new AI-related image authenticity features designed to help identify genuine photographs and distinguish AI-generated or manipulated images. Apple said its new technology will work alongside the emerging SynthID standard for identifying AI-created or edited content, although some features will not be available in the European Union or China.
Alongside the iPhone Duo, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. Both models feature the A20 Pro chip and additional improvements aimed at supporting advanced AI capabilities directly on the devices.
Apple also announced updates to its wider product lineup, including new AirPods starting at $129 with noise cancellation and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, which include new health, fitness, recovery and heart-rate monitoring features.
The launch represents a major shift for Apple as it enters a foldable market that has so far been dominated by Samsung and Chinese smartphone makers. With its premium pricing, larger flexible display and focus on productivity, AI and privacy, the iPhone Duo is expected to become a key product in Apple’s strategy to bring foldable smartphones into the mainstream.
