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| An actual image of Iphone Duo(For reference only) |
Apple enters foldable phone market with $1,999 iPhone Duo
CUPERTINO, California — September 9, 2026
Apple has entered the foldable phone market with the $1,999 iPhone Duo, a passport-shaped device that opens into a 7.6-inch display. The foldable iPhone marks the biggest redesign of Apple's flagship smartphone line since the iPhone X and puts the company into a market led by Samsung and Chinese manufacturers.
The Duo uses a horizontal folding design with a smaller outer screen for use when closed. Apple says its custom hinge, dual displays and titanium body are designed to provide an iPad-like experience in a device that can fit in a pocket, although the phone is thicker than some competing foldable models from Chinese manufacturers.
New Apple CEO John Ternus presented the device as a major step for the company, arguing that existing foldable phones can be difficult to use for everyday activities such as scrolling and watching video. Apple has designed the Duo with a consistent screen shape and a larger display that can be used horizontally or vertically.
The company is targeting productivity as one of the phone's main uses. During the launch, Apple demonstrated the Duo handling multi-person Zoom calls and displaying a wider Slack workspace, while its larger screen can run several app windows at the same time.
The iPhone Duo will go on sale October 23 and will use Apple's A20 Pro chip and a new C2 modem designed by the company. Apple said the battery can provide up to 24 hours of mixed use across the two screens and can reach 50% charge in about 20 minutes.
The $1,999 starting price makes the Duo one of Apple's most expensive mainstream devices and presents a challenge for the company as it tries to persuade existing iPhone users to adopt a new form factor. Research firm International Data Corporation expects Apple could capture about 40% of the foldable phone market by the end of next year if it can meet demand.
Apple's entry could also increase pressure on Samsung, which introduced its first foldable phones in 2019, as well as Chinese companies including Huawei. Analysts have said Apple's presence could help move foldable phones beyond their current niche market by bringing the category to Apple's large customer base.
Apple is also emphasizing privacy and artificial intelligence as part of its broader iPhone strategy. Ternus described the iPhone as a personal AI hub and said Apple Intelligence is designed to operate on the device whenever possible, reducing the need to send personal information elsewhere.
Apple showed an updated version of its Siri assistant during the event. The company also introduced an image-authentication feature called Apple Reference Image for photos taken with the new iPhone 18 Pro cameras and said it would support SynthID, a system designed to identify images created or modified using AI. Apple Reference Image will not be available in the European Union or China.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were also announced, with starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299 respectively. Both models use the A20 Pro chip and remain part of Apple's traditional non-folding smartphone range.
Apple also announced new AirPods starting at $129, with noise cancellation available for the first time in its lower-priced earbud line. The company unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 with new health and fitness features, including tools for measuring recovery and improved heart-rate tracking.
Apple's focus on AI is also increasing the importance of high-performance memory suppliers. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra attended the event as demand for advanced memory grows alongside the company's expansion of AI capabilities across its products.
Apple shares closed 0.3% lower at $315.34 after the presentation. The company generated $209.6 billion in iPhone revenue in its most recent fiscal year, accounting for slightly more than half of its total sales.
The launch gives Apple a new product category but also places the company in direct competition with manufacturers that have spent years developing foldable devices. Its ability to manufacture enough Duo phones, justify the high price and persuade consumers that foldable screens offer meaningful advantages will determine how quickly Apple can expand the market.
