Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone Duo After Seven Years

Apple introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, on Wednesday at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, California. The device marks the first major product launch under new chief executive John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook on September 1 after 15 years.

When folded, the iPhone Duo resembles a passport with a 5.4-inch (13.7 cm) outer display. Unfolded, it reveals a 7.6-inch (19.3 cm) inner screen that Apple claims is the thinnest iPhone yet and offers a tablet-like experience. The company says the center crease is significantly less visible than on competing devices, and the inner camera sits under the display surface.

“Others have created foldables that resemble two phones clumsily glued together.”

Pricing differs slightly across reports: Le Soir cites approximately $2,000 (1,718 euros), while Ostthüringer Zeitung lists a starting price of 2,299 euros, making it the most expensive iPhone model to date. Pre-orders begin October 23.

Apple enters a foldable segment that accounts for less than 2% of global smartphone sales. Research firm IDC predicts Apple could capture nearly one-third of that niche this year. Analyst Kiranjeet Kaur says the launch will likely shift competitive dynamics in China and worldwide.

Chinese rivals have moved ahead. Huawei recently debuted the tri-fold Mate XT 2 at 19,999 yuan (2,560 euros), and Xiaomi launched the 18 Fold at 10,999 yuan (1,410 euros). Samsung, Google, and others have offered foldables for years.

Apple made trade-offs to achieve the slim profile. Optical zoom is limited to 2x, and Face ID has been replaced by a fingerprint sensor for unlocking. Ternus argued that competitors' foldables feel like "two smartphones glued together," while Apple's dimensions better utilize the larger inner display.