Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, at an event on Wednesday, marking the company’s most significant redesign of its flagship device since the original iPhone debuted in 2007. The new model features a book-like hinge that opens into a 7.6-inch display, roughly the size of a small passport, and will retail starting at $1,999.
The iPhone Duo introduces a triple-screen configuration: two internal panels that operate when unfolded and an additional screen on the exterior. This design allows users to engage with multiple displays simultaneously, such as for photography or video calls, while the side housing the outward-facing camera remains screen-free. Unlike some earlier foldables, the Duo is designed to open horizontally rather than vertically and lacks the snapping mechanism typical of classic flip phones.
Apple’s chief executive, John Ternus, who assumed the role on September 1 following Tim Cook’s transition to executive chairman, described the device as aiming for a larger, more intuitive display experience, differentiating itself from previous foldables that felt like two phones awkwardly joined together. Apple has focused on minimizing the crease in the middle when the device is fully unfolded, addressing a common hardware challenge faced by foldable phones that often suffer from hinge durability and debris issues.
The device is Apple’s thinnest phone to date and stores data on models ranging from 256 gigabytes to two terabytes of memory. It supports two color options: white and navy. In space-saving design moves, the phone has eliminated the physical SIM card port. Apple also highlighted new photographic features, including “Kids Cue,” which displays Peanuts animations on the outer screen to capture children’s attention, and an AI-powered snapshot mode designed to automatically capture poses when subjects face the camera.
Despite foldable smartphones being available from competitors such as Samsung since 2019, they account for a small share of the global smartphone market—around 2 percent. Apple’s entrance into the segment comes amid announcements of new foldable models by Chinese manufacturers Huawei and Xiaomi, reflecting increased competition in key markets. Industry analysts project Apple could ship up to 6 million units of the iPhone Duo in 2026, representing about a quarter of the foldable market but a modest share compared to the roughly 250 million iPhones sold in 2025.
The iPhone Duo’s launch also coincided with Apple’s broader announcement of the iPhone 18 series and other devices. The company introduced AI-powered enhancements, including an upgraded version of its Siri assistant designed to operate across apps, facilitating tasks like email management and list creation. Apple also debuted the Reference Image feature, which creates unalterable copies of photos taken on the iPhone 18 to verify their originality.
Preorders for the iPhone Duo will begin on October 16, with shipments slated to start the following week. As Apple navigates the broader market challenges, such as a global memory chip shortage driven by demand for artificial intelligence technology, the new foldable device is positioned as a premium offering rather than a mass-market contender. Following the announcements, Apple’s stock closed down slightly by 0.28 percent at $315.34 per share.