Key Takeaways
- Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999.
- The device features a 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip and supports up to 2 terabytes of storage.
- Pro models of the iPhone, including the 18 series, received a $100 price increase.
Apple has announced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during a major product showcase. The device, priced at $1,999, marks a significant entry into the foldable phone market, competing with rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, the iPhone Duo is designed to enhance on-device AI performance, graphics processing, and battery efficiency. The chip, paired with a vapor-chamber cooling system, aims to provide a smoother user experience, especially for AI-driven applications.
The iPhone Duo offers a unique design, opening into a 7.6-inch display with a 5.4-inch outer screen, allowing users to keep two apps open simultaneously. It also supports Apple Pencil and integrates Touch ID into the side button, ensuring secure access.
In addition to the foldable feature, the iPhone Duo boasts up to 2 terabytes of storage, a capacity not available on its competitors. Pre-orders for the device will begin on October 16, with the phone going on sale on October 23.
Apple also announced a price increase for its Pro models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max starting at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. This increase is attributed to a surge in memory chip costs.
The new Pro models are equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera featuring a variable aperture system, allowing users greater control over depth of field and low-light photography. Apple has also introduced Apple Reference Image, a photo-authentication standard, and added support for SynthID to identify AI-generated or edited images.
During the event, Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, emphasized privacy as a key differentiator in the AI era. He framed the iPhone as an ‘intelligent personal hub’ that runs AI services on-device, with Siri playing a central role. Cloud-based processing is used only when necessary, ensuring user privacy.
The iPhone Duo and Pro models represent significant advancements in Apple’s product lineup, positioning the company as a leader in the foldable smartphone market. With these new features and pricing, Apple aims to capture a larger share of the tech-savvy consumer market.
