Apple introduced its latest innovation, the Duo foldable phone, during an event on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in its flagship product line. The Duo resembles a passport in size and shape, featuring rounded edges and a unique design that opens into a wide horizontal screen that can also be viewed vertically. When folded, a smaller single screen is visible on the front, making it Apple’s thinnest phone when opened. Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., with pre-orders beginning on October 17 and availability slated for October 23.
Described as a game-changer by Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, the iPhone Duo aims to provide a seamless user experience, offering an iPad-like feel in a compact, pocket-sized device. Ternus emphasized the device’s custom hinge, dual displays with a consistent aspect ratio, and a titanium body, setting it apart from existing foldable models. The launch event, spearheaded by Ternus, represents the most significant overhaul of Apple’s flagship product since the removal of the physical home button in the iPhone X back in 2017.
In addition to the Duo, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which do not feature foldable screens and are priced at $1,749 and $1,899 respectively. The company also introduced innovative features like the “Apple Reference Image” standard to verify image authenticity captured by the new iPhone 18 Pro cameras. Furthermore, the iPhone 18 Pro will incorporate the new A20 Pro chip to enhance AI capabilities directly on the device.
On the accessories front, Apple announced updated versions of AirPods, starting at $179 with noise cancellation and offering additional features like wireless charging and on-stem volume control in a $209 variant. The event also showcased the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, emphasizing health-focused enhancements and positioning them as significant upgrades for users. Ternus, who previously led Apple’s hardware division, now faces the task of convincing consumers of the value of a high-priced foldable device, marking a new era in Apple’s product offerings.
