CUPERTINO, Sept 10: Apple has entered the rapidly growing foldable smartphone market with the launch of its new iPhone Duo, marking one of the biggest changes to the company’s smartphone lineup in recent years.
The device was unveiled during Apple’s annual product event and features a passport-style foldable design, with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen. The larger display is designed to provide users with more space for multitasking while retaining a compact form when folded.
The smartphone comes with a titanium backed construction and is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. The company has also introduced adaptive iOS 27 features aimed at improving the experience on the foldable screen.
Artificial intelligence is another major focus of the new device, with Apple integrating enhanced on-device AI capabilities into its latest hardware and software ecosystem.
The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 in India, placing it firmly in the premium segment. Apple is entering a market that remains relatively small compared with conventional smartphones, with foldable devices accounting for only a limited share of global smartphone sales.
However, analysts expect the company’s entry to accelerate competition and increase consumer interest in the category. IDC estimates that Apple could sell around 10 million units of the foldable model during its first year.
Alongside the new device, Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, AirPods 5 and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
The launch comes as smartphone manufacturers increasingly compete on display technology, artificial intelligence and premium hardware. Apple’s move is expected to put additional pressure on Samsung and other established players in the foldable segment.
The company is betting that its software ecosystem, premium branding and AI capabilities can help make foldable smartphones more mainstream among high end consumers.