Apple Inc. announced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during the "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, 2026. This marked a significant redesign for the flagship device and was highly anticipated following extensive rumors. Alongside the Duo, Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, as well as updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods.
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The iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display, making it the largest screen on an iPhone to date. Pre-orders for the device will begin on October 16, with an official release set for October 23. The Duo is available in multiple memory capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Apple's CEO John Ternus highlighted the Duo's compact design, stating that it combines a large display with portability, ideal for content consumption and multitasking. The device is powered by the new A20 Pro chip and has two batteries for all-day usage. The outer display shares 90% of the screen area of the iPhone 18 Pro and boasts a special nano-texture finish to reduce glare.
Equipped with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera and a 12MP front camera, the iPhone Duo aims to enhance photography across different orientations. The Duo will come in two colors: Star White and Night Sky.
In addition to the iPhone Duo, Apple presented the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and Pro Max starting at $1,299. Pre-orders for these models will be available from September 12, with in-store availability beginning September 18.
The company also revealed two new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12, both available for pre-order on the event date. Enhancements to AirPods include active noise cancellation and a new wireless charging case.
In a broader industry context, IDC analysts predict that Apple could capture approximately 40% of the foldable phone market, projecting sales of over 17 million units by 2027.