Apple Unveils iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable iPhone, Starting at $1,999

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, at a launch event on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The device starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and will be available on October 23.

The launch was the first major product event led by new CEO John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on September 1. The event, dubbed ‘Surprise and Shine,’ was held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

Design and Display

The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display when unfolded. Apple says it is the thinnest iPhone ever when open, at 5.2mm. The device has a titanium frame, a redesigned hinge system, and is available in star white and night sky colors.

The Duo supports Apple Pencil input, a first for an iPhone. It runs on the A20 Pro chip and includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The device also features Apple’s new C2 modem for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.

Apple says the Duo’s inner display offers up to 31 hours of video playback, while the outer display provides up to 44 hours. The device uses an eSIM-only design worldwide.

Pricing and Availability

In the United States, the iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256GB. The 512GB model is priced at $2,199, the 1TB model at $2,599, and the 2TB model at $3,199.

In India, the iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 for 256GB. The 512GB variant is priced at Rs 3,24,900, the 1TB at Rs 3,74,900, and the 2TB at Rs 4,49,900.

Pre-orders begin on Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. PT. The device will be available in more than 70 countries and regions on October 23, with an additional 28 countries and regions following on October 30.

Executive Statements

Apple CEO John Ternus said the iPhone Duo ‘will redefine the experience of using a foldable phone.’ He also said most existing foldable phones currently feel like ‘two phones awkwardly stuck together.’

Ternus described the Duo as ‘inspired by the iPad’ but called its folding functions ‘fluid and completely intuitive.’

Other Announcements

Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the event. Both are powered by the A20 Pro chip and feature a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture and a smaller Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299. Pre-orders begin September 12, with availability on September 18.

Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, both with a new Health Sensing System, higher-frequency heart rate and HRV measurements, and a daily readiness score. AirPods 5 were also announced, featuring open-ear Active Noise Cancellation and hands-free Siri AI access.

iOS 27 will bring Siri AI to compatible iPhones starting September 14. Siri AI will initially be available in English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October.

Market Context

The iPhone Duo enters a foldable market already populated by Samsung, Google, and Huawei. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, a direct competitor, starts at Rs 1,79,999 in India, making the iPhone Duo significantly more expensive in that market.

Apple shares dipped 0.28% on Wednesday following the launch, according to HDFC Sky. The stock had risen in after-hours trading on Tuesday before the event.

Current Status

The iPhone Duo is confirmed for pre-order on October 16 and will be available on October 23 in more than 70 countries and regions. The device will expand to an additional 28 markets on October 30. No further release or pricing updates have been announced.