Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone Duo at $1,999

Apple has launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, marking the company's entry into a market segment pioneered by Samsung and other Android manufacturers. The device, unveiled on September 9, 2026, features a book-style design with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. It is priced starting at $1,999, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. Preorders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to begin on October 16, with general availability starting on October 23 in the United States and more than 70 other countries. The launch positions Apple in direct competition with Samsung's latest foldable lineup, which includes the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Flip8, and Z Fold8 Ultra. The iPhone Duo is powered by Apple's A20 Pro chip and runs a foldable-specific version of iOS 27, which supports multitasking features such as running two apps side by side. The device carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and weighs 254 grams when open. Early hands-on reports describe the hinge as smooth and the inner display's crease as less distracting than on some competing models.