Key points
- The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with top-tier storage models reaching $3,199.
- The device features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner foldable screen.
- Apple CEO John Ternus announced the device as a significant evolution of the iPhone line.
Apple has released the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, priced at $1,999. This launch represents the most significant change to the iPhone hardware design since the original model debuted in 2007. The device is described as combining an iPhone, an iPad, and a camera into one unit. According to Gizmodo, the product has solved the most notable flaws found on Android foldables. The review notes that Apple’s restraint in entering the market resulted in a superior hardware and software integration.
How it unfolded
- Apple CEO John Ternus announced the iPhone Duo, describing it as a unified device rather than three separate tools.
- The company positioned the launch as a refinement of the foldable form factor, waiting until technology allowed for a nearly crease-less screen.
- Gizmodo reviewed the device after a week of testing, noting that Apple’s restraint in entering the market resulted in a superior hardware and software integration.
Who is affected
The iPhone Duo is the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold, starting at $1,999. This price point places it well above the iPhone X, which was the first model to break the $1,000 barrier. Consumers who previously found the iPhone X affordable may view the new pricing as a significant jump. The device is designed for users who value hardware innovation and are willing to pay a premium for early access to Apple’s foldable technology. The high cost makes the iPhone X seem affordable by comparison.
What happens next
The iPhone Duo introduces a multi-angle hinge that allows for various folding modes, supported by software tailored specifically for the dual screens. Gizmodo reports that the device has a footprint slightly smaller than a passport when closed. The outer 5.4-inch display is designed for one-hand usability, while the inner 7.6-inch screen offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded. Despite being a first-generation release, the reviewer noted the device has tradeoffs but remains compelling. The device weighs about six times more than a passport.
The background in plain language
Foldable phones use flexible display technology to allow a large screen to fold into a compact size. This design aims to provide tablet-level screen space in a pocketable form factor. Early models often suffered from visible creases, durability issues, and software that did not adapt well to changing screen sizes. Manufacturers must balance hinge mechanics, screen protection, and battery life. Teams usually prioritize hinge reliability and screen quality in later iterations. Users should check whether apps scale correctly when the device unfolds. This category requires careful handling to maintain the integrity of the flexible display over time.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Verify the warranty terms for the flexible display and hinge mechanism before purchasing.
- Check if your essential apps support split-screen or large-screen modes on foldable devices.
- Consider the weight and size of the device for daily carry comfort.
- Monitor early user reviews for long-term durability reports on the screen crease.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost
General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the iPhone Duo cost?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with prices rising to $3,199 for the highest storage capacity model.
Is the iPhone Duo the first foldable phone?
No, companies like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi have released foldable phones for nearly a decade, but it is Apple’s first.
What are the screen sizes on the iPhone Duo?
The device features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner foldable screen.
