Apple Launches iPhone Duo Foldable Smartphone Following Decade of Development

Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, marking the company's entry into a market previously led by Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. The device is scheduled for release in 2026 and will start at a base price of 1,999 dollars in the United States. According to reports from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple engineers had been researching flexible screens since 2016. While the company initially considered a foldable iPad, it shifted focus to a phone to achieve greater commercial reach.

Tim Cook played a pivotal role in accelerating the project following a trip to Asia around 2020. This intervention was notable because Cook typically avoided direct involvement in the early stages of product conception. The development process took nearly ten years as Apple waited for technology regarding hinges and flexible displays to mature and for common issues, such as visible screen creases and limited battery life, to be addressed.

Pricing for the iPhone Duo was influenced by supply chain pressures and the rising cost of memory components. Apple reportedly considered a base price of 2,199 dollars but decided to absorb some of those costs to maintain the 1,999 dollar entry point. However, the company is passing higher costs to consumers who choose models with more storage, with some versions reaching approximately 3,000 dollars. The device will feature the A20 Pro chip, a short and wide passport style design, and multitasking capabilities similar to the iPad. In Chile, the phone will be available in star white and night sky colors, with pre orders beginning October 16.