Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, unveiled on Wednesday during the company’s latest product event in Cupertino, California. The launch marks Apple’s long-awaited entry into a smartphone category pioneered by Samsung several years ago. The company is betting that its first foldable iPhone can attract a significant share of a market that remains relatively small globally.
iPhone Duo Combines Phone and Tablet Experience
Apple says the iPhone Duo is designed to combine the portability of a smartphone with the larger viewing experience of a tablet. When folded, the device is roughly the size of a passport. It features a titanium construction, a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external screen. The phone will be offered in two colours: Star White and Night Sky.
Apple said the design is intended to provide users with a large display while maintaining the convenience of carrying a smartphone.
Multiple Cameras Featured
The iPhone Duo comes with several cameras positioned across the device. The setup includes a front-facing external camera, two rear cameras and an internal camera. Apple said the cameras can operate simultaneously when the phone is fully unfolded, offering users greater flexibility when taking photos and recording content. The device is scheduled to go on sale in 70 countries from October 23.
iPhone Duo Priced Above Samsung’s Foldable
Apple has set the starting price of the iPhone Duo at $1,999, putting it above Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8, which starts at approximately $1,899. The company has also introduced a new payment option known as Apple Upgrade, allowing customers to spread the cost of the device over either one or two years. Apple’s entry into the foldable market comes seven years after Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold in 2019, helping establish foldable smartphones as a new category.
Apple Expected to Shake Up Foldable Market
Despite increasing interest in foldable phones, the devices currently account for less than 2 percent of global smartphone shipments. However, analysts expect Apple’s entry to significantly increase competition in the segment. Research firm IDC estimates that Apple could capture roughly a third of foldable smartphone demand following the launch.
IDC research associate Kiranjeet Kaur said Apple’s foldable iPhone could alter competition in both the Chinese and global smartphone markets. The launch therefore represents an important new chapter for Apple as it seeks to expand its product lineup and challenge established players in the growing foldable smartphone market.
