Apple revealed a new foldable phone named Duo on Wednesday, marking a significant change in its flagship product lineup. The Duo, resembling the size and shape of a passport with rounded edges, unfolds into a wide horizontal screen that can also be used vertically. It boasts a smaller single screen on the front when folded and is touted by Apple as the thinnest phone when opened.
Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., roughly equivalent to $2,760 in Canadian dollars based on the current exchange rate. Pre-orders for the Duo begin on October 17, with availability set for October 23.
Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, described the iPhone Duo as a groundbreaking evolution in the iPhone series, emphasizing a new design and seamless user experiences achieved through integrated hardware and software. Ternus criticized existing foldable phones for their limitations in everyday tasks like scrolling and video viewing, highlighting the Duo’s custom hinge, dual displays with a consistent aspect ratio, and a new titanium body aiming to deliver an iPad-like experience in a compact device.
The launch event, the first under Ternus’ leadership, represents Apple’s most notable update to its flagship product since the removal of the physical home button in the iPhone X. With iPhone sales accounting for a significant portion of Apple’s revenue, Ternus aims to position the iPhone Duo as a transformative device with a starting price point of $2,999.
In addition to the Duo, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models, emphasizing their advanced features and non-foldable design. The company also unveiled new AI-focused enhancements, including an updated Siri assistant and the introduction of the Apple Reference Image standard to authenticate photos captured with the latest iPhone models.
Furthermore, Apple showcased the new AirPods lineup, offering noise cancellation starting at $179 and additional features such as wireless charging and on-stem volume control for $209. The tech giant also presented the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, highlighting significant health-oriented improvements.
Ternus, previously Apple’s hardware chief, now faces the task of convincing consumers of the value of a $3,000 foldable device in a highly competitive market. Apple’s new offerings aim to redefine luxury and innovation in the tech industry, setting the stage for a new era of premium mobile devices.