Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, a foldable smartphone priced at $1,999, aiming to enhance productivity and redefine its flagship product. The announcement was made during an event in Cupertino, California, where the company highlighted its commitment to design and data privacy, as reported by Emirates 247.
The iPhone Duo features a unique passport-like design, opening to reveal a 7.6-inch diagonal screen that can be viewed both horizontally and vertically. When folded, it also has a smaller front display. Apple claims this model is its thinnest phone to date.
New CEO John Ternus, who led the launch event, described the Duo as a significant evolution of the iPhone, marking the most substantial update since the iPhone X in 2017. He expressed confidence that the Duo could disrupt the foldable phone market, which has been largely dominated by competitors like Samsung and Huawei.
Ternus noted that existing foldable devices often fall short in usability for tasks such as scrolling and video viewing. He asserted that the Duo is designed to provide an iPad-like experience in a compact form, featuring a custom hinge and dual displays with a consistent aspect ratio.
Analysts from firms like International Data Corporation predict that Apple will successfully capture a significant share of the foldable market, estimating a 40% share by the end of next year. Ternus faces the challenge of convincing consumers to invest in a foldable device at this price point, which represents a new high for the brand.
Productivity Features and Privacy Focus
Apple has positioned the iPhone Duo as a tool for business productivity, showcasing its capabilities for managing Zoom calls and displaying multiple app windows simultaneously. This aligns with Apple’s strategy to enhance productivity features seen in its iPad lineup.
The device is powered by the new A20 Pro chip and a custom C2 modem, marking Apple’s shift away from Qualcomm’s technology. The battery is designed to support 24 hours of mixed dual-screen use and can charge to 50% in approximately 20 minutes.
Ternus emphasized Apple’s commitment to privacy, stating that the iPhone platform serves as a personal AI hub that prioritizes user data control. He highlighted that unlike competitors, Apple ensures that personal data remains on the device whenever possible.
Additional Announcements
During the event, Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, which do not feature foldable designs, starting at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. The company introduced new AirPods with noise cancellation and updates to the Apple Watch, focusing on health and fitness tracking.
Apple’s new initiatives, including the “Apple Reference Image” standard for verifying image authenticity, reflect its ongoing efforts to address concerns over AI-generated content. However, this feature will not be available in the EU or China.
Follow our World news coverage for related developments.
