Apple has introduced a new foldable phone named Duo, marking a significant shift in its flagship product line, as reported by ARN News Centre. The device, designed to resemble a passport, features rounded edges and opens into a wide horizontal screen, while also allowing for vertical viewing. When folded, it showcases a smaller front screen and is touted as Apple’s thinnest phone to date.
This launch event, the first under new CEO John Ternus, represents the most substantial redesign of the iPhone since the removal of the physical home button in the iPhone X back in 2017. The iPhone continues to be a major revenue driver for Apple, generating $209.6 billion, which accounts for over half of the company’s total sales in the last fiscal year.
During the presentation, Ternus highlighted the iPhone’s role as a personal AI hub, emphasising Apple’s commitment to user privacy. He stated that while other companies may seek to collect and store personal data, Apple prioritises user control over their information. This approach is reflected in the new features of the iPhone, including an updated Siri assistant capable of interacting with 300,000 apps at launch.
In addition to the Duo, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, which do not feature foldable designs. The starting prices for these models are set at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively, reflecting a $100 increase from their predecessors. Apple also introduced a new standard called “Apple Reference Image” to authenticate images taken with the new iPhone cameras, although this feature will not be available in the EU or China.
Analysts predict that the Duo could retail for over $2,000, a price point that may challenge consumer acceptance. Despite this, firms like International Data Corporation anticipate that Apple will capture a 40% share of the foldable phone market by the end of next year, given the brand’s strong following.
Furthermore, Apple announced a new version of AirPods starting at $129, featuring noise cancellation, and introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, which focus on health improvements with enhanced heart rate tracking capabilities.
As Apple shifts its product strategy, analysts expect a change in its annual release schedule, with a focus on the new foldable device and the iPhone Pro models, while updates to more affordable models may be postponed until spring.
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