NEW DELHI, Sep 10: Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its new iPhone Duo, marking a significant expansion of its premium smartphone portfolio and signalling the company’s growing focus on next-generation device designs.
The new foldable iPhone is designed to combine the convenience of a smartphone with the larger viewing experience of a tablet-like display. The move comes as smartphone makers increasingly look towards foldable technology to attract consumers seeking new experiences for entertainment, multitasking, photography and content creation.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. Both screens use the same aspect ratio, allowing content to transition more naturally between the two displays.
Apple has incorporated a nano-texture finish on the inner display to reduce glare and make the foldable crease less noticeable. The device is powered by the company’s A20 Pro chip and includes an advanced thermal management system, dual-battery architecture and a new camera system.
Battery performance is also a key focus, with Apple claiming up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer display.
The company has developed several features specifically for the foldable format, including Smart Take, Duo Preview and Duo FaceTime. The latest iOS 27 software further enhances productivity through features such as Split View and the ability to save pairs of applications.
The launch gives Apple an opportunity to bring its large ecosystem of hardware, software and services into the rapidly developing foldable category. While foldable smartphones currently represent a small share of the overall smartphone market, the segment has significant potential as manufacturers improve durability, software experiences and pricing.
Industry observers expect Apple’s entry to generate greater interest in foldable smartphones, particularly among existing iPhone users and consumers looking for premium devices with new form factors. The company’s strong brand presence could also encourage wider adoption of foldable technology.
Analysts believe the initial market for the iPhone Duo is likely to remain concentrated among affluent consumers and existing premium iPhone users. However, the launch could strengthen Apple’s position in the ultra-premium segment while giving the company an opportunity to assess long-term consumer demand for foldable devices.
The broader foldable market is also expected to benefit from Apple’s entry. Increased competition could encourage smartphone manufacturers to invest further in display technology, hinge mechanisms, battery efficiency, cameras and software designed specifically for foldable screens.
The iPhone Duo will be available in Star White and Night Sky, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on October 16, followed by availability from October 23.
Apple’s move into foldables marks an important shift in the smartphone industry, where innovation is increasingly moving beyond traditional slab-style designs. With premium consumers showing greater interest in new form factors, foldable smartphones could become an increasingly important part of the industry’s next growth phase.
