Apple Unveils iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable Smartphone

Company's first foldable arrives as CEO John Ternus takes the reins; starts at $1,999

By [Staff Writer] | September 10, 2026

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple on Wednesday unveiled the iPhone Duo, its long-awaited first foldable smartphone, marking the company's first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus.

The announcement, made at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple's headquarters, ends years of speculation that the tech giant would enter the foldable market dominated by rivals such as Samsung and Google.

'As Natural and Intuitive as iPad'

Ternus, who took over as CEO on September 1, positioned the Duo as a more polished take on existing foldable designs.

"Others have created foldables that just feel like two phones awkwardly stuck together," Ternus said in a video shown at the event. He added that Apple wanted a device with a large display "that feels as natural and intuitive as (the) iPad."

Design and Display

The iPhone Duo is sized and shaped like a passport, with rounded edges. It opens into a horizontal, wide screen that can also be viewed vertically. When folded, it features a smaller single screen on the front.

Apple said the device is its thinnest phone when open. The Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display, according to reports. The foldable is expected to include button-based Touch ID and new developer tools designed to help apps seamlessly adapt as the screen unfolds.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999. Preorders open September 12, with sales beginning September 18. Reports suggest the foldable iPhone will launch on October 23.

Analysts had widely expected the new foldable to cost more than $2,000.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Also Announced

Apple also showed off the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the latest versions of its flagship line.

Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max starts at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively — up $100 from the starting prices of the 17 Pro and Pro Max.

Broader Ecosystem Updates

Alongside the new iPhones, Apple introduced AirPods 5 with live translation and an Apple Watch readiness score that estimates how prepared wearers are for the day.