Apple unveils $1,999 iPhone Duo foldable smartphone and iPhone 18 Pro series

First foldable smartphone revealed

At its annual product presentation on 9 September 2026, Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, marking the company's entry into the foldable smartphone segment. The passport-shaped device features a 5.4-inch external display and unfolds into a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner screen. The outer screen delivers 90% of the display area found on the iPhone 18 Pro, while the unfolded interior provides 50% more viewing space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both displays use the same aspect ratio, and the interior panel incorporates a nano-texture finish intended to reduce the visibility of the centre crease. The hardware allows multitasking with two applications running side by side, as well as hands-free use in tent and notebook orientations.

A new design to enhance what you need.

Hardware specifications and pricing structure

The iPhone Duo runs on Apple's A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, paired with a vapor-chamber cooling system and the company's C2 modem. Apple states the processor provides up to a 40% performance increase. The device supports the Apple Pencil, uses Touch ID integrated directly into the side power button, and includes magnetic closures. Storage options reach up to 2 terabytes. In the United States, pricing begins at $1,999, which is approximately $100 higher than baseline versions of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold. In Germany, the device retails starting at 2,299 euros, while in Switzerland prices begin at 2,000 Swiss francs. Pre-orders start at 14:00 on 16 October 2026, with retail sales scheduled for 23 October 2026.

iPhone 18 Pro lineup and accessory updates

Alongside the foldable device, Apple presented the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, priced in the United States from $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, reflecting a $100 price increase attributed to higher memory chip costs. In Germany, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at 1,449 euros. Both Pro models feature the A20 Pro chip, a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture mechanism, and a reduced Dynamic Island that accommodates up to three live widgets. Apple also added Apple Reference Image authentication and SynthID tagging to detect synthetic media, though these features will not release in China or the European Union. Apple also revealed the Apple Watch Series 12 starting at 449 euros, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starting at 899 euros, and AirPods 5. The new smartwatches feature daily Readiness tracking, Health Age estimates, and sound recognition for doorbells and crying infants.

Market forecasts and executive transition

The event was the first product showcase led by John Ternus, who took over as chief executive on 1 September 2026 after Tim Cook transitioned to become chairman of the board of directors. Ternus focused on privacy protections in Apple Intelligence, stating that artificial intelligence tasks operate locally on-device through Siri, routing to Private Cloud Compute only when extra power is required. Market research firm IDC projects that overall smartphone sales will decline by nearly 17% across 2026, but forecasts that foldable shipments will expand and that Apple could secure 40% of the worldwide foldable market next year. Financial analyst Dan Ives projected strong adoption among high-tier users.

I believe that between 15 and 20 percent of iPhone Pro buyers could reach for it.