Apple unveiled the first foldable iPhone in its history, under the name “iPhone Duo,” at a price starting at $1,999, in a move that represents one of the biggest transformations in the company’s journey since the launch of the iPhone
The iPhone Duo comes with a passport-like design when folded, with an external screen for quick use, while when opened it reveals a 7.6-inch wide screen. Apple confirms that the new phone is the thinnest in the history of its phones when opened, thanks to a body made of titanium and a new hinge designed specifically to provide a smoother user experience.
New CEO John Ternos led the launch event, announcing that the phone was designed to offer the iPad experience inside a device that can be placed in a pocket. He said that the user will feel familiar immediately after holding it, even though it represents a completely new category of Apple products. He added that the company has completely rethought the concept of the foldable phone, considering that current devices still suffer from problems related to comfort and practicality in daily use.
Apple's move represents a clear challenge to companies that preceded it in the foldable phone market, such as Samsung. Analysts believe that the entry of the American technology giant may give this category the boost it has been waiting for for years, just as happened when Apple entered the smart watch and wireless earphone markets and turned them into widespread products.
But betting is not without its challenges; Ternos will find himself faced with the task of convincing millions of users to pay about $2,000 for a foldable device, at a time when the smartphone market is witnessing a relative slowdown and the consumer is becoming more cautious in purchasing decisions. Despite this, specialized research institutions expect that Apple will be able to sell all the units it will produce of the phone during the first phase, with the possibility of capturing about 40 percent of the foldable phone market during the coming period.
The company presented the new phone as an integrated productivity tool, showcasing its capabilities in managing meetings through applications such as Zoom and Slack and opening several application windows at the same time, taking advantage of the large screen that gives the user a work space closer to tablets. The iPhone Duo relies on the new “A20 Pro” chip, in addition to Apple’s internally developed “C2” modem, as part of reducing dependence on external chip suppliers. The company also says that the battery provides up to 24 hours of mixed use of the two screens, with the ability to charge 50 percent of the power in only about 20 minutes.
In one of the event's most prominent messages, Ternos stressed that Apple's artificial intelligence relies on processing data within the device whenever possible, rather than sending it to external servers. He said that digital trust cannot be achieved if the user loses control over his personal data, in a statement that observers considered an indirect criticism of competing technology companies that rely more on cloud computing, according to what Reuters reported.
The event (Wednesday, September 9) witnessed a symbolic moment when Tim Cook appeared in a video clip to hand over the scene to his successor, John Ternos, saying to the audience: “Not me... this is your man,” referring to the official transfer of leadership to the new generation within Apple. In addition to the foldable phone, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and also announced new AirPods with noise cancellation and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with advanced health and sports features. Thus, it became clear that Apple was not just launching a new phone, but rather making a new bet on the future of its smart devices, placing the iPhone Duo at the heart of a strategy that combines artificial intelligence, privacy, and the luxury category.
