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Apple has unveiled its first foldable smartphone, marking one of the most significant changes to the iPhone since the product was introduced nearly two decades ago. The new device, called the iPhone Duo, combines the familiar smartphone experience with a larger internal display that folds neatly into a compact design.
Announced on Wednesday, the iPhone Duo is expected to launch on October 23 with a starting price of $1,999. The device features a 5.4 inch external screen and a 7.6 inch internal display, roughly comparable in size to an iPad Mini when fully opened.
Apple says the phone is its thinnest iPhone when unfolded, while its passport like shape allows it to fit comfortably into a pocket when closed. One of its most noticeable features is the inner display, which has a matte finish designed to reduce glare and fingerprints. The crease where the screen folds is also barely visible and cannot easily be felt when touched.
The move places Apple in a market that has already been explored by competitors including Samsung, Huawei and Motorola. Foldable smartphones have existed for several years, although they remain a relatively small part of the global smartphone market. Apple's entry could, however, help move the technology from an early adopter product into the mainstream.
Beyond the hardware, Apple is placing considerable emphasis on software. The iPhone Duo automatically adjusts applications depending on how the device is positioned. When partially folded, applications can move to either side of the screen, while videos can expand smoothly as the display opens.
Users can also operate multiple applications simultaneously through split screen functions. During FaceTime calls, both the internal and external cameras can be used, while the outside display can serve as a preview screen for photographs.
Another feature Apple highlighted is Standby mode. When the phone is folded into a tent like position, the cover display can function as a bedside clock or photo frame without requiring the device to be connected to a charger.
The launch comes as Apple faces increasing pressure to demonstrate innovation in artificial intelligence and new forms of personal technology. The company believes the foldable design could give users new ways to interact with AI and other applications.
For Apple, however, the biggest question may be whether consumers consider those conveniences worth spending nearly $2,000. The iPhone remains the company's most profitable product, generating more than half of its revenue. The Duo therefore represents not simply another model, but a major test of whether Apple can persuade consumers that the future of the iPhone should fold.
