Apple unveils $1,999 foldable ‘iPhone Duo’ as new – Business News
Apple unveiled its first-ever foldable iPhone at a splashy occasion Wednesday as new CEO John Ternus regarded to start out his tenure with a bang and ease issues in regards to the tech giant’s potential to innovate.
Dubbed the iPhone Duo, the new machine can be accessible from Oct. 23 and can begin at $1,999, barely decrease than what analysts anticipated.
It’s comparable in measurement to a passport and offers a larger show with out sacrificing portability, Apple stated. The machine snaps open and shut with a “hinge” mechanism and is designed to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever when opened.
When opened, the Duo’s screen is 80% bigger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro. Ternus stated that whereas foldable telephones really feel like “two phones awkwardly stuck together,” the Duo is designed to work seamlessly as customers swap from a conventional show to the broader iPad-like screen – even utilizing two apps facet by facet.
Apple CEO John Ternus taking the stage to announce new merchandise in Cupertino, Calif. on on Sept. 9, 2026. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The buzzy “Surprise and Shine” occasion on the company’s Cupertino, Calif., headquarters opened with particulars about Apple’s refreshed iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max fashions, which characteristic an upgraded A20 laptop chip, improved battery life and sooner cellphone charging.
Apple stated its upgraded smartphone line was designed to serve as the right vehicle for the company’s AI, referred to as Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 18 fashions are available new glacier and burgundy colours alongside more conventional choices. The iPhone 18 Pro is priced at $1,199 – or $100 more costly than final yr’s model – whereas the Pro Max prices $1,299.
Other new merchandise unveiled on the occasion embody the AirPods 5, the newest iteration of Apple’s earbuds, which characteristic upgraded sturdiness. The base model prices $129 and the higher-end model prices $149. The Apple Watch additionally obtained a refresh with Series 12 and Ultra 4 fashions.
Apple unveiled its first foldable cellphone referred to as the “iPhone Duo.” Apple
The occasion marked the primary keynote handle led by Ternus, who took over as CEO on Sept. 1 after serving for years as Apple’s {hardware} chief. Longtime CEO Tim Cook has shifted to a position as government chairman, although he’s anticipated to stay closely concerned at Apple for the subsequent few years.
Apple shares have been down about 2% instantly after the occasion. The Duo announcement was extensively anticipated and was seemingly already priced in to the company’s stock.
Nonetheless, the announcement might reinvigorate a smartphone lineup that some critics stated had grown stagnant, in line with tech analyst Paolo Pescatore, the founder of PP Foresight.
The iPhone Duo is 80% bigger than the iPhone 18 Pro when unfolded. Apple
“Significantly, Apple has created a new premium growth opportunity, opened up another revenue stream and injected fresh momentum into the iPhone business,” Pescatore stated. “The foldable should sell in the millions and give the wider category and developer community a major boost.”
The new iPhone duo folds at a hinge mechanism down the center. Apple
The foldable iPhone will hit shops during a difficult time for Apple, which is contending with a provide chain crunch associated to an industrywide scarcity of laptop chips and different key parts.
The Duo is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded. Apple
Apple stated earlier this yr that the reminiscence scarcity compelled it to raise costs on MacBooks and iPads, with some objects rising by as a lot as $500. The company has described its provide chain woes as an “unprecedented challenge.”
An instance of the iPhone Duo getting used to take a selfie. Apple
Ahead of the reveal occasion, analysts at KeyBanc highlighted Apple’s pricing problem – noting that the company confronted a dilemma of both climbing costs to offset manufacturing prices on the expense of gross sales quantity, or limiting hikes and alluring questions on Wall Street about its margins.
Wednesday occasion marked Ternus’ first keynote handle on the company’s CEO. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The company’s stock was down more than 4% over the past 5 days forward of the occasion – a signal that Wall Street had muted expectations regardless of hype across the foldable iPhone.
The foldable cellphone marked Apple’s most high-profile product launch because the debut of its “Vision Pro” digital actuality headset in 2024, which has didn’t excite customers resulting from a lack of devoted apps and an eye-watering $3,500 price tag.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the newest information, videos, images and more.
Thanks for signing up!
Apple on Wednesday additionally confirmed the release of its long-delayed AI makeover of its Siri voice assistant, which is launching in beta this month forward of a wider release.
Analysts have warned that Siri wants a robust exhibiting to reassure Wall Street about Apple’s AI strategy.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
