Apple introduces iPhone Duo foldable phone at September 9 event
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable handset, at a September 9 "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. The Duo features a titanium chassis, IP68 rating, a 7.6‑inch inner flexible OLED display and a 5.4‑inch outer screen, with a nano‑texture coating that minimizes the visible crease and a 48‑megapixel dual‑camera system. It is priced at $1,999 and shipments are slated for October 23, while running on the A20 Pro chip with iOS 27, which adds a right‑side dock, a vertical Dynamic Island and a StandBy mode that turns the half‑open device into a smart display. Samsung posted sarcastic commentary on X during the launch, and Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro line, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 at the same event.
How this was covered
- Centrist coverage is the most divided on this story
- Coverage peaked at 20 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
Apple's entry into the premium foldable market could reshape consumer expectations and intensify competition among high‑end smartphones.
How this story developed
- Aug 24 Apple to unveil $2,000-plus foldable iPhone Ultra at September event
- Aug 27 The September 9 event will be the first major public appearance of new CEO John Ternus.
- Aug 30 Apple confirmed a prototype stylus for the foldable iPhone but said it probably will not be available at the September 9 event.
- Sep 5 John Ternus circulated an opening memo to employees emphasizing the upcoming September 9 launch.
- Sep 7 UK retailers reduced the iPhone 17 Pro’s price by £100.
- Sep 8 Apple will host its “Surprise and Shine” keynote on September 9, introducing the iPhone 18 series, the inaugural foldable iPhone Ultra, and updates to its Watch, AirPods and home devices.
- Sep 9 John Ternus made his first public appearance as Apple’s chief executive at the September keynote.
- Sep 9 Apple unveiled the foldable iPhone at the September 9 event with a base price of $2,000.
- Sep 9 The event, dubbed “Surprise and Shine,” is set for 10 a.m. PT and will be streamed via the Apple TV app and YouTube.
- Sep 11 Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 alongside the iPhone Duo.
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