The iPhone Duo is now available to preorder at $1,999

Apple's first foldable phone is now available, setting a new price floor for premium foldable devices.

Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, available for pre-order starting at $1,999 for the 256GB model. Unveiled at the "Surprise and shine" event, the device features a 5.4-inch outer display and unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, with Apple Pencil support expected later this year. It incorporates a Touch ID sensor on the edge, an IP68 rating, Ceramic Shield 2, and the A20 Pro chipset, sharing a 48-megapixel camera with the iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone Duo comes in Star White and Night Sky colors and will be released on Friday, October 23rd. Major carriers are offering promotional deals, including trade-in discounts and bill credits, to incentivize purchases.

Apple's entry into the foldable market with the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, signals a significant shift in the premium smartphone landscape. This move challenges established foldable players and introduces Apple's ecosystem to this form factor, potentially driving wider consumer adoption. The device's features, including a shared A20 Pro chipset and 48MP camera with the iPhone 18 Pro, suggest a strategy of leveraging existing technology for its foldable offering.

The introduction of the iPhone Duo, alongside carrier promotions offering substantial discounts and trade-in values, indicates a concerted effort to drive sales and adoption. This strategy will likely impact the competitive dynamics of the high-end smartphone market, potentially influencing pricing and feature roadmaps of competitors. Consumers can anticipate continued innovation and potentially more aggressive pricing from all manufacturers as the foldable segment matures.