Apple launches iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone
Original: Apple unveils its first foldable, the iPhone Duo
Why This Matters
Apple's foldable entry could accelerate mainstream adoption of a form factor currently under 2% of global shipments.
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable device, at the 'Surprise and Shine' event in Cupertino on September 9, 2026. The device features a 7.6-inch inner display and 5.4-inch outer display, and is the first major launch under new CEO John Ternus.
Apple introduced the iPhone Duo at its annual iPhone event in Cupertino, marking the company's entry into the foldable smartphone market. The device sports a 7.6-inch unfolded Retina display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. Apple described it as 'Inspired by the versatility of iPad.' Unlike many early foldables that used a vertical slab design, Apple adopted a wider form factor to improve the aspect ratio for video viewing. The device supports Touch ID but omits Face ID; users can also unlock it via Apple Watch. iOS 27 has been adapted for the foldable, enabling split-screen multitasking, app pairing, vertical orientation with pinned video, and half-folded table-stand mode. Counterpoint Research notes foldables currently account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments, but forecasts the iPhone Duo could capture up to 25% of the foldable market by year-end. Rivals Samsung and Xiaomi had already launched wide-format foldables ahead of Apple's entry.