Apple's long-rumored foldable phone, now reportedly named the iPhone Duo, is set to debut with a starting price of $2,000 for a 256GB model. This price point, while steep, is slightly lower than some earlier predictions which suggested it could begin at $2,500. The company reportedly absorbed some costs due to memory shortages to keep the entry-level price accessible, with prices for higher-capacity versions potentially reaching around $3,000.
The iPhone Duo is expected to be unveiled soon and go on sale as early as October, following the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. It will be available in white and dark blue. Key features anticipated include Apple's new A20 Pro chip, a C2 modem, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, a 12-megapixel front camera, and support for the Apple Pencil stylus. The device is designed for iPad-like multitasking and running side-by-side iPhone apps.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman indicates that the $2,000 starting price positions the iPhone Duo competitively against other foldables, being more expensive than the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (both starting at $1,899), but less than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ($2,099.99). The development of the foldable iPhone involved significant effort, with Apple reportedly focusing on reducing the display crease, improving hinge reliability, and creating a new flexible cover glass. The company settled on a titanium and aluminum hinge system, believing its construction quality and software advantages will differentiate it in the market, despite potential drawbacks like less durability, inferior cameras, and reduced battery life compared to conventional iPhones.
