Apple Unveils the Long-Awaited Foldable iPhone Duo
The foldable iPhone has finally made its official debut at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, marking Apple’s highly anticipated entry into the folding smartphone market seven years after Samsung launched its first foldable device. Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, introduced the groundbreaking foldable iPhone, named the ‘iPhone Duo,’ during a special hardware event. While Ternus playfully critiqued existing market offerings for feeling like two awkward smartphones glued together, the iPhone Duo adopts the familiar ‘passport’ form factor, functioning as a standard smartphone when folded and opening up into a tablet-sized display similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Specs, Design, and South Korean Market Pricing
When folded, the iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display that expands to a seamless 7.6-inch inner screen when unfoldedβoffering 50% more workspace than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Powered by the 2nm A20 Pro chip and equipped with advanced 48-megapixel dual cameras, the device runs iOS 27 with optimized layout transitions. Major tech outlets like Engadget have praised its matte-finished inner screen, which successfully minimizes glare and virtually eliminates visible display creases. However, in South Korea and global markets, the biggest talking point is the price tag. Starting at roughly $2,500 USD (3.29 million KRW) for the 256GB base model, the iPhone Duo is significantly more expensive than competing devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which starts at around $1,750 USD.
Market Impact and Samsung’s Response
The entry of the foldable iPhone into the mobile industry is viewed as a double-edged sword for market leader Samsung. While foldable phones currently account for roughly 2% of total smartphone sales, analysts from Counterpoint Research and IDC predict that Apple could capture a massive share of the foldable market by next year. Meanwhile, Samsungβs official US mobile social media accounts have already reacted to Apple’s late market entry with witty posts. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin next month, with official retail availability rolling out soon after.
