Apple launches its first ever foldable phone iPhone Duo - thehindu.com

**Apple Unveils Its First Foldable Phone, the iPhone Duo**

Apple held a highly publicised “Surprise and Shine” event in Cupertino on Tuesday, unveiling the iPhone Duo – the technology giant’s first foldable handset. Bloomberg reported that the device carries a starting price of **$2,000**, positioning it at the top end of the premium smartphone market. The launch was framed as a “high‑stakes” moment for the company, marking a strategic shift after years of incremental upgrades to its flagship line‑up.

The iPhone Duo features a dual‑panel OLED display that folds inward, creating a 7.2‑inch screen when opened and a 6.1‑inch screen in its compact mode. It is powered by Apple’s newest **A20 Pro chip**, which promises a 20 percent performance boost over the A19 found in the simultaneously launched iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both the Duo and the iPhone 18 series retain Apple’s Dynamic Island interface, though the island has been reduced in size on the new models. Camera hardware also sees upgrades, with a variable‑aperture main sensor that can toggle between f/1.5 and f/2.2 for improved low‑light performance, as detailed by GSMArena.

Analysts at The Economic Times noted that Apple’s share price could experience short‑term volatility as investors assess the market’s appetite for a $2,000 foldable. While some see the iPhone Duo as a potential catalyst for growth in the high‑end segment, others caution that competition from established foldable players such as Samsung and Huawei may temper enthusiasm. In India, The Times of India reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max – priced between ₹1.34 lakh and ₹1.54 lakh – will sit alongside the Duo, whose Indian launch price is expected to exceed ₹1.6 lakh, reflecting Apple’s premium positioning in the market.