Apple Enters Foldable Smartphone Market with iPhone Duo

Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market with its iPhone Duo, unveiled at the 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9. The device is priced at $1,999 for a 256-GB model, making it competitive with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

The iPhone Duo's design addresses previous criticisms of foldable phones, including visible screen creases and thick hinges. Apple CEO John Ternus noted that earlier foldables felt like 'two phones awkwardly stuck together,' but the Duo is built around a titanium frame with a 5.4-inch outer screen that opens into a 7.6-inch internal display.

With preorders opening on October 16 and sales beginning on October 23 in 70 countries, Apple's entry into the foldable market is expected to accelerate growth in this segment. Industry watchers predict that foldables will account for around 30% more shipments this year than last, while the overall smartphone market is projected to decline by 1.4%.

Apple's shipment projections for the iPhone Duo stand at 6 million units this year, which would be a significant contribution to the growing foldable market. The company's entry into this market is expected to lend broader legitimacy among mainstream consumers and potentially drive adoption in regions where foldables have already gained traction, such as China.