Apple Unveils $2K Foldable iPhone Duo Amid Strong Upgrade Demand

Apple Inc (AAPL) has launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, starting at $1,999. This marks a new direction for Apple's hardware upgrade cycle and introduces competition with Samsung Electronics in the premium segment.

The iPhone Duo features a book-style folding design with an outer display of approximately 5.5 inches that opens into a 7.6-inch inner screen. The device uses titanium and aluminum to create a highly durable hinge and reduce the thickness when unfolded, measuring about 4.5mm.

Counterpoint sees strong upgrade demand for this new product line, according to ScanXNews. Analyst Gary Black predicts that the iPhone Duo will 'usher in a new iPhone upgrade cycle' and 'substantially increase' Apple's average selling price.

The base configuration of the iPhone Duo is priced at $1,999, with higher-storage versions expected to approach or exceed $3,000. The A20 chip powers the device, potentially built on TSMC's 2nm process, alongside 12GB of RAM and a second-generation C2 modem.

In addition to the iPhone Duo, Apple also launched its AirPods 5, which feature an updated H3 chip for improved sound quality, lower latency, and enhanced noise cancellation. The Apple Watch Series 12 was also introduced, with internal upgrades including a new processor and health tracking features.