Apple introduces iPhone Duo foldable phone with starting price of $1,999

Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, marking the most significant change to the iPhone lineup since the original device launched in 2007. The device represents a major departure from the traditional touchscreen slab design that has defined the brand for nearly two decades.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with the highest storage configuration costing $3,199. This pricing makes it the most expensive iPhone ever sold by Apple, surpassing the iPhone X which was the first model to break the $1,000 barrier. The high cost reflects the complex engineering required for the new form factor.

Design and Hardware Features

The device features a 5.4-inch outer display and a larger 7.6-inch inner screen that unfolds to reveal a nearly crease-less surface. According to Gizmodo, Apple waited to release this device until it could perfect the hinge mechanism and screen quality. The multi-angle hinge allows for various folding modes, distinguishing it from earlier attempts by competitors like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi.

When closed, the iPhone Duo is slightly smaller than a passport, measuring about half an inch shorter and a quarter of an inch narrower. However, the device weighs significantly more than a passport, roughly six times the weight. This size comparison helps users visualize the one-hand usability of the compact outer display before unfolding it for the larger inner canvas.

Market Context and Reception

Apple’s approach contrasts with the iterative strategies used by Android manufacturers over the past decade. By waiting to refine the hardware, Apple aims to offer a device that solves notable flaws present in current Android foldables. The company has focused on integrating hardware and software seamlessly, creating a luxurious experience that Gizmodo describes as masterfully melded.

Despite being a first-generation product with inherent tradeoffs, the iPhone Duo has received positive early reviews. Testers noted that the device is difficult to put down after rigorous testing, suggesting that Apple’s restraint paid off. The tailored software for the dual-screen setup is cited as a key factor in catapulting the device to the front of the competitive pack.

What should you do?

Security and technology professionals should monitor the device for any initial software vulnerabilities associated with the new folding hinge sensors and dual-display architecture. Organizations deploying mobile devices may want to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of the high price point against standard smartphone models. Users should verify the warranty terms regarding the durability of the flexible screen and hinge mechanism, as these are new components for Apple.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review the total cost of ownership, including insurance, given the high replacement cost of $1,999 to $3,199.
• Monitor early security patches for the dual-screen operating system integration to address potential software bugs.
• Assess the physical durability requirements of your workflow against the device's weight and hinge mechanism.
• Evaluate if the larger screen real estate provides a tangible productivity benefit over standard large-screen smartphones.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the iPhone Duo cost?

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 and can reach up to $3,199 for the largest storage capacity option.

What are the screen sizes on the iPhone Duo?

The device features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen when unfolded.

Is the iPhone Duo the first foldable phone on the market?

No, companies like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi have been selling foldable phones for nearly a decade.