Apple revealed its first foldable iPhone model, the Duo, during a product event titled “Surprise and Shine” at the company’s campus in Cupertino, California, on 15 October 2026. Priced at $1,999, the device marks a major design shift for the iPhone brand and serves as the first major product rollout under new CEO John Ternus, who took office on 1 September 2026.

Design and Features of the iPhone Duo

The Duo opens like a passport to double its screen size, offering the largest display ever on an iPhone at 7.6 inches, which is 80% larger than the new iPhone 18 Pro model. According to Apple, it is also the thinnest phone in the company’s history. The device combines the portability of an iPhone with the wide-screen experience of an iPad, enabling users to use an Apple Pencil and split-screen functionality across two apps or two windows of the same website.

“iPhone Duo brings an entirely new design while preserving everything you love from an iPhone,” Ternus said during the event — “It feels effortless to use and it makes new experiences possible.”

Event and Product Lineup

The event began with more routine announcements, including the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models, which start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. These models feature improved battery life, including up to 45 hours of video playback for the Pro Max, and enhanced AI capabilities integrated across the phone. The Pro models also include cinematic video features and “smart focus tracking” for moving subjects, according to Apple.

Ternus introduced the foldable model with a nod to the iconic “one more thing” phrase made famous by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs; “Actually there is one more thing,” he said before revealing the Duo. The event was broadcast live at 10am Pacific Standard Time and drew significant global attention.

Apple reportedly began testing prototypes of the folding iPhone display in early 2021, according to a Bloomberg report. While competitors have released foldable smartphones since the late 2010s, the Duo is the first such model from Apple and represents a key innovation under Ternus’s leadership. Ternus claimed the Duo “will redefine the experience of using a foldable phone.”

Availability and Market Strategy

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models will be available for pre-order on 12 September 2026 and ship on 18 September 2026 — the Duo, however, will be available later, starting on 23 October 2026. Customers will be able to preorder the Duo on 12 September as well.

Apple’s strategy with the Duo includes emphasizing its foldable design as a more direct user experience compared to other foldable phones, which Ternus described as “two phones stuck together.” The company’s focus on AI integration and enhanced camera features is also a key part of the broader product lineup.