Apple has introduced a new foldable phone called Duo, marking a significant shift in its flagship product lineup. The Duo, resembling a passport in size and shape with rounded edges, unfolds into a wide horizontal screen that can also be viewed vertically. It boasts a smaller single screen on the front when folded and is Apple’s thinnest phone when open. Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., which translates to approximately $2,760 in Canadian dollars. Pre-orders for the Duo will commence on October 17, with the official release set for October 23.
Describing the Duo as a groundbreaking innovation, Apple’s new CEO John Ternus emphasized its revolutionary design and user experience. Ternus criticized existing foldable phones for their limitations in basic functions like scrolling and video viewing and highlighted the Duo’s unique features such as a custom hinge, dual displays with a consistent aspect ratio, and a titanium body, promising an iPad-like experience in a compact device.
The unveiling event, the first under Ternus’s leadership, signifies the most significant update to Apple’s flagship product since the removal of the physical home button on the iPhone X in 2017. The iPhone remains a cornerstone of Apple’s business, generating over half of the company’s sales in the previous fiscal year.
Ternus also showcased the new iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models, the latest additions to Apple’s renowned lineup. These models, which do not fold, come with a starting price of $1,749 and $1,899, respectively. Additionally, Apple introduced innovative features to address concerns related to AI-generated images, including the “Apple Reference Image” standard for verifying image authenticity taken with the new iPhone 18 Pro cameras.
Moreover, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the A20 Pro chip, enhancing the device’s AI capabilities. Apple unveiled updated AirPods starting at $179 with noise cancellation and introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, focusing on significant health-related enhancements.
Ternus’s role as Apple’s new CEO involves convincing consumers of the value of a foldable device priced at around $3,000, setting a new benchmark for a brand synonymous with luxury.