Apple introduced its latest innovation, the Duo foldable phone, marking a significant advancement in its flagship product lineup. The Duo, resembling a passport in size and shape with rounded edges, unfolds to reveal a wide horizontal screen that can also be used vertically. When folded, a smaller single screen is visible on the front. Apple boasts that when unfolded, the Duo is its thinnest phone ever.
Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., which translates to approximately $2,760 in Canadian dollars at current exchange rates. While the reason for the price discrepancy is unclear, Apple has been contacted for clarification by CBC News. Pre-orders for the Duo will commence on October 17, with the official release date set for October 23.
Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, described the iPhone Duo as a groundbreaking transformation for the brand, emphasizing the seamless integration of hardware and software to redefine the foldable phone experience. Ternus highlighted the shortcomings of existing foldable devices, noting that the Duo was meticulously engineered to deliver an iPad-like experience in a compact, pocket-sized form factor through innovative features like a custom hinge, dual displays, and a titanium body.
The unveiling event, the first under Ternus’ leadership, represents a significant shift in Apple’s flagship product strategy since the removal of the physical home button on the iPhone X in 2017. The iPhone remains a cornerstone of Apple’s revenue, contributing over half of the company’s total sales in the last fiscal year.
Ternus also showcased the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models, the latest additions to Apple’s renowned smartphone lineup, which do not feature foldable designs. Additionally, Apple introduced new security measures to combat concerns surrounding AI-generated images, including the “Apple Reference Image” standard for image authenticity verification.
The iPhone 18 Pro will be powered by the new A20 Pro chip, enhancing the device’s AI capabilities. Other announcements included updated Siri features, new versions of AirPods with noise cancellation, and the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, emphasizing health-focused enhancements.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Ternus faces the challenge of convincing consumers of the value of a foldable device priced at around $3,000, setting a new benchmark for luxury in the tech industry.
