Apple has stepped into the foldable era with the launch of the iPhone Duo, unveiled at its "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino. It is the company's first foldable device and the debut flagship under new CEO John Ternus.
Apple says the design draws inspiration from the flexibility of the iPad, while also offering a vertical unfolded mode for everyday use. The wider format sets it apart from earlier foldables and is aimed at delivering a more balanced viewing experience, especially for video.
The move places Apple alongside brands such as Samsung and Xiaomi, which have already explored wide-format foldables. Industry analysts note that foldable phones still represent a small share of the global smartphone market, but Apple's entry could accelerate wider consumer interest in the category.
According to Counterpoint Research, foldables currently account for less than 2% of smartphone shipments, yet the iPhone Duo may help push the segment into a new growth phase. If adoption follows expectations, the device could become a key reference point for the next generation of mobile design.
This launch suggests a future where foldable devices move from niche innovation to mainstream mobile experiences.
