Apple’s Pioneering Foldable iPhone Duo Set for October Launch
The imminent arrival of Apple’s foldable iPhone raises questions about whether a book-like design can substantiate a premium price tag—one that remains a challenge for prospective buyers.
On October 12, Apple will initiate the “Get ready” configuration phase for its inaugural foldable iPhone, signifying the preparatory stage preceding the official product launch.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will commence on October 16, and the device is slated to become available in retail outlets on October 23, starting at a staggering $1,999 for the base model featuring 256GB of storage.
As reported by MacRumors, prices escalate from there, reaching $2,199 for 512GB, $2,599 for 1TB, and culminating at $3,199 for the premium 2TB version. The device will be offered in two hues: Star White and Night Sky.
The device unfolds like a notebook, featuring a 5.4-inch external display for brief interactions and a generous 7.6-inch internal screen designed for immersive activities such as reading, video playback, and split-screen multitasking.
Powered by the new A20 Pro chip, Apple asserts that the phone will be available in over 70 nations and regions by October 23, followed by rollout to an additional 28 locations on October 30.
This launch marks the first significant hardware unveiling under the leadership of John Ternus, who took the helm as Apple’s eighth CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who transitioned to the role of executive chairman.
Ternus had previously been at the forefront of Apple’s hardware engineering division, which has overseen the development of iconic products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro.
While he is well-acquainted with Apple’s ecosystem, he now bears the responsibility of leading the narrative when a flagship product either falters or soars.
The iPhone Duo represents a substantial gamble for Ternus. It stands as Apple’s priciest mainstream iPhone configuration to date and showcases a structural divergence not seen before.
The Vision Pro was a new category targeted at early adopters with a hefty price tag of $3,499. In contrast, the Duo is a smartphone, priced comparably to a laptop, aimed at the vast cohort of existing iPhone users who must evaluate if the folding feature justifies almost double the investment they are accustomed to making.
Noteworthy is the pricing disparity in the current lineup: Apple’s conventional flagships, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, are now priced at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively, following an unavoidable price increase linked to heightened memory costs as articulated by Cook.
Thus, the Duo’s starting price of $1,999 comfortably exceeds that of its counterparts by $700 to $800. This is not merely a premium option; it constitutes an entirely different purchasing decision.
The Justification Behind Apple’s Bold Move
Ming-Chi Kuo, a revered analyst known for his astute insights into Apple’s supply chain, has forecasted shipments of 8 to 10 million foldable iPhones by 2026, with the potential to soar to 25 million by 2027.
This suggests that Apple is wagering on the notion that the true benefits of the device will manifest in subsequent years rather than in its initial launch phase.
History shows that the inaugural year for any novel form factor typically encounters challenges in market acceptance; for instance, Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold made headlines in 2019 due to numerous screen malfunctions, necessitating several iterations before foldables gained traction as a viable mainstream category rather than a niche curiosity for affluent early adopters.
The difference now lies in the timing. Foldables are no longer mere novelties. Manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei, along with various Chinese competitors, have invested years into refining the technology, enhancing the durability of hinges, and minimizing noticeable creases that plagued earlier folding screens.
Apple is entering this arena later than its rivals—an approach reminiscent of its prior ventures into the smartphone, MP3 player, and tablet markets.
Being the first was never Apple’s strategy; rather, it has always aimed to deliver a version that resonates with consumers.
The true measure of the Duo’s acceptance will not be discerned merely from its launch week performance.
Instead, it will hinge on whether Apple can sustain sales of 20 million units over the course of two years under Ternus’s leadership, devoid of the guiding influence of Cook’s name on the product’s launch.
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