Apple launches first foldable iPhone, with prices starting at ₹2,99,900

Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, entering a market where Samsung has operated without competition for years. As leaks had anticipated-and following in the footsteps of recent Samsung foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8-the iPhone Duo opts for a wide, short book-style design (rather than a long, narrow one), offering access to two screens in a single device. Although the iPhone Duo was officially announced today, it will go on sale in late October with a starting price of 299,900 rupees.

"The iPhone Duo represents the most transformative change for the iPhone since the original model. With an all-new design and intuitive experiences, it demonstrates what is possible when hardware and software are developed together and redefines the concept of using a foldable phone," said John Ternus, CEO of Apple. "Thanks to the largest display ever seen on an iPhone-which still fits easily in your pocket-and the power of the A20 Pro chip, the iPhone Duo allows you to stay more immersed and productive wherever you go, whether you're enjoying content, multitasking between apps, or gaming."

iPhone Duo Design, Specifications, and Features

The Duo-Apple's first foray into the world of foldables-fundamentally reimagines the conventional iPhone form factor (seen in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max) by combining a massive 7.6-inch foldable inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display within an aerospace-grade titanium frame. More specifically, the iPhone Duo’s inner display is 50% larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, while the 5.4-inch outer display maintains a consistent aspect ratio. Both screens support the Apple Pencil (USB-C).

The chassis uses Grade 5 titanium and Ceramic Shield 2. It comes in two colours: Star White and Night Sky. Apple says the hinge, which is the centre of any device has a custom variable-torque profile, carbon fiber support plates and built-in magnets to give a smooth fully flat closure. The crease mark is kept small thanks to a special polymer made using maskless laser lithography. Touch ID is cleverly put into the side button. The internal FaceTime camera stays completely hidden under the display until it is turned on.

The iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro chip the chip found in iPhone 18 Pro models. The iPhone Duo also runs on iOS 27 a software that Apple names to combine tablet‑like productivity with the convenience of a handy device. For example, the interface moves controls to the sides, for easy thumb operation and the iPhone Duo quickly changes based on whether the iPhone Duo is folded, partially open or fully unfolded. The iPhone Duo software also lets users view two home screens at the time, run apps side‑by‑side or pin videos to the top half of the screen while working on the bottom half. Apple provides API support so app developers can fully leverage this new form factor.

In terms of photography, the iPhone Duo features a 48MP Fusion main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. Features like "Duo Preview" let subjects check the framing on the outer screen, while "SmartTake" uses artificial intelligence to automatically snap a photo when everyone is smiling.

iPhone Duo Price and Availability

In India, the iPhone Duo starts at ₹299,900 for the 256GB storage model, with sales beginning on October 23. Pre-orders open on October 16. It will be available in just two colours-Night Sky and Star White-which are essentially more elegant ways of describing blue-grey and white tones. The top-tier model, featuring 2TB of storage, will cost ₹449,900.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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