Foldable iPhone name, price and availability leaked ahead of tonight’s launch

The day has arrived. Apple is gearing up for its major iPhone launch, and this year, a significant surprise is in store: the foldable model. Based on the latest report from a famous publication, Apple's first foldable iPhone will be called the iPhone Duo. This book-style foldable device is expected to feature a large internal display and come in only two colours: white and dark blue. However, the most talked-about aspect may well be its starting price, estimated at $2,000.

In a new round of last-minute details ahead of Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event tonight (September 9), Gurman has revealed information regarding what could be one of the evening's most important announcements. According to the report, today's launch will mark Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, with the iPhone Duo taking centre stage.

The report suggests the phone will start with 256 GB of storage and a base price of $2,000. Higher-capacity versions could cost considerably more; the top-tier model is rumoured to hover around $3,000 and offer up to 2 TB of storage.

This is a steep price point, driven in part by rising component costs, including memory. Apple is reportedly absorbing some of these additional costs rather than passing the full increase on to buyers. If these prices are officially confirmed, the iPhone Duo could become one of Apple's most expensive mass-market products to date when it goes on sale.

What to expect from the iPhone Duo

As for what to expect from Apple's first foldable, let's start with the name. There has been much speculation regarding what Apple would name its first foldable device, with names like iPhone Fold and iPhone Ultra being floated. However, Gurman now says that Apple has decided on the name iPhone Duo. If this is correct the name would make sense because of the phone’s two-part design. It would also help set it from the other iPhones in the lineup.

The report also suggests that the iPhone Duo will support the Apple Pencil potentially giving the stylus a role on an iPhone for the first time. For now, it is unclear whether Apple will support the Pencil models or launch a version designed specifically for the foldable device. Nevertheless, the larger internal screen could make using the stylus particularly useful, on the device.

What colours will the iPhone Duo be available in?

Then there are the colour options. Going by Gurman's latest report, Apple is opting for simplicity for its first foldable device. The iPhone Duo is expected to arrive in just two colours—dark blue and white—with no black option available at launch.

However, while the phone will make its debut tonight, we may have to wait a while before actually getting our hands on it. The iPhone Duo is reportedly expected to go on sale starting in October; Apple will likely delay its release slightly compared to the main iPhone due to manufacturing complexities.

What’s inside?

Beyond the name, price, and colours, previous reports have already given us an idea of what the iPhone Duo might look like. The foldable is expected to feature a book-style design, with an external display of around 5.5 inches and an internal display of 7.8 inches. Reports also suggest the iPhone Duo will be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, while other leaks point to an ultra-thin design and the inclusion of Touch ID instead of Face ID.

More news for tonight

The iPhone Duo will not be the big item at Apple’s event. Apple expects to show the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max; reports say the iPhone will have cameras, a smaller and tuned Dynamic Island and improved heat control. The iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max might also cost more than the models.

Apple is also expected to update its audio and smartwatch products. Rumours say the AirPods 5 will come in two versions. One version will include a wireless charging case. The new AirPods 5 are also expected to have active noise cancellation.

Meanwhile the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 are said to get hardware and software. These updates are expected to bring health features and a privacy‑focused AI tool that can summarise parts of a person’s everyday life. Apple has not yet confirmed these claims. The final details will only become clear when the company shows them tonight.

The event will begin at 10:30 PM (India Standard Time) and will be streamed live via the Apple website, the Apple TV app, and YouTube.

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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