Apple launch device Showcase. Picture: Wired2Tech
Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone race with the iPhone Duo, marking one of the biggest design changes in the iPhone’s history.
Unveiled at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event in Cupertino on 9 September 2026, the Duo takes direct aim at Samsung and Huawei in the premium foldable market. It will be available from 23 October, with pre-orders opening 16 October.
Apple’s foldable debut
The Duo features a titanium design and custom centre hinge, allowing the device to fold into a compact, passport-style form and open into a large display. Apple says it is the thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded.
The foldable packs a 7.6-inch inner Super Retina display and a 5.4-inch outer screen, with multitasking features designed specifically for the larger display. Apple Pencil support is also coming to the device.
Power meets portability
The Duo is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip and uses Apple’s new C2 modem. Storage starts at 256GB and scales up to 2TB.
A dual-cell battery provides up to 31 hours of video playback using the main display, while Apple claims up to 44 hours when using the outer screen. The Duo is also eSIM-only worldwide.
iPhone 18 Pro arrives
Alongside the foldable, Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, powered by the A20 Pro chip and featuring major camera and AI upgrades.
Both the Pro and Pro Max open for pre-orders on 12 September and go on sale 18 September.
The Pro models feature a 48MP main camera with variable aperture, enhanced video capabilities and improved on-device AI processing. Battery life reaches up to 45 hours of video playback on the Pro Max.
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AI moves across Apple’s ecosystem
Apple also unveiled the Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4, bringing improved health tracking and new AI-powered features including Siri Recap and Audio Intelligence.
Both watches will be available from 18 September, with pre-orders starting immediately.
The bigger picture
Apple’s September launch is about more than new hardware. The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s biggest push yet into foldables, while the Pro iPhones and new Apple Watches demonstrate the company’s growing focus on AI, health and on-device computing.
But Apple faces a major challenge: convincing consumers that its foldable is worth paying a premium for in an increasingly competitive market.
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