Apple revealed a new foldable phone named Duo on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in its flagship product. The Duo, resembling a passport in size and shape with rounded edges, unfolds into a wide horizontal screen that can also be used vertically. When folded, there is a smaller single screen on the front. It is touted as Apple’s thinnest phone when open.
Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., translating to approximately $2,760 in Canadian dollars. Pre-orders will commence on October 17, with the phone becoming available on October 23.
Described as the most transformational change since the original iPhone, Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, emphasized the innovative design and user experience of the iPhone Duo. Ternus criticized existing foldable phones as cumbersome for everyday tasks, highlighting the Duo’s custom hinge, dual displays, consistent aspect ratio, and titanium body aimed at delivering an iPad-like experience in a compact device.
In a keynote address, Ternus showcased the iPhone Pro series, emphasizing its role as a personal AI hub prioritizing privacy. Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, featuring enhanced AI capabilities and a new image authenticity verification system. Additionally, new AirPods models with noise cancellation and advanced features were unveiled.
The event marked Ternus’ prominent debut as Apple’s CEO, succeeding Tim Cook, who passed on the leadership mantle in a video introduction. Executives highlighted the technological advancements and health-focused features of the new Apple products, positioning them as significant upgrades in the tech industry.