Apple enters the foldable market with iPhone Duo
Apple has launched the $1,999 iPhone Duo, a foldable device featuring an A20 Pro chip and IP68 protection that is now rated as having a less visible crease than competitors thanks to new display technology. MacRumors' hands-on review praises the hardware's sturdiness and introduces new software capabilities like FaceTime Duo and AI-driven group photography, with pre-orders opening October 16.
MacRumors hands-on impressions confirm the crease is significantly less visible than Samsung's rivals thanks to a nano-texture polymer and maskless laser lithography, though it remains faintly detectable in specific lighting. The review also highlights a new software suite that includes FaceTime Duo for multi-display calls and a Smart Take feature that uses AI to capture group photos automatically.
Source: MacRumors9to5Google notes that the iPhone Duo’s IP68 dust and water resistance is explicitly labeled as temporary in Apple's fine print, a durability caveat shared by Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold but notably absent in standard iPhone 18 Pro listings. This distinction highlights the unique wear-and-tear challenges posed by the device's moving hinge mechanism compared to traditional slab phones.
Source: 9to5GoogleWhat Hi-Fi? highlights the iPhone Duo's new A20 Pro chip, which promises 35% better sustained performance than the previous generation, alongside a 3000-nit display and a titanium hinge built from over 100 components. The publication also notes that CEO John Ternus has dubbed the device the most transformational change to the iPhone since its inception.
Source: GN technics/mobile (en-US)According to GN technics/mobile (en-US), the new device is set to hit shelves on October 23, with CEO John Ternus arguing that its design offers a more intuitive, iPad-like experience rather than the clunky feel of competitors' products. The outlet also notes that Apple is raising prices across its lineup, citing global memory chip shortages driven by artificial intelligence demand.
Source: GN technics/mobile (en-US)Android Central reports that the announcement sparked immediate and humorous pushback, with Duolingo joking about the device name and Samsung posting throughout the event to mock Apple's late entry and accessory lineup.
Source: Android CentralApple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, positions itself as a direct competitor to Samsung's leading devices. The new phone features dual displays and high-brightness screens, aiming to capture users who have previously ignored Android-based foldables due to brand preference.
Source: GN technics/mobile (en-US)
