Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited foldable iPhone Duo at its major product event on Wednesday, with the device expected to carry a starting price of around $2,000. The launch is being closely watched as Apple seeks to enter the premium foldable smartphone market and demonstrate its ability to create a new product category.
The event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am local time in Cupertino, California, will also feature the iPhone 18 Pro range, new Apple Watch models and updated AirPods. According to the report, the foldable iPhone is expected to be the centrepiece of the presentation.
Foldable iPhone Takes Centre Stage
The iPhone Duo is expected to start at around $2,000, putting it above several competing foldable smartphones. Higher-storage variants could cost close to $3,000, with the entry model reportedly offering 256GB of storage.
Apple is said to have faced higher-than-expected component costs, partly because of a recent memory shortage. The company is reportedly absorbing some of those costs on the base model while passing more of the expense to buyers opting for larger storage capacities.
New Design and Hardware
The foldable device is expected to feature a short-and-wide design, similar in form factor to Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold models. The format is designed to provide a larger display area while remaining suitable for everyday smartphone use.
The reported specifications include Apple's A20 Pro chip, its in-house C2 modem, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras and a 12-megapixel camera for videoconferencing.
The device is also expected to support side-by-side applications, iPad-style multitasking, a magnetic hinge system and Apple Pencil compatibility.
Apple Targets Foldable Market
Foldable smartphones have faced challenges including battery limitations, camera compromises and visible creases along their folding displays.
However, improvements in display technology, durability and supply chains have made the category more attractive. Apple is entering the segment at a time when manufacturers are attempting to make foldable devices more durable and mainstream.
The company appears to be positioning the Duo as both a premium status product and a demonstration of its innovation capabilities.
John Ternus Makes Debut
The event will also mark an important leadership moment for Apple. John Ternus, who became the company's chief executive officer on September 1, will make his first major product-launch appearance in the role.
Ternus previously served as Apple's hardware chief and has appeared at product launches in the past. His presentation will be closely watched by investors, customers and the technology industry as he begins publicly establishing his leadership style.
Former CEO Tim Cook is expected to attend the event in his new role as executive chairman.
iPhone 18 Pro Gets Upgrades
Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The two models are reportedly retaining the familiar slab-style design rather than adopting a major visual overhaul.
Among the reported upgrades are new camera lenses, professional photography software and a mechanical aperture on at least the larger model. The feature could provide greater control over depth of field and improve low-light photography.
The phones are also expected to feature the A20 Pro chip, improved battery life and an updated vapour chamber for better thermal management. The Dynamic Island is reportedly becoming smaller and gaining support for three simultaneous live activities.
Apple Watch and AirPods Updates
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are also expected to receive updates, although neither is likely to get a complete redesign.
Reported changes include new colours, case and band options and the return of a ceramic case for the Series 12. The Ultra 4 is expected to receive improved battery life.
Apple is also expected to introduce a new Readiness app designed to provide deeper health and fitness insights from sensor data. The company is reportedly developing privacy-focused daily summaries that can analyse aspects of a user's day without producing or storing audio transcripts.
iPhone Prices Set to Rise
Pricing will be another major focus of the event. Apple is reportedly preparing to raise the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by $100 each, following earlier price increases for several Mac, iPad and home products amid higher memory-chip costs.
The foldable iPhone Duo, meanwhile, will occupy an even higher price segment, beginning at around $2,000. The device is expected to go on sale as early as October and reportedly come in white and dark blue finishes.
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