iPhone Duo Price Leak: How Much Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Cost?
Apple's inaugural foldable, the 'iPhone Duo,' is set for a grand unveiling at CEO John Ternus' first iPhone event on September 9, reportedly starting at USD 2,000 (approximately INR 1,66,500) for 256GB. A last-minute report by Mark Gurman details its book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer and 7.8-inch inner display, powered by the A20 chip.
The tech world is abuzz as Apple prepares for its first major iPhone launch event under the leadership of its new CEO, John Ternus, who took the helm on September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook. Just hours before the highly anticipated September 9 keynote, a crucial report from Bloomberg's revered Apple analyst, Mark Gurman, has shed significant light on the company's long-rumoured foldable device, confirming its name as the "iPhone Duo" (iPhone Ultra) and revealing an ambitious starting price.
According to Gurman's dispatch, the revolutionary foldable will commence at a price point of USD 2,000 (approximately INR 1,66,500), offering 256GB of storage. This pricing strategy, while premium, sees Apple reportedly absorbing some of the increased costs stemming from AI-driven RAM shortages and other supply chain constraints, aiming to maintain a competitive entry point for its first foldable foray. Higher storage configurations are expected to push the price tag upwards, potentially reaching USD 3,000 (approximately INR 2,49,750). iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Foldable iPhone Ultra aka iPhone Duo Launch: Time and Live Streaming Link.
Mark Gurman on iPhone Duo Price
Apple landed on the iPhone Duo name for the foldable iPhone and a $2,000 starting price, eating the additional memory costs. Storage capacities will reach 2 terabytes and roughly $3,000. It’ll ship in October, has support for the Apple Pencil and come in dark blue + white. https://t.co/58VLtVNka6
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 9, 2026
Launch and Availability
While the iPhone Duo is slated for an unveiling at today's event, widespread availability is not expected immediately. Gurman's report indicates that initial shipments are planned for "as early as October". This phased rollout suggests Apple is taking a cautious approach, potentially to fine-tune production or manage supply in what is expected to be a highly coveted, albeit niche, market segment. There are also whispers of potential delays for the device's launch in key markets like China, primarily due to regulatory considerations surrounding its eSIM-only design. iPhone 18 Pro Max Price in India, Expected Specifications and Features; Check All Before September 9 Apple Event.
Design and Specifications: What to Expect
The iPhone Duo is widely anticipated to feature a book-style folding design. Sources suggest it will sport a compact 5.5-inch outer display when closed, expanding to a substantial 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. This larger internal screen is rumoured to adopt a 4:3 aspect ratio, akin to an iPad mini, offering an expansive canvas for multitasking.
A significant engineering feat is expected in the display technology itself. Apple is reportedly utilising a custom display process developed by Samsung, incorporating custom cover glass for enhanced durability. Crucially, the device is said to feature a crease that is "far less visible" than those on competing foldable smartphones, achieved through an advanced titanium-and-aluminium hinge system and a unique liquid-metal hinge design.
Under the hood, the iPhone Duo is expected to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 chip, fabricated on TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm process. This is projected to deliver up to 15% faster performance and 30% greater power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the A19 chip.
Camera specifications reportedly include a dual 48-megapixel rear camera setup and a 12-megapixel front camera, though some reports suggest it might omit a telephoto lens. Notably, the iPhone Duo is also expected to support the Apple Pencil, a first for an iPhone device, enhancing its utility for creative and productivity tasks. Biometric authentication is rumoured to be handled by Touch ID integrated into the side button, potentially replacing Face ID due to design constraints.
Initial colour options are expected to be limited to elegant white and dark blue finishes.
A Strategic Move for Apple
Apple's entry into the foldable segment, albeit later than rivals like Samsung, is seen as a strategic move to define a premium tier within this nascent category. Analysts predict the iPhone Duo will be positioned as a status symbol, with Apple expecting to sell all 7-10 million units it can produce in its first year. The device's launch also marks a significant milestone for CEO John Ternus, with the foldable iPhone being an ideal showcase for his engineering-focused leadership.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 12:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
