Apple introduced its latest innovation, the Duo foldable phone, during an event on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s flagship product line. The Duo boasts a unique passport-like design with rounded edges and unfolds into a spacious horizontal screen that can also be used vertically. When folded, a smaller single screen is visible on the front. Apple claims it is the thinnest phone in their lineup when open and also the most expensive, starting at $2,999.
Despite the higher U.S. price tag, which begins at $1,999, the Canadian conversion stands around $2,760 due to fluctuating exchange rates. Pre-orders for the Duo will commence on Oct. 17, with the official release set for Oct. 23.
Describing the Duo as a revolutionary advancement, Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, highlighted its unique features such as a custom hinge, dual displays, consistent aspect ratio, and a titanium body. Ternus criticized existing foldable phone designs for their inefficiencies in common tasks like scrolling and video viewing, aiming to provide a seamless experience akin to using an iPad in a pocket-sized device with the Duo.
The event, led by Ternus, marks a significant milestone in Apple’s product development, akin to the removal of the physical home button from the iPhone X in 2017. The iPhone series remains a key revenue driver for Apple, accounting for over half of the company’s sales in the last fiscal year.
Ternus also showcased the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, emphasizing their advanced features and non-foldable design. Additionally, Apple unveiled new AI features, AirPods enhancements, and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, positioning them as major health-focused upgrades.
A notable highlight from the event was the introduction of the “Apple Reference Image” standard to verify image authenticity captured by the iPhone 18 Pro cameras. The company also announced the inclusion of the A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro, enhancing AI capabilities on the device.
Overall, Apple’s latest product offerings aim to redefine user experiences through innovative design, advanced technology, and enhanced privacy features, setting a new standard in the competitive tech industry.