Key Takeaways
- Apple foldable iPhone starts at ₹ 299,000 in the Indian market.
- The iPhone Duo adds a new product category to Apple’s portfolio.
- Apple also launched upgraded iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watch models.
Apple’s foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has entered the foldable smartphone market, seven years after Samsung introduced its first Galaxy Fold. The device starts at ₹299,000 in India and will be available for pre-order from October 16, with sales beginning October 23. The launch adds a new product category to Apple’s iPhone business while expanding its premium device lineup.
Apple foldable iPhone: leadership transition and product strategy
Ternus led Apple’s annual product event for the first time after succeeding Tim Cook as CEO. His first major launch places a new iPhone format at the centre of Apple’s hardware strategy.
The Duo expands the iPhone range without replacing the existing Pro models. Apple is keeping its traditional designs while adding a foldable option with a larger display. This gives the company another product tier and creates more room to serve customers with different spending levels.
The main specifications are:
| Specification | iPhone Duo |
| Outer display | 5.4 inches |
| Inner display | 7.6 inches |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Starting price in India | ₹299,000 |
| Processor | A20 Pro, 2nm |
| Rear cameras | Dual 48MP |
| Video playback | Up to 31 hours |
| Charging | 50% in 20 minutes |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe |
| Thickness | 5.2mm open, 11.3mm closed |
| Water resistance | IP68 |
| Connectivity | eSIM only worldwide |
The Apple foldable iPhone combines a large inner display with premium materials and upgraded performance. The product also shows Apple’s focus on innovation. Its display uses a custom structure designed to reduce glare and make the central crease less visible. The device uses titanium, ceramic fibers, and Ceramic Shield materials. A larger vapor chamber helps manage heat from the A20 Pro chip.
Premiumization, pricing and market expansion
The Apple foldable iPhone starts at $1,999 globally, placing it well above the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In India, the Pro models start at ₹164,900 and ₹179,900. This creates a clear premium ladder within Apple’s smartphone portfolio.
For India’s business market, the pricing also reflects the growing importance of premium consumers. Apple can target customers who are willing to pay more for a new device format, larger screen, and additional storage. The Duo offers up to 2TB, giving Apple another high value configuration.
Apple is entering a market led by Samsung, while Google and Chinese brands such as Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Xiaomi also offer foldable phones. These companies already have experience in the category, giving Apple a later entry but a large existing customer base to draw from.
The market itself leaves room for expansion. Foldable smartphones accounted for 1.6% of global smartphone sales in 2025. Apple’s entry could increase attention around the segment and give consumers another reason to consider foldable devices.
AI is also part of Apple’s wider product strategy. The A20 Pro includes a 32 core neural processing unit, while Apple has expanded Siri with personal context, on screen information, and live web knowledge. Siri can also take actions across more than 300,000 third party apps.
For entrepreneurs, suppliers, retailers, and technology businesses in India, Apple’s move could create opportunities around premium device sales, accessories, software, enterprise use, and services built for larger mobile displays. It could also influence how competitors price and position their own foldable products.
The Duo’s consumer response will shape Apple’s future growth in the category. Strong demand could lead to higher production, additional foldable models, and more software designed around folding devices. Competitors may respond with lower prices, improved displays, stronger AI features, and new form factors.
For Ternus, the launch sets an early direction for Apple’s next era. The company is expanding its iPhone portfolio while protecting its premium position, giving the foldable market a new path for Apple’s future growth.
