Leaker Instant Digital reports that Apple and Samsung Display have signed a three-year exclusive supply agreement covering foldable displays for the upcoming iPhone Duo and future models. Each panel is said to cost roughly $250, making it one of the priciest single components in the device. No official bill-of-materials breakdown exists yet, though Apple has detailed the device's recycled materials and sustainability specs.
In the latest episode of 9to5Mac Overtime, hosts Jeff Benjamin and Fernando Silva shared their initial reactions to the iPhone Duo, described as Apple's first foldable smartphone. The podcast episode is sponsored by Bitwarden, which is promoting a free virtual security summit on September 17.
GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu says Apple's $100 price increase on iPhone 18 Pro models was less than the $200-250 markets anticipated, while the new $1,999 iPhone Duo landed at the low end of expected pricing. Pu forecasts Apple will ship about 7 million iPhone Duo units by year-end, citing strong early consumer interest in the foldable-style device.
Apple introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at a launch event where CEO John Ternus showed off the $2,000 passport-style device with dual 48-megapixel rear cameras. The phone opens for preorder Oct. 16 and hits stores Oct. 23, arriving years after competitors already established the foldable phone category. CNET staff writers offered varied reactions, from excitement about foldables regaining relevance to skepticism about buying the very first version.
Counterpoint Research forecasts that Apple will secure a 27% share of foldable smartphone panel shipments in 2026, the year its iPhone Duo debuts, trailing Samsung's 33% but edging out Huawei's 25%. By 2030, Apple's shipments are projected to jump 167% from their partial-year 2026 base, pushing its share to 42% while Samsung and Huawei both lose ground.
Apple will roll out iOS 27 to all users on September 15, with the first iOS 27.1 beta expected within about a week based on past release patterns. The company has confirmed iOS 27.1 will ship no later than October 23, timed to coincide with the launch of the new iPhone Duo, likely landing between October 19 and 21.
Following the debut of Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at $1,999, commentary suggests Apple should now build smaller flip-style and larger tablet-style foldables similar to Samsung's Z Flip and Lenovo's X1 Fold. The idea is that Apple has proven it can engineer a durable hinge and thin foldable body, making it easier to scale that design up or down for new devices.
9to5Mac's daily podcast episode for September 11, 2026 rounds up ongoing coverage of Apple Intelligence developments and speculation about a possible dual-device iPhone product referred to as iPhone Duo. The episode is a spoken recap of stories the site has already published, rather than new reporting.
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first folding phone, at a recent event, drawing comparisons to both Microsoft's 2020 dual-screen Duo and Apple's own iPad Mini. The device supports Apple Pencil input and some split-screen app functionality reminiscent of iPad multitasking, though Apple describes it only as 'inspired by' the iPad rather than a replacement for it. Pricing is expected to start around $2,000.
Apple used its latest launch event, led by new CEO John Ternus, to unveil the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, alongside updated iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture camera and new Apple Watches featuring an expanded sensor array. The Watches also gain an always-on microphone capable of summarizing conversations, a feature The Verge's team discussed at length on this week's Vergecast alongside a segment on running local AI models on Mac.
Apple and Google have each released premium foldable phones—the iPhone Duo and Pixel 11 Pro Fold—that carry IP68 durability ratings, a first for foldables in terms of dust and water protection. The Duo starts at $1,999 with preorders opening Oct. 16 ahead of an Oct. 23 launch, while the $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold is already on sale. The two differ mainly in form factor: the Pixel uses a book-style fold with a standard-size cover screen, while the Duo has a shorter, wider passport-style design.
A folding dual-screen phone concept called the iPhone Duo has an aspect ratio nearly identical to IMAX 70mm's 1.43:1 format, the same shape used to film Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey.' Since only 41 theaters worldwide can show the film in its full IMAX ratio, most viewers saw up to 40% less image than intended, cropped at top and bottom in standard theaters.
GoKawiil