GoKawiilApple's iPhone Duo foldable debuts at $1,999.99 with two Pro models, not three
Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' event introduced only two new iPhone models — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max — alongside a foldable device called the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999.99. The event also marked John Ternus's debut as CEO, opening the show solo rather than alongside outgoing CEO Tim Cook, who is now executive chair. CNET's reader prediction contest showed most participants expected three phones and a joint Cook-Ternus appearance, both of which turned out wrong.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The leadership transition signals Apple formalizing its succession plan publicly, while the foldable's near-$2,000 price tests consumer appetite for premium hardware categories beyond the standard iPhone lineup. A staggered release strategy, with a base iPhone 18 expected later, suggests Apple may be adjusting its launch cadence to manage supply or marketing attention.
- Apple showed only two new iPhones instead of the three most survey respondents predicted.
- The foldable iPhone Duo launched at $1,999.99, matching many readers' price guesses.
- John Ternus opened the event alone as new CEO, with Tim Cook now serving as executive chair.
Apple Watch Series 11 — The prize in CNET's Big Guessing Game was the latest Apple Watch, and the Series 11 is the one to get if you didn't win the drawing. It pairs seamlessly with any new iPhone for notifications, workouts and health tracking right on your wrist.
See Apple Watch Series 11 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Dashia Milden, 2026-09-12
Published there as: “CNET Readers Were Right About the iPhone Duo. But There’s One Thing They Got Wrong”
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