GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at its September event, with retail availability expected later this month. An Android Authority columnist argues that Apple's entry into the wide, passport-style foldable category will likely prompt Android manufacturers to follow with similar designs, as has happened with past Apple product shifts like the thin iPhone Air and Liquid Glass software style.
Apple's foldable iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999 outright, can be leased through the new Apple Upgrade program for as low as $9.24 a month on a 12-month term if a buyer trades in a recent device like an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Without a trade-in, a 24-month Apple Upgrade lease runs $57.99 a month, compared with $83 a month under standard 24-month financing.
Apple vice-president Kate Bergeron told a TikTok creator that the iPhone Duo's matte display coating, which helps minimize the crease on its foldable screen, can be replaced over time. She did not specify pricing or whether users can do this themselves, but described significant engineering work to extend the layer's performance.
Coverage highlights warnings that a nano-texture coating on the inner display of Apple's foldable iPhone should not be peeled off, despite some social media users suggesting otherwise. The device, reportedly priced around $2,000, risks damage if this layer is removed.
Vivo has expanded global availability of its X Fold 6 book-style foldable, now listed in Austria, Germany, Hungary and Italy after debuting in China in June. The global model keeps the same 6,900mAh battery, 200MP main camera, and Zeiss-tuned triple-camera system, but runs a newer Origin OS 7 skin based on Android 17. It's powered by a custom Dimensity 9500 Super Edition chipset and supports a second-generation 200mm telephoto extender lens for 2.35x added optical zoom.
Reports indicate Huawei and other Chinese smartphone makers saw increased demand for their foldable devices following the announcement of Apple's iPhone Duo. China is emerging as a key battleground where Apple will compete against established domestic foldable brands.
Vivo is rolling out its X Fold 6 foldable outside China after debuting it domestically in June. The phone keeps a traditional tall, narrow foldable shape with a 6.51-inch 20:9 cover screen and 8.02-inch inner display, but pairs it with a large 1/1.4-inch 200-megapixel main sensor, 50-megapixel telephoto and ultrawide cameras, a 6,900mAh battery, and a custom MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip. Vivo has not yet disclosed pricing or which markets will get the device.
Citing an unnamed insider, Jiemian News reports that Foxconn's final assembly yield rate for Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo stood just above 60% as of September 17, with full production maturity possibly six months to a year away. Samsung Display is said to be struggling separately with low yields on foldable OLED panels and hinges, reportedly due to late design changes, while Apple's 2026 production target is pegged at six to eight million units against sales guidance of over five million.
Motorola and Google are investigating a bug that prevents Android Auto from placing outgoing calls when clamshell foldables like the Razr or Galaxy Z Flip are closed. Incoming calls still work fine, and the issue only affects calls initiated while the phone is folded shut. Users say the problem began after Gemini replaced Google Assistant, with reports spanning several months into September.
Citing supply chain sources, Jiemian News reports Apple's assembly yield for the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo is just over 60%, with suppliers estimating it may take six more months to reach mature production levels. Apple is reportedly aiming for 6-8 million units by the end of 2026, far below the 20-30 million typical for flagship Pro models, with pre-orders set to open October 16.
With Apple's foldable iPhone Duo expected soon, a roundup recommends accessories including the USB-C Apple Pencil, fast-charging power adapters like Apple's 40W adapter or Anker's 100W brick, and a MagSafe car mount. The report notes iPhone Duo will support Apple Pencil input on both its inner and outer displays via a later software update, and that it can charge to 50 percent in 20 minutes with the right adapter.
Indie developer Vidit Bhargava created an app called Duo-Man that mimics a classic Walkman using the iPhone Duo's dual screens: opening the device lets users pick a song and 'insert' a virtual cassette, while closing it starts playback. Bhargava said he recorded real button clicks and static noise from an actual Walkman to make the effect authentic, and built the app during a hackathon at Bitrig.