Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive with a surprising name and a lower starting price than some earlier reports had suggested. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device may be called the iPhone Duo rather than the previously expected iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.
The reported pricing and specifications suggest Apple is positioning the foldable as a premium addition to the iPhone range while attempting to keep its entry price below some earlier estimates. The device is expected to be unveiled during Apple’s Surprise and Shine event, with sales reportedly planned for October.
Apple could choose the Duo name for its first foldable iPhone
Apple’s first foldable smartphone may reportedly carry the iPhone Duo name, a departure from the Fold and Ultra names previously associated with the device in speculation. Gurman reported that Apple could use the name Duo, although the company has not confirmed the branding.
The name itself is not entirely new in the technology industry. Microsoft previously used Duo for its Surface Duo dual-screen device, while Apple also used the name for a line of notebooks in 1995. Despite those earlier uses, the reported choice would give Apple’s foldable iPhone a distinct identity within its current smartphone range.
The device is expected to use a wide folding design that opens into a landscape-oriented screen. This approach would make the phone particularly well-suited for watching video, while also providing extra screen space for running applications side by side. The design is reportedly similar in concept to the larger display offered by Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 8.
Apple is also expected to use a magnetic hinge system. The hinge will be a key component of the foldable design, allowing the phone’s two sides to open and close while supporting the larger internal display. The company has not yet publicly detailed how its hinge or folding screen technology will work.
Foldable iPhone expected to start at US$2,000
Despite the premium hardware expected from Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the reported starting price could be lower than some previous predictions. The iPhone Duo is said to start at US$2,000 for a 256GB model.
A top-end version with 2TB of storage could approach US$3,000, making it one of Apple’s most expensive consumer smartphones. Even so, the reported starting price is below the US$2,500 figure some analysts and industry observers previously predicted.
Gurman reported that Apple sacrificed some profit margin to reach the lower price and potentially encourage stronger demand. Foldable smartphones remain significantly more expensive than conventional flagship phones because of their complex displays, hinges and compact internal components. Apple’s reported pricing strategy could therefore be an attempt to make its entry into the category more appealing to a wider group of customers.
The pricing would still place the Duo firmly in the premium smartphone market. However, a US$2,000 starting price could make it more competitive with other large foldable devices, particularly if Apple delivers the performance, software features and build quality expected from its high-end iPhone models.
The company is also reportedly planning higher prices for its conventional flagship phones. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to cost US$100 more than their predecessors, according to the report. That increase is described as relatively modest compared with some earlier expectations.
New chip, cameras and Apple Pencil support among reported features
The iPhone Duo is expected to receive a collection of high-end hardware upgrades. Reported specifications include Apple’s A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, which would provide the processing and connectivity foundations for the foldable phone.
The camera system could include two 48-megapixel rear cameras, giving the Duo a dual-camera setup rather than the more extensive camera arrangements found on some conventional Pro models. A 12-megapixel front-facing camera is also reportedly planned.
Another notable addition could be Apple Pencil support. If confirmed, the feature would expand the possible uses of the larger foldable display, particularly for note-taking, drawing and other productivity tasks. Apple has not yet confirmed whether the device will support the stylus or how it would be stored or connected to the phone.
The reported software experience could also take advantage of the expanded screen. A landscape-style unfolded display would provide more room for side-by-side applications, potentially allowing users to combine tasks such as browsing, messaging, video playback and document editing on one device.
The iPhone Duo is reportedly expected to be available in dark blue and white. Sales are said to begin sometime in October, shortly after the iPhone 18 reaches customers. Apple is expected to provide official details at its Surprise and Shine event, which is scheduled to begin at 10 am PT.
The reported launch would mark a significant expansion of Apple’s iPhone strategy. While competitors such as Samsung have already released several generations of foldable smartphones, Apple has yet to enter the market. A foldable iPhone would let the company compete directly in a category that has continued to develop around larger screens and more flexible form factors.
