Apple introduced its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, on September 9, 2026. The device looks like a compact phone when it is closed, with a 5.4-inch outer screen. When users open it like a book, they get a much larger 7.6-inch screen. Pre-orders will begin on October 16, and sales will start on October 23. (apple.com)

The Duo may change how people think about smartphones. Today, many people own both a phone and a tablet. However, this device can play both roles. Users can carry it in a pocket and then open it to watch videos, read documents, play games, or join online meetings. It also supports the Apple Pencil, so people can write or draw directly on the screen. (apnews.com)

The larger screen also makes working on a phone easier. For the first time on an iPhone, users can open two apps side by side. For example, you could read an email while checking your calendar. You could also compare two products in separate Safari windows. Apps such as Netflix, Zoom, and Slack have already been redesigned to use the folding screen. If more developers follow, smartphone apps may become closer to computer programs. (apple.com)

The folding design offers other useful possibilities. The Duo can stand by itself, so users may not need a tripod for some photos or videos. It can also work as a small clock, photo frame, or information screen when placed on a desk. These features could encourage other phone makers to create more flexible ways to use their devices. (apple.com)

However, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone so far. Foldable phones still form less than 5% of the smartphone market. Therefore, the Duo may not become common immediately. Still, Apple’s entry could make foldable phones more familiar and push the whole industry toward larger screens, better multitasking, and devices that replace both phones and tablets. (apnews.com)