Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, may change the way people use smartphones. Apple introduced it on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders will begin on October 16, and sales will start on October 23. The starting price in the United States is $1,999, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone so far. (apple.com)

When the Duo is closed, users can operate its 5.4-inch outer screen with one hand. When they open it like a book, they get a much larger 7.6-inch inner screen. This design could reduce the need to carry both a phone and a small tablet. Reading articles, watching videos, playing games, and checking maps may feel more comfortable on the larger display. (apple.com)

The biggest change may be multitasking. For the first time on an iPhone, users can place two apps side by side. For example, you could watch a cooking video while reading a recipe, or join an online meeting while looking at a document. You could also open two Safari windows to compare prices while shopping. Users can even save pairs of apps and open them together later. (apple.com)

The folding design also creates new ways to take photos and make video calls. The phone can be placed partly open on a table, so users may not need a separate stand. Apple has also said that the Duo will support the USB-C Apple Pencil later in 2026. This could make the phone more useful for taking notes, drawing, and marking documents. (apple.com)

App developers are already testing creative ideas. Some early projects turn the Duo into a music player, an electronic instrument, or a digital pop-up book. These examples show that folding may become more than a hardware feature. It could become a new way to control apps and games. (axios.com)

However, the high price may prevent many people from buying it. Foldable phones still make up less than five percent of the smartphone market. The Duo may not replace normal iPhones soon, but if it becomes popular, smartphones could develop into more flexible tools for work, entertainment, and creativity. (apnews.com)