Apple enters foldable phone market with new iPhone Duo; to be available for ₹2.99 lakh from Oct 23

Apple on Wednesday unveiled its first foldable iPhone, called iPhone Duo, as new Chief Executive John Ternus took the stage for his first major product launch since succeeding Tim Cook.

Ternus introduced the device at Apple's Steve Jobs Theater after the company showcased updates to its iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods lines, as well as advances in artificial intelligence.

"Actually, there is one more thing," Ternus told the audience, invoking the signature phrase associated with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

The iPhone Duo opens to reveal a 7.6-inch display, the largest screen ever offered on an iPhone, while its 5.4-inch outer display allows the device to be used when folded, Apple said.

"With the largest display ever on iPhone that still fits easily in your pocket," Ternus said, the device is designed to combine the portability of a smartphone with the larger screen of a tablet.

The foldable iPhone is powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip and features a custom vapor chamber for thermal management and a dual-battery architecture.

Apple said the device is the thinnest iPhone ever when opened and has a precision hinge designed for repeated opening and closing.

The iPhone Duo also features a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a new front-facing camera.

Its folding design enables features including previews on the outer display and hands-free video calls.

iPhone Duo is available in star white and night sky, and starts at ₹2,99,900 in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities.

Pre-orders will begin on October 16 in more than 70 countries and regions, including India, with availability starting October 23.

The new edition of ultra premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in India from September 18 at starting price of ₹1,64,900 and ₹1,79,900 respectively, according to the statement.

Phone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in four colours- black, silver, glacier, and an all-new burgundy.

"iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 and iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900," the company said in a statement.

India growth

The new products come as Apple has been posting strong growth in India, one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets.

Apple's revenue in India is estimated to have crossed $10 billion in fiscal 2026, helped by record iPhone shipments, according to industry estimates. That would put its revenue in the country at close to ₹1 lakh crore.

Research firm Counterpoint estimates Apple's iPhone shipments in India rose 24% year-on-year to 14 million units in fiscal 2026.

The iPhone accounts for the bulk of Apple's revenue in India, making the country an increasingly important market for the company as it expands its manufacturing and sales footprint there.