Apple introduced its latest innovation, the Duo, a foldable phone that marks a significant departure in the tech giant’s flagship product line. The Duo, resembling a passport in size and shape with rounded edges, unfolds into a wide horizontal screen that also supports vertical viewing. When folded, the phone features a smaller single screen on the front. Apple boasts that the Duo is its thinnest phone when opened, offering a unique user experience.
Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., equivalent to about $2,760 in Canadian dollars. Pre-orders for the Duo will commence on October 17, with availability scheduled for October 23.
Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, described the iPhone Duo as a groundbreaking advancement in smartphone design, offering a seamless integration of hardware and software to redefine the foldable phone experience. Ternus highlighted the device’s custom hinge, dual displays with consistent aspect ratios, and a titanium body, aiming to deliver an iPad-like experience in a compact form factor.
Apple’s event, led by Ternus and notable for its absence of the physical home button, showcased the company’s commitment to innovation. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the latest additions to Apple’s renowned smartphone lineup, feature enhanced AI capabilities and improved camera systems. Additionally, Apple unveiled a new image authentication standard, the “Apple Reference Image,” to combat AI-generated image manipulation concerns.
Among the announcements were updates to Siri and new AirPods models, including noise cancellation features and advanced controls. Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, emphasizing health-focused enhancements in its wearable technology.
Ternus, previously Apple’s hardware chief, faces the challenge of convincing consumers of the value of a $3,000 foldable device. With a focus on privacy and user-controlled data, Apple positions its latest products as technological marvels that prioritize user experience and innovation.
