Apple revealed its latest innovation, the Duo foldable phone, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s flagship product lineup. The Duo, resembling a passport in size and shape with rounded edges, unfolds to present a wide horizontal screen that can also be viewed vertically. The device boasts a smaller single screen on the front when folded and is touted as Apple’s thinnest phone when opened.
Priced at $2,999 globally, the Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S., which translates to approximately $2,760 in Canadian dollars at the current exchange rate. The company has not clarified the reason for the price discrepancy between the U.S. and Canada. Pre-orders for the Duo will commence on October 17, with the official release date set for October 23.
Describing the Duo as a game-changer, Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, emphasized the device’s revolutionary design and user experience, aiming to provide an iPad-like feel in a compact, foldable form factor. Ternus criticized existing foldable phones for their limitations in everyday tasks such as scrolling and video watching, highlighting the Duo’s unique features like a custom hinge, dual displays with consistent aspect ratios, and a titanium body.
The launch event, Apple’s most significant product overhaul since the iPhone X, marked Ternus’ debut as CEO, succeeding Tim Cook. The unveiling included the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, the latest additions to Apple’s renowned smartphone line, which do not feature foldable designs. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup starts at $1,749, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,899.
Apple also introduced a new feature called “Apple Reference Image,” aimed at verifying the authenticity of images captured with the iPhone 18 Pro cameras. Additionally, the company unveiled the A20 Pro chip for advanced AI capabilities directly on iPhones. Notably, the event showcased updated AirPods models, starting at $179 with noise cancellation and offering additional features like wireless charging and on-stem volume controls.
The tech giant further expanded its product portfolio with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, emphasizing significant health-focused enhancements. Ternus, known for his role as Apple’s hardware chief, faces the task of convincing consumers of the value in a $3,000 foldable device, setting a new luxury standard for the brand.
Overall, Apple’s latest offerings underscore its commitment to innovation and user-centric technology advancements, setting new benchmarks in the competitive tech industry landscape.