Cupertino, Sep 10: Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, priced at Rs 2,99,900 for the base 256GB variant in India.
Unveiled on September 9, the device marks Apple’s first foldable iPhone, coming seven years after Samsung helped pioneer the category.
The iPhone Duo is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options, priced at Rs 2,99,900, Rs 3,24,900, Rs 3,74,900 and Rs 4,49,900, respectively.
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It is offered in two colour options—Star White and Night Sky.
The base Duo is around Rs 1.2 lakh more expensive than Samsung’s 256GB Galaxy Z Fold8, priced at Rs 1,79,999 in India. The 1TB Duo is also about Rs 1.35 lakh costlier than Samsung’s 1TB Fold8, which is priced at Rs 2,39,999.
At 5.2mm when unfolded and weighing 254 grams, Apple is positioning the device’s thinness as one of its key features. The phone comes with a Grade 5 titanium frame, a precision hinge, Ceramic Shield 2 protection and an IP68 rating.
Touch ID replaces Face ID
Apple has dropped Face ID on the foldable, with authentication handled through Touch ID integrated into the side button.
The iPhone Duo is also eSIM-only globally, a move that allows Apple to use the internal space for other components.
Powered by A20 Pro chip
The device is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using 2nm technology. It features a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU and dual 16-core neural engines.
According to Apple, the CPU is up to 20 per cent faster than the A19 Pro, while the GPU offers up to 40 per cent faster performance with improved power efficiency.
Apple has also redesigned iOS 27 for the foldable form factor, allowing users to work across apps and switch between displays more naturally.
Apple Pencil support is expected to arrive later this year, adding functionality for note-taking, sketching and working with documents.
Dual 48MP camera system
The iPhone Duo features a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, consisting of a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera.
The main sensor offers a 2x optical-quality telephoto option, while digital zoom goes up to 10x.
Apple is also using the foldable design for additional camera features. Its Duo Preview function allows subjects to see the framing while being photographed, while the device can be positioned in different folded configurations without requiring a separate stand.
Two batteries power the device
The iPhone Duo uses separate batteries on its two sides rather than a single large battery.
Apple claims up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours when using the outer display.
Can Apple make foldables mainstream?
The iPhone Duo arrives as foldable smartphones remain a relatively small segment of the overall smartphone market.
However, analysts cited by Reuters see significant growth potential for the category, with one forecast estimating that Apple could capture around 40 per cent of the foldable smartphone market.
With its nearly Rs 3-lakh starting price, Apple is betting that its combination of hardware, software integration and brand appeal can persuade consumers to pay a substantial premium for a foldable iPhone.
The iPhone Duo was displayed during Apple’s new-product announcement on September 9, 2026, at the company’s campus in Cupertino, California. AP/PTI
