Apple unveils first foldable iPhone 'Duo' at $1,999 alongside iPhone 18 Pro

Apple has revealed its inaugural foldable iPhone, dubbed the 'Duo', priced at $1,999, alongside the introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro series and upgrades to its AirPods and Apple Watch lines. CEO John Ternus, who assumed leadership on September 1, took center stage at the event, marking his first major product presentation in his new role.

The Duo boasts a 7.6-inch display when unfolded and a more compact 5.4-inch outer screen when closed, positioning it as Apple's thinnest iPhone when opened. It supports Apple Pencil input and features an updated iOS experience optimized for the larger display. Apple is entering a foldable smartphone market already dominated by Samsung and Google, aiming to leverage the Duo's hardware design and software ecosystem to attract consumers willing to pay a premium for the innovative form factor.

Additionally, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, with starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. These devices feature Apple's new A20 Pro chip, a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture, and a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple also emphasizes the new A20 Pro chip's capabilities in photography and video, while the Pro Max delivers the largest battery-life improvement in iPhone history.

Apple expanded its wearable and audio lineup with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 12, which features a new Health Sensing System with more frequent heart-rate and heart rate variability measurements and a "readiness" score. The Series 12 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4, designed for athletes and outdoor users, also incorporates the new health-sensing system and offers up to 45 hours of outdoor workout tracking, starting at $799.

Additionally, Apple announced the AirPods 5, which adds active noise cancellation to its open-ear design, along with enhanced sound, Siri AI integration, and live translation. These new AirPods start at $129 and are available for purchase starting September 18. The event is particularly significant for Ternus, as it represents his first major product keynote as Apple's CEO, following his appointment on September 1.

The launch of the Duo signifies Apple's entry into a competitive foldable smartphone market, while its latest Pro models, watches, AirPods, and AI features highlight the company's ongoing efforts to expand its ecosystem around increasingly intelligent devices.