Apple's foldable phone launched: Everything you need to know about the Dh8,499 iPhone Duo

Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during a highly anticipated event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. According to CEO John Ternus, the device is a "thoughtful design that only Apple can provide" and is similar to the iPad experience. The Duo's hinge design and other details were emphasized as being comparable to the iPad.

When unfolded, the iPhone Duo boasts the largest-ever iPhone screen, with an internal screen of 19cm and an external screen of 13.7cm. Johny Srouji, Apple's chief hardware officer, highlighted that the Duo's screen features a "non-texture finish" that outperforms other foldables in terms of quality, though it is currently unclear if there's a visible crease in the display.

The device can be used in any orientation and is available in two colors: star white and night sky. When opened, the iPhone Duo is reportedly the thinnest iPhone ever. Apple plans to release the device on October 16, with a base model price of $1,999, and it could be available as early as October 23. Digital ads in the UAE priced the Duo at Dh8,499.

Although it's not Apple's first product named "Duo", the company had a line of Duo laptops from 1992 to 1997. Industry analysts predict that the iPhone Duo's premium price point will challenge Apple's loyal following and test whether the company's trust and installed base are enough to convince consumers to choose its AI devices over increasingly capable alternatives.