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

On Wednesday, Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during an eagerly anticipated event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. CEO John Ternus described the device as a thoughtful design that sets itself apart from competing products, which he likened to two phones glued together side by side. The Duo features a hinge design and a screen that, when unfolded, is the largest-ever iPhone display.

Apple's chief hardware officer, Johny Srouji, highlighted the non-texture finish of the Duo's screen, which he claimed outperforms other foldables in terms of quality. The device can be used in any orientation and is available in two colors: star white and night sky. When opened, the Duo is thinner than any iPhone ever produced. It will be available for purchase on October 16, with an expected release date of October 23.

Priced at $1,999 for the base model, the iPhone Duo can be purchased for Dh8,499 in the UAE, as advertised in digital ads seen earlier in the week. Apple's stock closed 0.28% lower at $315.34 per share following the unveiling.

While some cybersecurity professionals expressed skepticism about the device's value, given its high price tag, analysts remain optimistic about the potential demand for foldable smartphones. Counterpoint Research predicts global foldable smartphone shipments will reach a significant milestone in 2026, with total lifetime units surpassing 100 million by the end of the year. Apple's success in this market could see the company achieve up to a 25% market share, potentially behind industry leader Samsung.

Despite the premium price, analysts are confident that Apple's established reputation and loyal customer base will help drive demand for the iPhone Duo. The company also announced the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, featuring improved CPUs, GPUs, displays, battery life, and camera capabilities, with advanced AI features to ensure authentic content.