{
  "id": 6689913,
  "title": "Apple's foldable iPhone poses a US$1,999 question: Who is it for?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/apples-foldable-iphone-poses-a-us-1-999-question-who-is-it-for",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-11T02:16:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1530266/apples-foldable-iphone-poses-us1999-question-who-it"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple unveiled its foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Duo, on Wednesday, boasting advanced features and a high price point starting at US$1,999 in the United States. The product launch in Cupertino, California, drew a crowd, but some observers questioned its broad appeal beyond affluent tech aficionados. During the event, Apple executives showcased the iPhone Duo's versatility by running various apps such as Zoom, Slack, and Netflix on its expanded display, highlighting its potential for work, content creation, and entertainment. Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, emphasized how the larger display would allow the iPhone Duo to function as a personal AI hub, a concept Apple has not previously specified. Analyst Carolina Milanesi from Creative Strategies noted that Apple typically avoids defining its target buyers, but in this instance, they remained intentionally vague. Tech analysts suggest that while Apple's brand reputation may ensure strong initial sales, the device's premium price and unclear purpose could limit its adoption to a niche of wealthy early adopters, a pattern seen in previous foldable phones. According to research firm IDC, foldable phones are expected to account for less than three percent of the global smartphone market in 2026, with no significant forecasted growth by 2027. Counterpoint Research's Neil Shah stated that the lack of a clear purpose for the iPhone Duo left uncertainty about its intended audience. Apple's strategy of broad marketing has previously failed to clearly define the device's intended user base. CEO Steve Jobs framed the iPad as a media and entertainment device in 2010, while Tim Cook positioned the iPad Pro as a tool for creative professionals by 2015. The company's Apple Watch evolved from a fashion item to a health and fitness companion. However, Apple's initial foray into foldable technology with the Vision Pro augmented reality headset was met with skepticism over its high price and limited use beyond entertainment. Market leader Samsung has been selling foldable phones since 2019 and currently holds 40 percent of the market, having launched a redesigned phone in July that has surpassed earlier models. Despite the setbacks, Samsung's new device is expected to contribute significantly to the market, which IDC anticipates will grow to 22.3 million units in 2026. Analyst Bob O Donnell from TECHnalysis Research expects Apple's entry to provide the most substantial year-to-year boost in foldable smartphone shipments since 2021, but fears the high price could deter younger consumers, making the phone a status symbol for a select few.",
  "summary": "CUPERTINO, California: Apple's new foldable iPhone launched on Wednesday with impressive features and a premium price tag, starting at US$1,999 in the US market. But some observers in the packed room at the launch event in Cupertino, California, were left questioning its appeal beyond wealthy tech enthusiasts.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}