Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo and Other New Products

Apple has launched its inaugural foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. Unlike many competing products in a similar form factor, it boasts a comparatively wide 5.4-inch external display and an internal screen that expands to 7.6 inches. To view the inner display, both titanium halves unfold like a book. The home screen dock is now arranged vertically instead of at the bottom edge. The most affordable version with 256 GB of storage is priced at 2300 Euros, while the 2 TB model costs 3800 Euros.

Internally, the device is powered by the newly introduced A20 Pro processor and the in-house C2 cellular modem. The rear camera system includes a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, complemented by a FaceTime camera under the internal display and a 12-megapixel selfie camera. While it lacks a telephoto lens and Face ID, it brings back the fingerprint sensor, dubbed Touch ID, integrated into the power button. The Apple Pencil will be compatible with the Duo starting at the end of the year.

Apple's first foldable phone, the Duo. — The Duo, Apple's first foldable phone. (Source: Apple)

The iPhone Duo is remarkably slim, measuring only a few millimeters when folded. Thanks to a special hinge mechanism, the crease on the unfolded device is designed to be significantly less visible and noticeable than on previous foldable phones.

Foldable smartphones have been available from manufacturers like Samsung and Google for years. Their external displays are typically narrower, and they are taller than the iPhone Duo. These devices remain a niche product and are considerably more expensive than conventional smartphones. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to function like a small tablet when unfolded, offering a larger screen for activities such as reading or viewing media.

The internal display measures 7.6 inches. (Source: Apple)

The internal display also supports multitasking, allowing multiple applications to be used side-by-side for enhanced productivity. However, foldable displays are inherently more delicate than traditional ones. The ingress of sand or dust into the hinge can also be a concern, and the larger screen consumes more power.

The Importance of eSIM

The iPhone Duo exclusively uses eSIM and offers a battery life of up to 44 hours of video playback on the external display. It will be available in white or dark blue starting at the end of October.

Artificial Intelligence Not Available in the EU

Apple highlighted Artificial Intelligence at its developer conference in June, emphasizing its ability to understand context and handle multi-step tasks across various apps and services, including third-party applications. With the release of new operating systems iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, Apple is providing the necessary software, positioning it as a personal "hub" for integrating all Apple devices. Apple Intelligence is touted for its privacy-friendly features. However, its availability on iPhone and iPad in the EU is initially restricted due to regulatory concerns.

Apple speaks of a special hinge. (Source: Apple)

Can of course also be used vertically. (Source: Apple)

The question that arises with all foldables: How often do you unfold it? (Source: Apple)

Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, led his first product introduction, which, like last year, was presented as a pre-recorded film. The hardware engineer takes the helm, and the first major product of his tenure is the most radical iPhone in years.

What the Variable Aperture Means for the iPhone 18 Pro

Beyond the foldable, Apple is updating its two high-end iPhones. The new 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are visually indistinguishable from the 17 versions released in 2025.

As before, there are two screen sizes: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. For the first time, Apple is implementing a variable aperture, allowing the lens opening to be mechanically adjusted.

The appearance of the iPhone 18 Pro matches that of the 17 Pro. (Source: Manufacturer)

This feature enables greater control over light and focus by adjusting how much light enters the camera sensor. The demonstration during the presentation was impressive, showcasing immediately visible advancements. All previous iPhones have used a fixed aperture opening.

Apple has significantly upgraded the camera. (Source: Manufacturer)

Variable aperture technology is already present in some smartphones from Huawei and Xiaomi. The Pro versions also feature the A20 Pro and C2 modem, along with an improved cooling system. The battery in the 18 Pro Max is expected to set new runtime records, offering up to 45 hours of video playback.

In light of the ongoing storage crisis, Apple is increasing prices. The iPhone 17 Pro with 256 GB previously cost 1300 Euros. The new 18 Pro with the same storage capacity now starts at 1450 Euros. The 18 Pro Max with the larger screen and 256 GB is priced at 1600 Euros. The top-tier configuration with 2 TB of storage costs 3000 Euros.

Apple Watch Listens

The Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra are also being released in updated versions. They are now AI-ready and introduce a new privacy-focused daily summary feature. Conversations are summarized but not recorded. All conceivable activities, such as travel, reading, computer work, meetings, and watching TV, are included.

Significant pushback from data protection advocates is expected even before the launch. The watch is intended to serve as a second memory. It is not yet confirmed whether "Recaps" will be available in the EU; it will initially launch only in English.

Apple Ultra 4 and Series 12 (Source: Apple)

Improved sensors are expected to provide more accurate heart rate and other health data measurements. Storage has been doubled to 128 GB, and new health and fitness features are available. The Health app has undergone a fundamental redesign. The new Audio Intelligence feature captures important environmental sounds, such as alerting users to a crying baby.

Fine new colors and two sizes (Source: Apple)

The Apple Watch Series 12 will be available in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, as usual. The casing will be made of aluminum or titanium, and a white ceramic casing, similar to older Series 2, 3, and 5 models, will also be available.

Prices for the Series 12 with 42mm start at 450 Euros and go up to 1050 Euros for the 46mm Series 12 in a ceramic casing. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains at a single size, 49mm, and costs 900 Euros.

AirPods 5 with Improved Noise Cancellation

The standard AirPods, without the Pro designation or ear tips, will be released as version 5, featuring enhanced sound quality, stronger active noise cancellation, and live translation.

The most affordable version is priced at 150 Euros. A more expensive option for 170 Euros includes a charging case that supports inductive charging and offers longer battery life.