Apple Launches $1,999 iPhone Duo as Ultra-Premium Foldable for a Niche Market

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Sep 30

$1,999 iPhone Duo goes on sale Oct. 23 as an add-on to Apple’s lineup, not a replacement for standard iPhones, underscoring its role as a high-end niche device.
Apple is betting foldables will stay specialized because price remains the biggest barrier; even rival book-style models from Samsung and Google start around $1,900, while cheaper clamshell options still cost about $800.
IDC expects Apple’s entry to lift global foldable shipments more than 12% this year and sees Apple shipping over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027 for nearly 40% market share by end-2027.
The broader category remains small: cumulative foldable shipments are projected to top 100 million by end-2026, versus 1.07 billion total smartphone shipments this year alone.
Apple’s edge may come from execution rather than volume, with analysts pointing to smoother screen transitions, easier multitasking and a polished 7.6-inch inner display that could pressure rivals to improve software.