Apple has set the starting price of its first foldable iPhone at $1,999, positioning the device as a premium product aimed at high-end buyers.
The phone, named iPhone Duo, was introduced at Apple’s September 2026 event. It folds open like a book to reveal a large continuous screen that the company says is significantly bigger than the latest iPhone Pro models. When unfolded, it is described as the thinnest iPhone Apple has made.
The device features a smaller outer display for everyday use when closed and a larger inner screen for productivity tasks, including support for multiple apps at once. It will also work with the Apple Pencil and can be unlocked with an Apple Watch. Storage options start at 256GB, with higher-capacity versions reaching higher prices, some approaching or exceeding $3,000.
Pre-orders are scheduled to begin in mid-October, with availability in stores later that month. The iPhone Duo launches alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which start at lower price points.
Analysts and reports had previously suggested Apple aimed to keep the foldable under the $2,000 mark to avoid sticker shock, similar to how the original iPhone X was priced. The final $1,999 starting price places it in the same range as top foldable phones from other makers, such as Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold models.
The launch marks Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market after years of development. The company is betting that its design, software integration, and brand strength will help it capture a strong share of the premium foldable segment.
Reference links
- https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/apple-expected-unveil-first-folding-phone-with-new-ceo-ternus-command-2026-09-09/
- https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/08/foldable-iphone-history-and-price-revealed/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/09/09/apples-first-folding-phone-has-three-screens-costs-2000/
- https://arstechnica.com/ (related coverage on Apple event)
