Apple plans to create a series of foldable iPhones
The first foldable iPhone Duo could mark the beginning of Apple’s large-scale transition to new form factors.
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, foldable smartphones could become one of the main formats in the market over the next decade. Users will be drawn to the ability to get a large screen in a compact device that can partially replace a tablet or laptop.
Foldable models currently account for about 2% of the global smartphone market, but the situation could change quickly. According to Counterpoint Research, the foldable smartphone market is projected to grow by 24% in the second half of 2026 and by another 37% in 2027. Meanwhile, Apple’s share in this segment could reach 40% by the end of 2027.
Gurman also expects that Apple will not limit itself to a single model. As production costs decline, the company may release several foldable iPhones across different price tiers, including the larger Duo Max and more affordable models.
Recall that Apple first presented the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026. The device features a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 5.4-inch external display, with pricing starting at $1999. New CEO Apple’s John Ternus explained that the company delayed the foldable iPhone launch for a long time due to high requirements for quality, reliability, and design. According to him, the hardware and software components of the Duo were developed as a unified system.
As foldable iPhone technology advances, it may increasingly overlap with other Apple products. A large internal screen allows such a device to be considered not only as a smartphone but also as a compact alternative to a tablet, and in some scenarios, to a laptop. Therefore, the success of the iPhone Duo could influence not only the development of the iPhone lineup but also Apple’s overall product strategy.
