Apple Unveils $1,999 Foldable iPhone as John Ternus Takes the Helm

Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, unveiled, in CEO John Ternus' first major product event since succeeding Tim Cook.

Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the company's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, during the company's Sept. 9 launch event. [Photo: Apple]

Ternus took over as Apple's chief executive on Sept. 1 and presented the company's latest iPhone lineup, including the company's first foldable model.

The launch also included the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, new Apple Watch models and updated AirPods.

The iPhone Duo has a passport-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. It opens to a 7.6-inch display and supports multitasking and Apple Pencil input.

Apple priced the device from $1,999, making it the company's most expensive iPhone to date.

The phone is scheduled to become available in October, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to arrive earlier. Apple priced the iPhone 18 Pro from $1,199 and the Pro Max from $1,299.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099, putting Apple's new foldable near the top of the premium segment.

The launch represents Apple's entry into a category that remains relatively small compared with conventional smartphones but has attracted growing interest from consumers seeking larger screens in more compact devices.

The event also marked an important leadership transition. Ternus, Apple's former senior vice president of hardware engineering, became CEO after Cook stepped down from the position and became executive chairman.