Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the “iPhone Duo,” at a new product launch event. When unfolded, it becomes a large 7.6-inch display, with prices starting at ¥364,800 and reportedly exceeding ¥500,000 depending on the model. Google and Samsung responded with sarcastic remarks.
Apple held a new product launch event on the 10th Japan time and announced its first foldable smartphone, the “iPhone Duo.” The crease, considered one of the challenges of foldable smartphones, has been improved, and the company described the display as “surprisingly flat and smooth.”
The display measures 7.6 inches when unfolded, making it one of the largest displays ever seen on an iPhone. Prices start at ¥364,800, and reports said some models would cost more than ¥500,000, prompting widespread backlash on social media over the high price.
Fans have also raised questions about whether the device supports Apple Pencil and whether that would be consistent with Apple’s philosophy. The history of earlier foldable smartphones was reviewed, including Royole’s FlexPai in 2018, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold in 2019, and Google’s launch of a foldable smartphone in 2023.
The article introduces trends in the foldable smartphone market and reactions from other companies as background to Apple’s new product.
While citing earlier examples of foldable smartphones, the article says that further reporting is needed before assessing the impact of the iPhone Duo on the market.