Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone as Ternus Era Begins

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, marking a major product debut under new CEO John Ternus.

The new device represents a significant test for Apple as the company looks for another major growth product following the success of AirPods a decade ago. Wednesday’s launch51, joined Apple’s product design organization in 2001 and gradually rose through the company’s engineering ranks was also the first major Apple event since Ternus succeeded Tim Cook as chief executive on September 1.

Ternus, 51, joined Apple’s product design organization in 2001 and gradually rose through the company’s engineering ranks. He most recently oversaw teams responsible for developing Apple’s broad range of products, including the iPhone, the company’s biggest source of revenue.

The iPhone Duo folds roughly to the size and shape of a passport, combining smartphone portability with a larger tablet-like display. It features a full-sized it has also worked to make the foldable screen crease less noticeable, addressing one of the outer screen when closed and a significantly larger display when unfolded, along with a multi-lens camera system.

Apple said it has also worked to make the foldable screen crease less noticeable, addressing one of the most common complaints about foldable smartphones.

The device starts at $1,999, putting it slightly above Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold8.

Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, starting at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively. Both models are $100 more expensive than their iPhone 17 counterparts were at launch last year.

The new Pro models feature upgraded camera technology, including a system that allows users to adjust the lens aperture.

Apple did not introduce the expected lower-priced standard iPhone 18 during the event. The omission could suggest that the base model will be announced separately at a later date.

In another change aimed at making its products more accessible, Apple said US customers will be able to purchase new iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches through monthly payments using Apple Upgrade, a leasing option offered in partnership with buy-now-pay-later company Klarna. Monthly costs for the newest iPhones start at roughly $50.

The launch comes after Apple raised prices for Macs and iPads in June, citing higher component costs linked to surging demand from the artificial intelligence industry. The company warned in July that similar cost pressures could affect smartphones.

Seven Years After Samsung’s Foldable Debut

Apple is entering the foldable market years after Samsung helped establish the category with its Galaxy Fold in 2019.

Chinese manufacturers have also moved aggressively research associate Kiranjeet Kaur said Apple’s arrival could in the segment. Huawei recently introduced its three-panel Mate XT 2, while Xiaomi launched its latest 18 Fold, highlighting the growing competition Apple now faces.

Despite the attention surrounding foldable phones, they still account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments. Research firm IDC expects Apple to capture roughly one-third of foldable demand once it enters the market.

IDC research associate Kiranjeet Kaur said Apple’s arrival could significantly alter competition in both China and international markets.

The launch also comes at a challenging time for the wider smartphone industry. Demand for advanced chips driven by the AI boom has put additional pressure on global supply chains and pushed component costs higher.

IDC expects global smartphone shipments to fall by more than 16% this year, while average smartphone prices could rise by more than 27%.

Alongside the iPhone announcements, Apple introduced updated entry-level AirPods and new Apple Watch models. The watches feature enhanced heart-rate sensors that will work with an updated Health app expected later this year.

Several other products that had been rumored before the event were not announced, including a refreshed Apple TV box, a new HomePod mini and a smart-home hub featuring a 7-inch display.