September 10, 2026 | 07:42 am
Illustration of an Apple foldable phone. Photo: GSMArena
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, at its biggest product launch event of the year, the Apple Event, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, marking the most significant change to the iPhone in nearly two decades.The event in Cupertino, California, also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The launch was the first major product event led by John Ternus as Apple’s chief executive after taking over from Tim Cook earlier this month.According to CNBC, Apple saved the foldable iPhone announcement for the final part of the event after unveiling several other new products. Ternus also presented the company’s latest approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing the iPhone’s privacy protections and its potential as a personal AI device.When unfolded, the iPhone Duo features a continuous 7.6-inch display and is the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced. It starts at $1,999, making it the company’s most expensive iPhone, while the highest-end version can cost as much as $3,199.Apple is also offering a leasing option for the new device, according to CNN.CNN, which had an opportunity to try the iPhone Duo in Cupertino, noted that its inner display has a matte finish that significantly reduces glare and makes the crease in the middle of the screen barely noticeable. Apps also transition smoothly between the two screens without noticeable lag or interruption.The device includes a Standby feature that turns the front screen into a bedside clock when the phone is folded.However, CNN noted that Apple is entering a foldable-phone market that has already been established by companies such as Samsung, Huawei and Motorola. While foldable devices still account for only a small portion of global smartphone sales, Apple’s entry could give the category greater mainstream appeal.The iPhone Duo was not the only major iPhone announcement. Apple also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with prices starting at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively.The new Pro models feature an AI-enhanced Siri, improved camera functions and longer battery life, as well as what Apple described as the fastest chip ever used in an iPhone. CNBC reported that the Pro and Pro Max models are $100 more expensive than last year’s versions.Apple also showcased new colors for the iPhone 18, including glacier and burgundy, following last year’s popular Cosmic Orange finish.AI was a major theme throughout the event. Ternus described the iPhone as the best personal device for artificial intelligence, citing its privacy protections. Apple is also preparing to give Siri more advanced AI capabilities.Beyond the iPhone, Apple announced several upgrades to its wearable and audio products.The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will gain features designed to assist people who are hard of hearing by identifying alarms and sirens. The watches will also introduce a live rewind feature, improved heart-rate sensing and a readiness score that combines recent activity, vital signs and sleep data.Meanwhile, the AirPods 5 will offer improved noise cancellation and sound quality, along with a live translation feature.The launch comes as Apple faces rising costs for memory and storage. CNBC reported that the company had already raised prices for Macs and iPads over the summer as those costs increased.With the iPhone Duo, Apple is now entering the foldable-phone market at a premium price. The company is betting that its hardware, software integration, AI capabilities and brand appeal can turn foldable phones from a niche category into a more mainstream product.Read: Apple Rumored to Roll Out AI Home Security Service in 2027Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
