iPhone Duo launch: Apple’s first foldable iPhone tipped to cost over Rs 1.90 lakh

Apple is set to host its annual September launch event, titled “Surprise and Shine”, on Wednesday, September 9. Representational pic/File

With just a few hours to go before Apple unveils its new range of iPhones, a report from Bloomberg says the US tech giant might also reveal its first-ever foldable iPhone this year. The device may not be called the "Fold" or "Ultra". Instead, it could be referred to as the iPhone Duo, a name previously used by a Microsoft Surface device and a line of Apple notebooks from 1995.

Similar to Samsung's foldable phones, the "Duo" won't be cheap. According to the report, Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone will start at USD 2,000 (approximately Rs 1.90 lakh) for the 256GB version and may cost around USD 3,000 (around Rs 2.90 lakh) for a fully equipped 2TB model. The report also stated that Apple may sacrifice some profit margin to hit that price point and boost demand.

Apple may introduce A20 chip in iPhone 18 models

Among the features that could be integrated into the latest-generation iPhones are the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, a 12MP front camera, support for the Apple Pencil stylus, and a magnetic hinge system.

The Duo will likely have a wide design that folds out into a landscape-oriented display for watching videos (much like Samsung's Galaxy Fold 8) and offer the ability to multitask with side-by-side apps. It will be available in dark blue and white and go on sale sometime in October, not too long after the iPhone 18 hits shelves, the report stated.

'iPhone 18 Pro models will be costlier than their predecessors'

Bloomberg also reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be USD 100 more expensive than their predecessors, a modest price increase that is also lower than expected.

How and where to watch ‘Surprise and Shine' event

Apple is set to host its annual September launch event, titled "Surprise and Shine", on Wednesday, September 9, with the company expected to unveil new iPhone models and updates to its wider hardware lineup.

The event is likely to garner a lot of attention this year as it marks the first major Apple product launch under new CEO John Ternus. The September keynote could also be significant for another reason, with reports suggesting Apple may finally introduce its first foldable iPhone.