Apple Unveils Foldable 'iPhone Duo', Setting Up Showdown with Samsung in Foldable Market

Apple has announced its new foldable iPhone, signaling a head-to-head showdown with Samsung Electronics.

Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, unveiled the 'iPhone Duo' on the 9th (local time) at Apple Park, the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California.

This iPhone marks Apple's first departure from the flat bar-type design it has maintained since releasing its first iPhone in 2007.

When folded, the iPhone Duo is similar in size and shape to a passport, comparable to Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy Z Fold 8' introduced last July.

The outer screen measures 5.4 inches when folded and expands to 7.6 inches when unfolded.

When unfolded, it supports multitasking, allowing different apps to run on each of the two screens.

It also supports Apple Pencil handwriting, a feature previously limited to the iPad.

However, it does not include Face ID, the facial recognition unlocking feature, instead adopting Touch ID for fingerprint recognition.

It is equipped with the 'A20 Pro', Apple's latest mobile chip for iPhones, and the proprietary 'C2' communication chip, while preventing performance degradation through thermal management features like a vapor chamber.

The frame is finished with titanium to enhance durability against impacts.

Weighing 254g, however, it is the heaviest iPhone ever released.

The iPhone Duo is priced at $1,999 (3.29 million won in South Korea) for the 256GB model. Pre-orders will begin next month on the 16th, and it will be available in stores starting on the 23rd.

South Korea was included among the roughly 70 countries in the first wave of releases for the iPhone Duo.

On the same day, Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro series, the AirPods 5 wireless earphones, the Apple Watch Series 12 smart wrist watch, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

The defining feature of the iPhone 18 Pro series is its upgraded camera capabilities, which include a variable aperture and adjustable shutter speed.

Prices for the iPhone 18 Pro start at $1,199, and the Pro Max starts at $1,299. Pre-orders begin on the 11th, and the devices will be available in stores starting on the 18th.

Apple introduced that the new Apple Watch enhances heart rate and step tracking features, making it the most accurate measurement device among other smartwatches and wearable devices.

Apple did not showcase the base iPhone 18 model at this event.

This is interpreted as part of a strategy to stagger the release timing of the Pro and base models to improve supply chain management and maintain stable annual revenue.

During the presentation, Apple explained how the artificial intelligence (AI) features introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last June have been integrated into the products.

The voice assistant 'Siri' allows users to receive explanations about objects pointed at by the smartphone camera, and features have been added to instantly find and provide necessary information from messages and emails.

For the Apple Watch, new additions include a feature that transcribes messages heard over the past 15 seconds into text, as well as functions to summarize meetings and gatherings.

Additionally, sound recognition allows users with hearing impairments or hearing loss to receive notifications when sirens, alarms, doorbells, or baby cries are detected.

Ternus presided over Apple's annual new product launch event for the first time.

Taking the stage, he emphasized, "I truly love that the products we create help people be more creative and productive, and enable them to accomplish things they once thought were impossible. That is why we are here, and that is what we do."

He went on to introduce the iPhone Duo as "a product that showcases the creativity, ingenuity, and dedication of every team at Apple," adding, "It demonstrates what happens when we bring our best capabilities together to create something truly meaningful for consumers."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.