Apple Unveils First Folding 'iPhone Duo', Joining Foldable Competition

[Anchor]

Apple has launched its first-ever foldable iPhone. The move is expected to further intensify competition in the foldable smartphone market, which has previously been dominated by Samsung and Chinese manufacturers.

Correspondent Kim Hyunwoo reports from New York.

[Reporter]

This is the new iPhone featuring rounded corners and a book-style design that unfolds.

When folded, it fits comfortably in one hand and is similar in size to a passport.

Nineteen years after releasing its first iPhone, Apple has created its first folding smartphone.

It is named the "iPhone Duo."

When unfolded, the screen measures 7.6 inches, making it the thinnest iPhone released to date.

Apple explained that it applied a micro-textured finish to the surface to reduce light reflection and minimize the visibility of the crease as much as possible.

However, the Face ID unlock feature found in previous iPhones was not included.

Apple CEO John Ternus, who took over the leadership from Tim Cook after his 15-year tenure, explained that the new design maintains everything people expect from an iPhone within an entirely new form factor.

[John Ternus / Apple CEO: It features the largest screen of any iPhone ever while still slipping easily into your pocket. It packs complex technology, yet it is truly effortless to use.]

The U.S. factory price starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, which is $100 more expensive than the recently released Samsung Galaxy Fold 8.

In South Korea, it is scheduled for release on October 23, with prices set at 3.29 million KRW for the 256GB model and 5.09 million KRW for the 2TB model.

During the event held today (September 10), Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro series, new AirPods wireless earphones, and new Apple Watch models.

Apple's stock, which had been trending downward ahead of the announcement, rebounded slightly right after the new product reveal and ultimately closed down 0.28% compared to the previous day.

(Video by Lee Hee-hoon | Video Editing by Park Sun-soo | Photo courtesy of Apple)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.