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Apple's iPhone Duo Launches at $1,999
· Confirmed
In Short: Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.
Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever. Bbntimes reported that the base 256GB model starts at $1,999, with prices rising to $2,199 for 512GB, $2,599 for 1TB, and a staggering $3,199 for the 2TB model. TechCrunch noted that the device received an Editors' Choice designation from early reviewers, who praised its intuitive design and seamless integration of hardware and software.
According to Bbntimes, the iPhone Duo is a significant departure from the slab-like form factor that has defined the iPhone since 2007. TechCrunch highlighted that the device's launch marks a major shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it.
Apple officially launched the iPhone Duo in stores across more than 70 countries on Friday, October 23, as reported by Bbntimes. TechCrunch noted that the device's launch was met with extraordinary demand, with Apple's website quickly validating this characterization.
Both Bbntimes and TechCrunch reported that the iPhone Duo received positive reviews, with some noting limitations such as the lack of a telephoto camera and the under-display camera's mediocre photo quality. However, the overall consensus is that Apple has delivered a polished and compelling first-generation product.
Bbntimes and TechCrunch both noted that given the online backlog, those planning to queue at an Apple Store should arrive early and manage their expectations accordingly. Apple spokespersons confirmed that there will be limited availability of the iPhone Duo for walk-in customers at Apple Stores in select countries on launch day.
Bbntimes reported that the iPhone Duo's journey to launch was defined by unprecedented demand. TechCrunch highlighted that the device's launch marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it.
Both Bbntimes and TechCrunch reported that Apple's physical retail stores will have limited iPhone Duo units available for walk-in customers on launch day. Apple spokespersons confirmed that the company is working hard to get the revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible.
Bbntimes noted that the iPhone Duo's 6-inch screen is as thick as an iPhone and is expected to come with black bezels, rounded corners, and a FaceTime camera. TechCrunch highlighted that the device's launch marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it.
Both Bbntimes and TechCrunch reported that the iPhone Duo's launch was met with extraordinary demand, with Apple's website quickly validating this characterization. Apple spokespersons confirmed that the company is working hard to get the revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible.
Bbntimes and TechCrunch both noted that the iPhone Duo's launch marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it. Apple spokespersons confirmed that the company is working hard to get the revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible.
Bbntimes and TechCrunch both noted that the iPhone Duo's launch marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it. Apple spokespersons confirmed that the company is working hard to get the revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible.
Bbntimes and TechCrunch both noted that the iPhone Duo's launch marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy, with early reviews suggesting the wait may have been worth it. Apple spokespersons confirmed that the company is working hard to get the revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible.
Background
Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced starting at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.
What's confirmed
- Snap Inc has launched Specs Intelligence, an anticipatory artificial intelligence service that works across the iPhone, Mac and its Specs augmented reality glasses, as part of a wider rollout of the $2,195 headset to consumers and businesses.
- In a statement shared with MacRumors today, an Apple spokesperson said there will be "limited" availability of the iPhone Duo for walk-in customers at Apple Stores in select countries when the device launches this Friday, October 23. On Friday morning, our teams look forward to welcoming customers at Apple Stores to experience iPhone Duo and the incredible iPhone line-up for themselves. Apple Stores will have limited iPhone Duo available for walk-in customers, and we're working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible. Apple said that given "extraordinary" pre-order demand for the iPhone Duo, it expects that supply will sell out quickly on Friday.
- Its 6-inch screen is "as thick as an iPhone" and is expected to come with black bezels, rounded corners, and a FaceTime camera.
- 13, reports Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says Apple could launch two different versions of the smart hub: one with an arm and a speaker at the bottom, resembling the iMac G4 from 2002, and another with just a wall-mountable display and a thin square-shaped speaker and microphones at the bottom.
- UPDATE 9/30: Apple is set to launch its first smart home hub on Oct.
- The UI is expected to blend elements from the Apple Watch, iPad, and Apple TV, according to MacRumors.
- Get the latest news and updates from Dawn Sales of Apple’s first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, began on Friday, with market watchers betting on whether the device can reinvent the small foldables market in the same way the iPhone did for smartphones.
What's still developing
- 25% off tickets now Back by popular demand: Save up to $300 on Disrupt It’s finally happening — this week, we are (probably) about to see Apple’s first foldable iPhone, more than five years after Samsung launched its first foldable phone.
- While Apple is usually tight-lipped about its product launches, there are always inevitable leaks, giving us insight into what we might see during the September 9 Apple event.
- It's that time of year: The weather's finally starting to cool off, Halloween decor has taken over most of the stores, and tech companies are dropping their fall launches.
- Siri AI support on iPhones starts with the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro, leaving older models without access to the new assistant.
- Apple said newer devices starting with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air will deliver a better Siri AI experience because they use a more powerful on-device model for more accurate speech recognition and dictation.
- Telegraph Apple is working on a “completely revamped” Vision Pro headset that could go in any of four directions and likely won’t arrive before late 2028 or early 2029.
- The reporting available so far gives no AED, SAR, or EGP price; Apple's local announcements will determine when the hub reaches the region and what it costs.
- Apple's A18 chip powers both, and color options are silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray.
- Apps built for CarPlay can also appear on HomeView automatically if they are installed on the owner's iPhone.
- It can draw on personal context from the owner's iPhone, such as a song a friend recommended in Messages, and it can control devices added to the Apple Home app.
- UPDATE 10/8: Apple is reportedly developing smart home devices in partnership with LG.
- Apple also announced the HomePod Mini 2 for $149, a $50 increase over the original, with sales starting October 30.