Apple Releases iPhone Duo: First Foldable Smartphone Priced at Rp32 Million
Apple has officially announced the arrival of the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone. This launch represents the most significant change in nearly two decades of iPhone history and marks a substantial update to Apple’s most important product line.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display, while the inner screen expands to 7.6 inches when unfolded, comparable to the size of an iPad Mini. Apple claims the device is the thinnest iPhone ever made, with a form factor and size resembling a passport.
The inner screen features a matte texture that reduces light reflection and resists fingerprints. The crease on the screen is almost invisible and imperceptible to the touch, addressing a common weakness found in early-generation foldable phones.
Apple CEO John Ternus emphasised during the launch event that this new device will set a new standard for the foldable smartphone market. “The iPhone Duo will redefine the foldable phone experience,” said Ternus.
In terms of software, the iPhone Duo’s operating system is specifically designed to automatically adjust the display based on the screen’s folding position. When the phone is partially folded, application content shifts to one side of the screen. When watching videos, playback can transition seamlessly from the outer screen to the larger inner screen without interruption.
Other features include the ability to use two cameras simultaneously during FaceTime calls, photo previews via the outer screen, and a split-screen mode for running multiple applications at once. Additionally, there is a ‘Standby’ feature that transforms the cover screen into a desk clock or digital photo frame when the phone is locked and placed in a tent-like folded position.
Apple’s move into the foldable market comes after manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have been selling similar devices for several years. Although the foldable category previously accounted for only a small portion of global smartphone sales, Apple’s presence is projected to bring this category to a much wider market.
This innovation is crucial for Apple, given that the iPhone is its most profitable product, contributing more than half of the company’s total revenue. The launch of the iPhone Duo is expected to help maintain the company’s position amidst the pressure to introduce new artificial intelligence (AI) based devices.
During the event, Ternus also shared his views on the role of this hardware in supporting future AI technology. “The iPhone is the most ideal personal computer for artificial intelligence,” said Ternus.
The iPhone Duo is priced starting from US$1,999 (approximately Rp32 million) and is scheduled to hit the market on 23 October.