Apple foldable iPhone Duo starts at $1,999

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, with a starting price of $1,999, making the device the main test of John Ternus's first product event as chief executive.

The launch in Cupertino, California, came after Ternus took over from Tim Cook on September 1. Apple said the iPhone Duo will go on sale in 70 countries on October 23.

The iPhone Duo is roughly the size and shape of a passport when folded. Apple said it has a full external display when closed, a larger internal display when open and multiple camera lenses. The company said it had reduced the visible crease in the middle of the screen, a common criticism of foldable phones.

Apple also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, priced at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, or $100 more than the iPhone 17 lineup at launch last year. The company said the Pro models will include an improved camera that lets users adjust the lens aperture. Apple did not announce a cheaper base iPhone 18.

Customers in the United States will be able to pay for new phones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches in monthly instalments through Apple Upgrade, a leasing program offered with Klarna. For the newest iPhones, Apple said a lease through the program starts at about $50 a month.

Samsung launched the first mainstream foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, in 2019. Huawei and Xiaomi unveiled new foldable products ahead of Apple's event. Research firm IDC said foldable smartphones make up less than 2 percent of global shipments but expects Apple to capture about a third of demand with its entry.

Apple also announced updated entry-level AirPods and smart watches, with the watches getting improved heart-rate sensors that can pair with an updated Health app due later this year.