Apple’s upcoming foldable phone, long referred to internally as the “iPhone Ultra,” is expected to hit the market as the iPhone Duo, with an entry-level price around $2,000, according to recent reporting. While earlier rumors pegged it higher, this pricing may help soften the blow for consumers wary of Apple’s premium tiers. Higher capacity versions could climb close to $3,000.
The entry model is projected to include 256 GB of storage. Apple reportedly overshot its cost targets due to memory shortages, prompting the company to absorb some expenses to stay close to the $2,000 mark, while passing on additional costs to those opting for more storage.
Design, Specs, and Features
The iPhone Duo is expected to ship in two colorways: white and dark blue. Production challenges are delaying its release, pushing sales availability to at least October. It will bring several flagship features, including Apple’s latest A20 Pro chip, the new C2 modem, and dual 48-megapixel rear cameras. The front will host a 12-megapixel shooter. A magnetic hinge design and support for the Apple Pencil stylus are also in the mix. Rumors suggest Apple even tried smaller versions of the Pencil for the foldable device, though their launch seems unlikely.
Pricing & Other Product Moves
Reports reveal that Apple plans to raise the base prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max by $100 compared to the current models. The increment is less steep than some had worried. Meanwhile, new versions of the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 are also expected to be unveiled soon.
Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time tomorrow, where full details are expected to emerge.
What This Means:The iPhone Duo is shaping up as Apple’s most expensive consumer phone yet, nearly double the cost of current Pro models. That reflects rising component costs—especially memory—and ambitious new hardware. The October release positions Apple to capitalize on holiday sales, but premium pricing could limit appeal to early adopters. As with all significant shifts, the details at tomorrow’s event—price tiers, specs, availability—will confirm whether the Duo is a breakthrough or premium niche.
