Apple unveils foldable iPhone Duo, priced from SAR 9,499 in Saudi Arabia

Apple has officially entered the foldable-phone race with the launch of the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable iPhone, priced from SAR 9,499 in the Saudi market, or $1,999 in the United States. The move marks a major shift in iPhone design and puts the company in direct competition with Samsung and Huawei.

The new phone features a compact, passport-like design when folded, with a 7.6-inch foldable internal display and a 5.4-inch external display. Apple says pre-orders in Saudi Arabia will begin on October 16, with the device becoming available on October 23, 2026.

iPhone Duo at a glance

• Price in Saudi Arabia: Starting at SAR 9,499.
• Price in the United States: Starting at $1,999.
• Internal display: 7.6-inch foldable display.
• External display: 5.4 inches.
• Frame: Titanium with a custom Apple-designed hinge.
• Processor: A20 Pro, with a C2 modem.
• Estimated usage: Up to 24 hours when both displays are used equally, according to Apple.
• Pre-orders in Saudi Arabia: October 16, 2026; availability: October 23.

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What are the iPhone Duo’s key specifications?

According to Reuters, the iPhone Duo uses a titanium frame and a custom hinge developed by Apple, along with two displays designed to offer similar aspect ratios so users do not experience an abrupt transition between the external and internal screens.

The phone also features the A20 Pro processor and the new C2 modem. Apple says it can provide up to 24 hours of use with both displays, in addition to supporting fast charging.

A high price and a clear message to the market

At $1,999, the iPhone Duo is among Apple’s most expensive phones to date, while also placing it in the premium segment of the foldable-device market. This category depends on users willing to pay more for the new design and larger screen area.

The company is betting that its relatively late entry into the market could become an advantage if it can deliver a more mature experience in terms of hinge quality, software and integration between the two displays.

Direct competition with Samsung and Huawei

Analyst estimates cited by Reuters suggest that Apple could capture approximately 40% of the foldable-phone market by the end of 2027, a figure that reflects the expected impact of the company’s entry into the category.

Competition will be particularly sensitive in markets such as China, where Huawei has a strong presence, while Samsung has accumulated years of experience developing the Galaxy Z Fold series.

Privacy and artificial intelligence part of the new message

The launch was not limited to hardware. Apple also unveiled updates related to artificial intelligence and privacy features, enhancements to Siri, and a new standard called Apple Reference Image, aimed at helping authenticate images that have not been altered using artificial intelligence.

The move reflects Apple’s attempt to link its new generation of devices to the issue of trust in digital content, at a time when AI-generated and AI-edited images are becoming an increasingly common part of everyday use.

Other devices unveiled at Apple’s event

Alongside the iPhone Duo, the event included the unveiling of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, new AirPods models with noise-cancellation technologies, as well as the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, with a greater focus on health functions.

Will the Duo reshape the foldable-phone market?

The real test will not be the excitement surrounding the launch alone, but Apple’s ability to turn foldable phones from a niche category into a mainstream option for iPhone users. The price will remain a barrier for a broad segment of consumers, but Apple’s ecosystem and user base could give the Duo an opportunity to expand the market itself rather than merely take share from competitors.

Frequently asked questions about the iPhone Duo

What is the starting price of the iPhone Duo in Saudi Arabia?

The official price starts at SAR 9,499, according to Apple Saudi Arabia.

When do pre-orders begin?

Pre-orders in Saudi Arabia begin on October 16, 2026, with the device becoming available on October 23.

Is the iPhone Duo the first foldable iPhone?

Yes, the iPhone Duo represents Apple’s first official entry into the foldable-phone category.

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Featured image: Apple Newsroom.

Sources

Official source: Apple Newsroom – Saudi Arabia, September 9, 2026. The article also drew on Reuters for details on market competition and analyst estimates.