Apple is preparing to expand its presence in the foldable phone market. Reports indicate the company is planning a new group of foldable iPhone devices rather than stopping at the first model it recently launched.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is considering developing three additional versions under the “Duo” family name: the Duo Max with a larger screen, the Duo Mini with a smaller size and a design that may resemble vertical foldable phones, and the Duo SE, which the company aims to offer at a lower price.
A New Foldable iPhone Series
Apple recently launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with a starting price of $1,999. The device includes a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch foldable internal display.
According to the report, Apple chose the name “Duo” for the phone to allow the company to build a full family of devices under it, similar to how it uses labels such as “Air” and “Pro” across other products.
Mark Gurman noted that Apple employees referred to the phone internally as “iPhone Ultra” before the company settled on the name “Duo” at the last moment.
If the new versions reach the market, the Duo Max is expected to target users who want a larger screen for entertainment and multitasking. The Duo Mini may come with a foldable design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip phones.
As for the Duo SE, Apple may reduce some specifications and features to offer a foldable phone at a lower price, which could expand the base of users able to buy this category.
First Phone Sales Will Determine the Future of New Versions
These three devices are still within the realm of plans and speculation. Apple has not officially confirmed their existence or revealed their prices or launch dates.
The future of the Duo family is closely tied to how successful the first phone is in the market. Apple has already entered a multi-year agreement with Samsung’s display division to supply screens for the foldable phone, meaning that developing new versions will not be a quick or short-term decision.
The report indicates that Apple may back away from some of these plans if foldable devices do not achieve expected sales, especially since the company has previously reconsidered ambitious products when they did not gain enough commercial traction. A prominent example is the Vision Pro, which has not yet received a second version after years on the market.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo open on October 16, with shipping starting on October 23. While users who want the first foldable iPhone can buy the current model, those looking for a smaller or lower-priced phone may have to wait until at least next year, and possibly longer.