The launch of the iPhone Duo could give Apple's smartphone business a much-needed boost by introducing a completely new form factor to consumers. Analysts believe the foldable could capture a significant share of the growing foldable-phone market, potentially approaching half of the segment by 2027.
Apple's unveiling of the iPhone Duo finally confirmed years of speculation that the company was working on a foldable iPhone. While the device brings something new to Apple's lineup, its expected $1,999 starting price is likely to make consumers think twice before making the switch.
Even before the phone reaches customers, however, analysts are already predicting that the Duo could have a meaningful impact on Apple's iPhone business.
According to a Sunday report from The Information, IDC expects Apple to sell around 10 million iPhone Duo units during the first 12 months following its release.
IDC Vice President for Data and Analytics Francisco Jeronimo believes the device's novelty could attract customers who are willing to spend more on Apple's latest technology. The foldable design could also encourage some existing iPhone owners to upgrade sooner than they normally would.
A Potential Revenue Boost
Apple's iPhone revenue has remained relatively steady in recent years. Revenue was largely flat between 2022 and 2025, while the fiscal year ending in September 2025 recorded only a 4% increase, partly driven by consumers who typically upgrade their phones every four years.
That relatively slow growth has created pressure on Apple to find new ways to strengthen its flagship smartphone business.
Jeronimo suggests that the iPhone Duo could provide one such opportunity by giving frequent upgraders a compelling reason to replace their existing devices earlier. The novelty of a foldable iPhone could be enough to persuade some consumers who otherwise might have continued using their current phones.
IDC's forecast of 10 million units during the first year could generate approximately $27 billion in revenue for Apple. That would represent around 6% of the company's projected fiscal 2026 revenue, particularly as buyers are expected to gravitate toward models with greater storage and higher price tags.
The tendency for foldable-phone buyers to choose premium configurations isn't unique to Apple. Similar purchasing patterns have been observed with competing devices, including Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8.
Despite its high price, analysts believe the iPhone Duo could appeal to existing owners of Apple's premium Pro and Pro Max models. Some of these customers may be willing to move to the foldable model instead of purchasing another conventional iPhone.
Apple could also benefit from trade-in programs, which would lower the effective cost of upgrading. The growing popularity of monthly installment plans may further make the $1,999 price tag easier for consumers to manage.
If these trends continue, the iPhone Duo could become more than just a new addition to Apple's lineupit could represent an important new source of growth for the company's smartphone business.
Amazon Slashes Prices of Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 at Launch
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are already receiving discounts this weekend, with Amazon offering price cuts on a selection of case, band, and size combinations.
The standard Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, but shoppers can currently save $10 on several configurations available through Amazon. The exact models receiving the discount vary, with band colors and sizes changing as inventory moves.
The larger savings are available on the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Several 49mm configurations are currently $20 cheaper, including models featuring both Natural Titanium and Black Titanium cases. However, availability and eligible band combinations may change quickly.
Apple Watch Series 12 42mm
Black Aluminum Case, Black Sport Band S/M, GPS + Cellular: $489.99 $10 off
Dark Bronze Aluminum Case, Olive Sport Band S/M, GPS + Cellular: $489.99 $10 off
Apple Watch Series 12 46mm
Space Gray Aluminum Case, Navy Blue Sport Band M/L, GPS + Cellular: $439.99 $10 off
Dark Bronze Aluminum Case, Olive Sport Band M/L, GPS + Cellular: $539.99 $10 off
Apple Watch Ultra 4 49mm
Black Titanium Case, Translucent Black Ocean Band, GPS + Cellular: $779.99 $20 off
Natural Titanium Case, Translucent Gray Ocean Band, GPS + Cellular: $779.99 $20 off
Black Titanium Case, Burgundy Alpine Loop, Large, GPS + Cellular: $779.99 $20 off
Natural Titanium Case, Sand Trail Loop, M/L, GPS + Cellular: $779.99 $20 off
With Amazon's discounts applying to specific configurations rather than the entire product range, shoppers may want to check availability quickly before their preferred case, band, or size combination changes.
Foldable Futures: iPhone Duo Could Be Apple's Next Big Bet for Smartphone Growth
