Apple enters foldable phone market with iPhone Duo, seven years after Galaxy Fold

Apple launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, seven years after Samsung's Galaxy Fold, entering a market that accounts for less than 2% of global phone sales and saw a 21.6% year-over-year decline in the first half of 2026. The foldable category has struggled due to high prices, added weight, and durability concerns, with Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi collectively selling only 18-21 million units in 2025. Analysts predict Apple's entry could boost the market to 27 million units by 2027, though the Duo's €2,339 price tag limits mass adoption. Apple's arrival comes as the industry debates the smartphone's future, with some promoting AI-powered glasses and wearables as replacements. The Duo's large 7.6-inch screen positions it as a counter-argument, emphasizing displays over device disappearance, though it faces comparisons to Apple's failed Vision Pro headset.