Apple's 7-Year Wait for a Foldable iPhone: What It Bought

Apple released the iPhone Duo on October 23, 2026, seven years after Samsung's first Galaxy Fold, with a starting price of $1,999, just $19 more than the 2019 model. The wait focused on durability, software, and a less visible crease rather than cost. Samsung's 2019 Galaxy Fold launch was delayed after review units failed, and Apple's engineering response emphasizes a 100-component hinge, a 10-layer display stack, and IP68 water resistance. The iPhone Duo's crease remains visible in certain lighting, and its Split View feature cannot resize app windows. The foldable market is shrinking, with shipments down 21.6% in early 2026, though Apple forecasts up to 6 million iPhone Duo shipments. The phone lacks a periscope telephoto camera and Face ID, and weighs 254 grams versus Samsung's 201 grams.