Apple's iPhone Duo launch sparks 1,050% surge in foldable phone searches

Global searches for "foldable smartphone" surged 1,050% week-over-week and 450% in 24 hours following Apple's unveiling of its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, according to Google Trends data. The interest peaked at a search index of 100 around the announcement, then declined to the 30s by midday, a typical pattern for major product launches. China, Singapore, and the UAE led regional interest, with queries like "iPhone Duo release date" and "iPhone Duo case" among the fastest-growing. Apple priced the Duo at $1,999 with an October shipping date, featuring a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external screen. Analysts expect the launch to boost the foldable market by 30% in 2026, though initial sales may be limited by supply constraints in only 28 markets.