Apple iPhone Launch Event Live Updates: Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone, Gives Hat-Tip To iPad - ndtv.com

**Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone at Global Launch Event**

Apple held its annual iPhone launch event on September 9, 2026, broadcasting live from its Cupertino headquarters. Tim Cook opened the presentation by highlighting the company’s focus on “redefining mobile experiences,” before introducing the long‑rumored foldable device, officially named the **iPhone Duo**. The announcement marks Apple’s entry into a market segment dominated by Samsung and Huawei, positioning the Duo as a premium, multi‑form factor smartphone that bridges the gap between the iPhone lineup and the iPad ecosystem.

The iPhone Duo features a 7.2‑inch ProMotion OLED display that folds inward along a patented hinge, delivering a seamless 6.1‑inch front screen and a larger 7.2‑inch tablet‑sized canvas when opened. Powered by the new **A20 Pro** chip—the same processor announced for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max—the device promises up to 30 percent faster graphics performance and enhanced AI capabilities. Apple set the starting price at **US $3,199**, the highest ever for any iPhone model, which Bloomberg cited as an industry record. In India, the Duo will launch at ₹2,99,999, positioning it as a niche offering for early adopters and enterprise users who require both phone and tablet functionality in a single device.

Alongside the Duo, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both equipped with the A20 Pro chip and featuring improved camera systems, a titanium frame, and satellite connectivity upgrades. The event also included a “hat‑tip” to the iPad line, with a brief teaser of a next‑generation iPad that will share the Duo’s foldable display technology, hinting at a more unified hardware ecosystem. Analysts note that Apple’s simultaneous rollout of high‑end, premium devices underscores its strategy to capture the upper‑tier market while testing consumer appetite for foldable form factors.