Apple unveils first foldable iPhone: See when to get it across the Pacific Northwest

Apple has officially unveiled its first foldable iPhone, confirming reports ahead of the company’s September product event and giving Pacific Northwest Apple users a new, much more expensive option when upgrading their phones.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 and will be available Oct. 23, according to The New York Times.

The new device marks the biggest change to the iPhone’s basic design since Apple introduced the smartphone in 2007.

What does Apple’s new foldable iPhone look like?

The iPhone Duo opens and closes like a book. Folded, it has a smaller exterior screen about the size of a passport.

Opening the phone reveals a larger display that can run two apps at the same time.

Apple made the exterior from glass and uses a custom polymer for the foldable interior screen. The phone’s software automatically adjusts between the exterior and interior displays depending on how the device is being used.

Apple CEO John Ternus called the Duo a redesign of the foldable phone experience during Wednesday’s presentation.

When can Pacific Northwest shoppers buy the iPhone Duo?

The iPhone Duo will be available beginning Oct. 23 for $1,999, putting it at the top of Apple’s iPhone lineup.

Foldable phones remain a relatively small part of the smartphone market.

Manufacturers shipped nearly 20 million foldable phones worldwide last year, representing less than 2% of total smartphone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research.

Apple’s entry could give the category a boost. Counterpoint expects Apple to ship more than 12 million foldable iPhones next year, accounting for about 5% of the company’s iPhone shipments.

For shoppers in Oregon and Washington, the Duo adds another choice alongside Apple’s traditional iPhones, but at a price considerably higher than the company’s other new models.

Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starting at $1,299.