Apple is preparing to venture into the foldable smartphone market, with fresh leaks revealing the potential moniker, pricing structure, and key specifications of its highly anticipated device. As the tech giant gears up for its upcoming hardware reveal, these new details offer a comprehensive glimpse into what could be the company's most expensive smartphone line to date.
The Name Change and Premium Pricing Structure
According to insights from Mark Gurman, the tech giant might bypass the previously rumored "iPhone Ultra" title in favor of "iPhone Duo" for its debut foldable handset. This premium device is expected to carry a substantial price tag, with the base variant sporting 256GB of internal storage starting at $2,000, which translates to approximately Rs 1,90,181. For consumers looking for higher specifications, the top-tier configuration could reach up to $3,000, or about Rs 2,85,272. However, eager buyers might have to wait after the initial announcement, as retail shipments are not projected to begin immediately. Instead, the market rollout is anticipated to start in October, with the possibility of being pushed back even further.
Color Options and Stylus Compatibility
The rumored foldable device is expected to make its debut in two distinct color variants: a classic White and a deep Dark Blue. In addition to these aesthetic choices, the handset is highly likely to feature compatibility with the Apple Pencil. While rumors regarding stylus support on iPhones have circulated with varying degrees of skepticism in the past, this feature could finally find its perfect canvas on a larger, flexible folding screen.
Leadership Transition and Pre-Event Store Updates
Ahead of the scheduled hardware announcements on September 9, Apple took its official digital storefront offline, a traditional operational step the company uses to update its catalog with new listings. This upcoming product showcase holds historical significance for the company's internal leadership. It represents the very first major smartphone launch event overseen by John Ternus, who assumed the role of CEO following the departure of Tim Cook. This transition puts immense focus on how the new leadership will steer the brand's hardware strategy, particularly with the introduction of high-stakes products like a foldable phone.
