Apple has expanded its premium smartphone portfolio with the introduction of three major devices: the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The launch is particularly significant because the iPhone Duo marks Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone category, while the new Pro models bring upgrades in areas such as performance, cameras, displays and artificial intelligence.
The iPhone Duo is the biggest design departure among the newly announced devices. It features a foldable screen and a passport-style form factor that allows users to open the handset to access a significantly larger display.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continue Apple's traditional flagship design approach while introducing new-generation hardware and software capabilities.
iPhone Duo Marks Apple's Entry Into Foldable Phones
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone and is positioned as one of the company's most premium mobile devices.
Instead of following a vertically folding flip-phone format, the iPhone Duo uses a book-style design. Users can keep the handset folded for a more compact experience and open it whenever they require additional screen space.
The larger unfolded display could be particularly useful for watching videos, browsing websites, reading documents and handling productivity tasks. A wider screen may also make multitasking more convenient, provided applications are optimised to take advantage of the foldable format.
The new design represents a major change for the iPhone family, which has traditionally relied on conventional single-screen smartphone designs.
iPhone Duo Price in India
Apple's first foldable handset is positioned firmly in the ultra-premium segment. The iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 in India.
With a price approaching ₹3 lakh, the device is expected to appeal primarily to premium buyers, technology enthusiasts and early adopters who want Apple's latest form factor.
The foldable design is likely to be the main reason for choosing the Duo over a conventional iPhone, particularly for customers who want a smartphone that can provide a tablet-like viewing experience when unfolded.
iPhone 18 Pro Brings New-Generation Performance
Alongside the foldable model, Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, which continues to target users looking for high-end performance without opting for the larger Pro Max model.
One of the key upgrades is the A20 Pro chip, designed to provide faster processing and support increasingly demanding tasks. The processor is also expected to play a major role in powering Apple's latest AI-focused capabilities.
Apple has also made improvements to important areas such as the camera system and display experience, making the iPhone 18 Pro an upgrade aimed at users who prioritise performance, photography and premium features.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Sits at the Top of the Conventional Lineup
For users who prefer a bigger screen, Apple has also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The Pro Max combines the new-generation A20 Pro processor with a larger display and Apple's premium camera capabilities. Its bigger screen is aimed at users who frequently watch videos, play games, edit content or use their smartphones for productivity.
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro Max carries a starting price of ₹1,79,900. Prices may increase depending on the storage configuration selected.
New iPhones Put Greater Focus on AI
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of modern smartphones, and Apple's latest devices reflect this shift.
The new-generation hardware is designed to support more advanced AI-powered functionality. The A20 Pro processor in the Pro lineup is expected to help handle demanding intelligent features while also improving overall performance.
AI capabilities could increasingly influence everyday smartphone tasks, including photography, content creation, communication and system-level assistance.
iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro Series: Which One Stands Out?
The three devices are designed for different types of premium smartphone buyers.
The iPhone Duo is the standout choice for consumers interested in Apple's first foldable design and a much larger display when the handset is opened. Its ₹2,99,900 starting price, however, makes it considerably more expensive than the conventional Pro models.
The iPhone 18 Pro, starting at ₹1,64,900, offers Apple's latest premium performance in a more traditional smartphone format. The iPhone 18 Pro Max, priced from ₹1,79,900, is aimed at buyers who want a larger display while retaining the familiar iPhone design.
Apple Takes Its Premium iPhone Lineup in a New Direction
The latest launch signals an important change in Apple's smartphone strategy. Instead of relying entirely on conventional flagship models, the company now has a foldable device sitting alongside its established Pro lineup.
For buyers, the choice is no longer simply between different screen sizes and storage capacities. The iPhone Duo introduces an entirely different form factor, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max continue to offer a more familiar flagship experience.
With prices ranging from ₹1,64,900 for the iPhone 18 Pro to ₹2,99,900 for the iPhone Duo, Apple's newest smartphones are clearly targeted at the premium end of the market. The arrival of the foldable Duo, in particular, could become one of the most notable developments in the evolution of the iPhone.
