Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone Duo, but Samsung quickly mocked the launch with a “reheating our leftovers” post. Here's the price, release date and key details.
Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, but Samsung was quick to mock its long-awaited rival, accusing Apple of “reheating” technology it has already been selling for years.
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo at its “Surprise and shine” event on September 9, marking the company's first entry into the foldable smartphone segment.
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Apple says the device combines a foldable design with the features and experience associated with the iPhone. When opened, the handset offers the largest display ever seen on an iPhone and is 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The company has positioned the device as a major new design change while retaining the familiar iPhone experience.
Samsung wastes no time trolling Apple
Samsung, which has been selling foldable smartphones since 2019, quickly responded to Apple's launch on social media.
Samsung Mobile US posted on X: “Let us know when you're done reheating our leftovers ”, taking a direct swipe at Apple for entering a category Samsung helped establish several years ago.
The company also promoted the hashtag #ItsTimeToSwitch as part of its response to the iPhone Duo launch.
Samsung's posts reflect the long-running rivalry between the two smartphone makers, particularly around hardware innovation and foldable technology.
Samsung highlights its foldable head start
Samsung has a significant head start in the foldable-phone market. The company launched its first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and has since developed multiple generations of its Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip ranges.
The company's social media campaign sought to underline that advantage, portraying Apple's first foldable iPhone as an entry into a category where Samsung has already spent years developing and refining products.
Samsung also used the launch to highlight its own foldable hardware, including references to devices that can fold in multiple ways.
What is the iPhone Duo price in India?
According to Apple, the iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 in India.
The phone is offered in two colours: Star White and Night Sky.
Pre-orders begin on October 16, with the iPhone Duo scheduled to become available from October 23.
What else did Apple launch?
The iPhone Duo was unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other products.
Apple also introduced:
- Apple Watch Series 12
- Apple Watch Ultra 4
- AirPods 5
The event was also significant because it was the first Apple product launch event led by John Ternus as CEO, following his takeover from Tim Cook earlier this month.
What John Ternus said about iPhone Duo
Ternus described the foldable iPhone as a major design shift for Apple's smartphone range.
He said the device brings “an entirely new design” while retaining the features users expect from an iPhone. He also highlighted its large display, pocket-friendly form factor and the engineering involved in making the foldable design possible.
Samsung's reaction highlights the significance of Apple's arrival in the foldable-phone market.
For years, Samsung has had relatively little direct competition from Apple's iPhone range in the foldable segment. Apple's entry could increase competition in a category that remains smaller than the conventional smartphone market but has become an important area for premium-device makers.
The rivalry is therefore likely to extend beyond social-media jokes. Apple's brand strength and ecosystem could bring foldable smartphones to a much larger mainstream audience, while Samsung can use its established experience in the category to differentiate its Galaxy Z range.
Published: 10 Sept 2026, 07:37 am IST
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