Foldable Phones: Apple's iPhone Duo Sets New Standard

The journey of foldable phones began with significant technological hurdles, a stark contrast to the 1984 DynaTAC 8000X "brick" phone, which weighed over 1.7 pounds and offered minimal talk time. The year 2019 marked the first meaningful advancements, with the Royole FlexPai debuting as the first commercially available foldable smartphone. Despite its innovative display, it was criticized for being "rough around the edges."

Samsung's first Galaxy Fold, launched in February 2019, encountered major issues with screen durability, leading to recalls and delays. These early struggles highlighted the critical need for perfecting crease management, hinge durability, and screen resistance. Huawei's Mate X offered an elegant outward-folding design but proved susceptible to scratches and was not sold in the US.

From 2020 to 2025, Android manufacturers released numerous foldable models, progressively improving features like ultra-thin glass screens, water resistance (IPX8), and dust protection (IP48, later IP68 with Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold in 2025). Oppo's Find N achieved a near-invisible crease in 2021, with subsequent models from Honor and Samsung further refining the design.

Crucially, pricing also became more accessible. Clamshell models like the Motorola Razr and the $999 Galaxy Z Flip 3 brought the technology closer to mainstream flagship prices. Apple entered the market in 2026 with the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, featuring a 7.6-inch internal and 5.4-inch external display, with sales projected at 6 million units for the year.