Apple's $1,999 Foldable iPhone Lands — 4 Rivals That Cost Less
You could save $700 and still get a giant screen this fall.
Apple just announced its first folding iPhone, called the Duo. It goes on sale October 23 for $1,999. Foldables are phones that open up like a book into a small tablet — in this case a 7.6-inch screen. Apple says iOS 27, the phone's software, was redesigned specifically for that folding shape, and stylus support is coming later this year. It's a big bet, and it's Apple's first attempt at a category Samsung has been selling for seven generations.
That's why the alternatives matter. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 starts around $1,899.99 — roughly $100 cheaper — with a slightly larger 8-inch inner screen and a reputation for polished multi-tasking software. Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced about the same and leans on Google's Gemini AI assistant. Motorola's Razr Fold, also around $1,899.99, sells itself on battery capacity and fast charging. Each is a different answer to the same question: why pay two grand?
The most interesting option may be Apple's own iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,299. It doesn't fold, but it saves you $700 and gives you flagship speed, the same Apple ecosystem, no crease in the middle of your screen, and no first-generation hinge to worry about. For a lot of people, that's the practical choice.
THE CATCH: Foldable phones are still expensive and relatively new. Apple has never shipped one before, so early buyers are effectively beta testers for the hinge and the folding glass. Battery claims in the article come from each manufacturer's own testing, not independent reviewers, so treat "26 hours of video" as marketing rather than a guarantee. And prices shift constantly with trade-ins and carrier deals — the sticker price today may not be what you actually pay.
- Apple's first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, costs $1,999 and launches October 23 with a 7.6-inch screen that opens like a book.
- Samsung, Google and Motorola all sell folding rivals at roughly $1,899 — about $100 less — each with its own strength: mature software, Google's AI, or battery life.
- The cheapest smart move may be skipping folding entirely: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max costs $1,299, saving you $700.
Why It Matters
If you're phone shopping this fall, a $700 savings may beat a screen that folds.