Apple iPhone Duo Leak: Gurman Reveals Prices Before Keynote 2026

Apple iPhone Duo leak: Mark Gurman has revealed the expected prices for Apple's upcoming foldable and iPhone 18 Pro just hours before the company's keynote. The event, taking place this evening at 19:00 Spanish time, marks the first keynote under new CEO John Ternus and will showcase the highly anticipated foldable iPhone alongside new Apple Watch and AirPods models.

Gurman, Bloomberg's chief Apple analyst and the industry's most reliable source for leaks, reports that Apple will absorb a significant portion of the RAM crisis costs in the base models. This strategy keeps entry prices relatively contained while passing higher memory costs to premium configurations.

iPhone Duo: Apple's Foldable Gets a Name and a Price

According to Gurman, Apple's first foldable phone will be called iPhone Duo—not iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold as earlier rumors suggested. The base model with 256GB of storage is expected to cost around $2,000, significantly lower than the $2,200–$2,300 range that had been circulating.

Bloomberg reports that Apple is absorbing part of the cost increase caused by memory shortages in this base version. However, higher-capacity variants will carry those costs, with the top-tier model potentially reaching $3,000.

This pricing strategy suggests Apple wants to make its foldable accessible to a broader audience while maintaining premium margins on upgraded storage. It's a delicate balance in a market where component costs are rising sharply.

RAM Crisis and Apple's Pricing Strategy

The global RAM shortage has driven up memory prices across the tech industry. Apple's decision to absorb these costs in the iPhone Duo base model indicates a long-term play to establish its foldable category without alienating early adopters.

By keeping the entry price near $2,000, Apple positions the iPhone Duo competitively against other premium foldables. The company likely expects higher-margin configurations to offset the thinner margins on the base model.

This approach also signals that Apple is willing to sacrifice some short-term profit to gain market share in the foldable segment, which is still in its early stages.

What Else to Expect at the Keynote

Beyond the iPhone Duo, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, new Apple Watch models, and refreshed AirPods. The event will be the first led by John Ternus, who took over as CEO earlier this year.

Industry watchers are particularly interested in how Ternus presents Apple's vision for the future, especially with the foldable marking a new product category for the company.

Key Announcements to Watch

• iPhone Duo: Apple's first foldable, starting around $2,000 for 256GB.
• iPhone 18 Pro: Expected camera and performance upgrades.
• Apple Watch: New health sensors and design tweaks.
• AirPods: Improved audio and possibly new form factor.
• Pricing strategy: Apple absorbing RAM costs in base models.

iPhone Duo vs. Competitors: Price Comparison

How does the iPhone Duo's leaked pricing compare to other foldables? Here's a quick look at the expected starting prices.

The iPhone Duo would be priced at a premium compared to Samsung and Google's foldables, but Apple typically commands higher prices due to its ecosystem and brand. The $2,000 entry point is still lower than many expected, which could help Apple capture significant interest. The background to this story is set out in Apple Event Recap: Foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro Revealed. A related thread runs through Apple Event Recap: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Watch Series 12. Earlier coverage in Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo: Why It Took So Long to Launch shows how the argument developed.

Why This Leak Matters

Gurman's leaks have historically been accurate, and this timing—just hours before the keynote—suggests the information is solid. For consumers, it provides a clearer picture of what to expect and helps them decide whether to watch the event live or wait for post-announcement reviews. A closer look at the same subject appears in Micron CEO Warns RAM Shortage Will Worsen Through 2028. Anyone following the wider picture can start with iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Duo: Which New Apple Phone to Buy. The same theme surfaces in iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo: Lexus Partners Q&A on September 28, which takes a different angle.

For investors, the pricing strategy reveals Apple's approach to managing component costs while expanding into new product categories. The company's ability to absorb RAM price increases in base models shows financial flexibility and a focus on long-term market positioning. Context on how this played out before sits in Apple iPhone Duo Foldable: Official Launch, Price, Specs & Release Date. A companion piece, iPhone Duo Foldable Software: Apple's Real Advantage, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

As the keynote approaches, all eyes will be on Apple to confirm these leaks and reveal the full details of its latest products. Whether you're planning to upgrade or just curious about the future of foldables, tonight's event promises to be one of the most significant in recent years.