Quick Answer: The claim that the iPhone Duo is the “world’s first foldable phone” is false. It is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, but foldable smartphones from other manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei and Motorola, have been commercially available since 2019. Apple itself has only ever described the iPhone Duo as its first foldable iPhone, not the industry’s first foldable device.

The Claim

Following Apple’s September 9, 2026 announcement of the iPhone Duo, some social media posts and headlines have implied or stated that Apple “invented” the foldable phone or released the first one, framing it as an entirely new smartphone category.

What’s True

It is accurate that the iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone and represents, in Apple’s own words, the biggest change to the iPhone’s design in nearly 20 years. Apple’s official materials describe it specifically as the company’s first foldable iPhone.

What’s False or Misleading

Foldable smartphones as a product category predate the iPhone Duo by roughly seven years. Samsung’s Galaxy Fold launched commercially in 2019, and multiple manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, Motorola and Google, have released several generations of foldable devices since. Describing the iPhone Duo as the first foldable phone overall, rather than the first foldable iPhone, is inaccurate.

Why the Confusion?

Apple’s high-profile product launches often generate outsized media coverage, which can create the impression that Apple originated a category it is, in this case, entering years after competitors. Similar confusion occurred around past Apple product launches, such as wireless earbuds and smartwatches, both of which existed before Apple’s entries but gained mainstream attention once Apple released its own versions.

The Bottom Line

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable phone, not the industry’s first. Multiple competitors have sold foldable smartphones since 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Apple say it invented the foldable phone?

No. Apple’s own announcements describe the iPhone Duo specifically as its first foldable iPhone.

What was the first foldable phone?

Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, released in 2019, is widely credited as one of the first mainstream commercial foldable smartphones.

Are other companies still making foldable phones?

Yes, multiple manufacturers continue to release foldable devices, and the iPhone Duo enters an already established product category.

Key Takeaways

• The claim that the iPhone Duo is the world’s first foldable phone is false.
• It is accurately described as Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
• Foldable smartphones from other brands have existed commercially since 2019.
• Apple’s own materials do not claim to have invented the category.