Brief
Apple sells $21,000 liquid‑metal iPhone Duo
Apple has announced a premium liquid‑metal edition of its iPhone Duo, priced at $21,000, marking the highest price ever for a smartphone.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Apple has unveiled a liquid‑metal version of its iPhone Duo, the company’s latest foldable phone, and is selling it for $21,000. The move follows the launch of the Duo’s standard model earlier this week, which was priced at around $2,000.
The new edition features a chassis made from a liquid‑metal alloy, giving it a distinctive look and a premium feel. Apple says the metal gives the phone a “sleek, futuristic” appearance and adds durability. The price tag, however, places it well above any other smartphone on the market.
Apple’s iPhone Duo, which debuted on 18 September, is a compact foldable that combines a 5.4‑inch cover display with a 7.6‑inch matte inner screen. It also offers a dual‑48‑MP camera system and a 31/44‑hour video battery claim. The liquid‑metal variant is expected to be available in a limited run, with Apple not yet confirming how many units will be produced.
In related coverage, Felo reported on 13 September that the Duo competes with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which offers a larger 8‑inch internal screen and a 200‑MP wide camera. The Duo’s price point of around $2,000 is lower than the Ultra’s, but the liquid‑metal edition pushes the price into the high‑end luxury segment.
Apple’s strategy appears to be targeting a niche market of collectors and high‑spending consumers. The company has also expanded its iCloud+ offering to include free Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade subscriptions in over 100 countries, a move aimed at boosting services revenue.
Key facts
- Apple sells a liquid‑metal iPhone Duo for $21,000 (dailymail.co.uk)
- The standard iPhone Duo launched on 18 September and costs around $2,000 (dailymail.co.uk)
- The Duo features a 5.4‑inch cover display and a 7.6‑inch matte inner screen (dailymail.co.uk)
- The Duo’s camera system has two 48‑MP lenses (dailymail.co.uk)
- Apple’s iCloud+ now includes free Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade in over 100 countries
Background
Apple’s foldable line has expanded rapidly in 2026, with the iPhone Duo positioned as a compact alternative to larger foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The company’s recent moves to bundle services with hardware reflect a broader strategy to increase recurring revenue.
Why it matters
The $21,000 price point makes the liquid‑metal Duo the most expensive smartphone ever sold, highlighting Apple’s push into luxury hardware and its continued focus on premium segments.
What happens next
Apple has not announced a release date for the liquid‑metal edition, but it is expected to be available in limited quantities in the coming months.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “'Liquid metal' version of Apple's iPhone Duo goes on sale for $21,000”
