Apple’s newly launched iPhone Duo could eventually become an entire family of foldable devices, including larger, smaller and cheaper models.

The company could expand the range with an iPhone Duo Max featuring a larger display, alongside an entry-level Duo SE and smaller Duo mini, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The latter could adopt a clamshell design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip range, although Apple has not confirmed that any of the additional models are in development.

Gurman suggested the possibility of future variants could help explain why Apple selected the Duo name for its first foldable instead of the widely rumoured iPhone Ultra branding.

‘Duo’ follows Apple’s preference for short, three-letter product labels such as Air and Pro, while clearly referring to the device’s dual-screen design.

It also allows Apple to add familiar suffixes. Names such as iPhone Ultra Max, Ultra SE or Ultra mini would have been more awkward.

Apple could also address two significant omissions from the first-generation Duo in future models.

Gurman predicts Face ID and a telephoto camera will be priorities, although the components required for both are difficult to fit inside the device’s thin folding chassis.

Further component miniaturisation and computational photography powered by AI could allow Apple to introduce the features by the third generation.

The first iPhone Duo instead uses Touch ID integrated into its side button and carries two rear cameras.

Apple’s expansion would follow the strategy used by Samsung, which has developed multiple foldable formats and price points since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019.

Gurman expects the Duo to become the leading foldable smartphone by early 2027, potentially creating supply shortages and pushing other manufacturers to increase investment in the category.

However, that forecast remains speculative. Foldables currently represent only about 2% of global smartphone shipments, while their high prices continue to limit mainstream adoption.

The iPhone Duo is priced from A$3,595 in Australia. Preorders open on October 16 ahead of its October 23 release.