Apple may expand its lineup of foldable iPhones after the release of the first model. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the company is considering several device options based on the iPhone Duo — from a larger Duo Max version to a compact Duo mini and an affordable Duo SE.

Why Apple chose the Duo name

Initially, the first foldable iPhone, as had long been assumed, might have been called the iPhone Ultra. However, Apple ultimately chose the name iPhone Duo.

According to Gurman, this may be related not only to the features of the first model, but also to the company’s plans to develop an entire lineup of foldable smartphones. The Duo name works well with possible names for different models: Duo Max, Duo mini, and Duo SE.

In addition, the word Duo directly points to the device’s dual-screen design. The name itself also matches Apple’s approach to naming some of its other products — Air and Pro also consist of three letters.

At the same time, it is unknown whether Apple took into account the fact that Microsoft had previously already used the name Surface Duo for its own dual-screen device.

Foldable iPhones may become a separate category

Gurman expects that by the beginning of next year, the iPhone Duo could become one of the most notable foldable smartphones on the market. In his view, demand for the device could be so high that shortages may lead to smartphones being resold in foreign markets at significantly higher prices.

The journalist also believes that the arrival of a foldable iPhone could accelerate the development of the entire segment. If the device proves successful enough, other manufacturers may significantly increase investment in foldable smartphones, and the category itself may gradually become more mainstream.

At the same time, this is still a forecast rather than a confirmed Apple plan. The company has not yet officially announced future versions of the iPhone Duo or the creation of a separate lineup of foldable smartphones.

If Apple does indeed go down this path, the lineup could include devices with different sizes and prices — from a compact model to a larger version and a relatively affordable SE option. This would make foldable iPhones not a one-off experiment, but a separate direction within the iPhone family.