Apple's first foldable iPhone Duo has become a subject of wide discussion in the tech world. This phone, starting from approximately 300,000 rupees, attracts attention not only because of its foldable design. Particular attention is drawn to an Indian specialist named Piyush Pratik, whose team participated in the development of this device.
Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone on September 9, 2026, named iPhone Duo. When opened, the device displays a large 7.6-inch screen, while in its closed state, it uses an external panel measuring 5.4 inches. The initial price in India is set at ₹2,99,900, and sales will begin on October 23.
Who is Piyush Pratik?
Amidst discussions about this phone, the Indian professional Piyush Pratik is frequently mentioned. His current LinkedIn profile lists him as the Product Manager for the iPhone Duo. In a recent post, he noted that leading this product is a great honor and responsibility for him. He also emphasized the contribution of numerous Apple teams to the realization of this project.
It is important to understand that the iPhone Duo is not the result of one person's work. Creating such a product for Apple involves the work of numerous teams involved in hardware, software, design, engineering, camera, operations, and marketing. Therefore, calling Piyush the sole Indian creator of the iPhone Duo would be incorrect; however, his current role and personal statements confirm that he is part of the leading team for this product.
A Path That Began at IIT Delhi
Piyush Pratik's story differs from the typical career path of an engineer who succeeds at Apple. He earned dual Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology from IIT Delhi. According to available profiles and media reports, he graduated from IIT Delhi in 2011, receiving a gold medal.
Interestingly, after graduating from the engineering faculty, Piyush did not go directly to Apple. He started his career at Bain & Company as a junior consultant. Then, in 2013, he joined InMobi, where he worked in product marketing and later took on the role of director. Another significant turn in his career occurred in 2017 when he began studying at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Reports indicate that he received the Reliance Dhirubhai scholarship, which fully supported his studies at Stanford. After completing his MBA in 2019, Piyush joined Apple.
The iPhone Duo is not the only product Piyush has been involved in. His work at Apple did not start with the iPhone 16. After joining the company, he worked on the iPhone product management team and was involved in projects related to the iPhone 13 lineup and the second generation of iPhone SE. In 2024, his name was widely featured in the media during the iPhone 16 presentation when he provided information about the new camera controller. Even then, he was a focus of attention in India.
This element was not just an ordinary camera button. Apple designed it using touch and pressure sensors, allowing for faster camera opening, taking photos, and controlling camera settings like zoom by swiping a finger. Later, this camera controller was augmented with Visual Intelligence-like features.
Piyush explained the concept of this new Apple feature. According to him, the goal was not just to add another button to the iPhone but to make the entire camera usage process faster and more convenient. The Apple team developed the camera controller so that it could be used whether the phone was held in portrait or landscape mode.
Now the Story Reaches iPhone Duo
In 2026, Piyush's role became even more discussed. Apple introduced a foldable design into the iPhone for the first time, naming it iPhone Duo. In his LinkedIn post, Piyush called this launch one of the most significant changes since the original iPhone and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this product. He specifically highlighted the efforts of various Apple teams and the attention to detail that contributed to the success of this product.