CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple revealed the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, representing the company’s debut in foldable smartphone technology. The device starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and features a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds. When closed, a 5.4-inch outer screen handles standard phone functions. Preorders will open on Oct. 16, with retail sales commencing on Oct. 23. This launch introduces a novel iPhone form factor alongside Apple’s traditional smartphone lineup.
Both sides of the iPhone Duo are equipped with Super Retina XDR displays supporting ProMotion and Always-On features. Apple states the maximum outdoor brightness for each screen is 3,000 nits. A nano-texture coating on the interior panel minimizes glare and makes the fold crease less noticeable, according to the company. The enclosure is made from Grade 5 titanium, with a sophisticated hinge comprised of over 100 components. Additionally, the device carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
iOS 27.1 has been tailored to operate seamlessly across both open and closed states of the device. The new Split View allows users to run two applications side by side—a first for an iPhone. Users can also open two instances of the same app and save pairs for quick access later. The inner screen can display two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button, functioning regardless of whether the device is folded or unfolded.
Foldable Design Merges with an Enhanced iOS Interface
Camera capabilities include a 48-megapixel Fusion Main sensor and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide lens. The main camera also offers a 2x optical telephoto option of professional quality. Duo Preview enables a live camera feed on the outer display during photo capture, while users can take selfies with the rear cameras and see themselves on the outer screen. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
The device is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process. This processor includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. It is paired with a vapor chamber and batteries on both sides of the device. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback with the inner screen, 44 hours on the outer display, and up to 24 hours of mixed usage across both screens.
Pricing and Availability Set for October Release
Available in star white and night sky, the iPhone Duo offers four storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. U.S. pricing begins at $1,999, with the device priced at AED 8,499 in the UAE. Customers in over 70 countries and regions can begin preordering the phone from Oct. 16. Apple has scheduled the initial launch for Oct. 23, with a subsequent rollout to another 28 countries and regions on Oct. 30.
The introduction of the iPhone Duo positions Apple in the foldable smartphone market, which is already populated by several major manufacturers. Its book-style format combines a traditional outer screen with a larger internal workspace, integrating Apple’s proprietary processors, camera system, and software ecosystem. The device supports an eSIM-only design globally and is compatible with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Oct. 23 release will bring Apple’s first foldable iPhone into consumers’ hands roughly six weeks after its initial announcement.