CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple revealed the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, unveiling its inaugural foldable smartphone. Starting at $1,999 in the U.S., this device features an inner display that measures 7.6 inches when unfolded. When folded, it utilizes a 5.4-inch outer screen to handle everyday phone functionalities. Preorders will open on Oct. 16, with in-store sales beginning on Oct. 23. This release introduces a new foldable form factor to Apple’s lineup, complementing its traditional smartphone designs.
The iPhone Duo boasts Super Retina XDR screens on both sides, equipped with ProMotion technology and an Always-On display feature. Apple states that both screens can reach a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The device’s inner display is coated with a nano-texture finish, which helps minimize glare and makes the fold crease less noticeable, according to Apple. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the enclosure is paired with a precision-engineered hinge comprising over 100 components. Additionally, Apple has rated the iPhone Duo IP68 for water and dust resistance.
iOS 27.1 has been optimized to function seamlessly across both the open and closed states of the device. One of the key features is Split View, enabling users to run two applications side by side—a first for iPhones. Users can also open two instances of the same app and save specific app pairs for quick access later. The inner display supports displaying two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrollable Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button and remains operational regardless of whether the device is open or folded.
Foldable Hardware Integrates with a Reimagined iOS Experience
Photography options include a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera alongside a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera also offers a 2x optical zoom with professional-quality results. The Duo Preview feature shows a live camera feed on the outer display, allowing users to preview shots while someone else takes a photo. Selfies can be captured using the rear cameras while viewing oneself on the outer screen. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision, providing high-quality footage.
Powering the iPhone Duo is Apple’s A20 Pro chip built with 2-nanometer process technology. The processor includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. It is complemented by a vapor chamber and batteries located on both sides of the device. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner screen, with the outer display supporting up to 44 hours. For mixed usage of both screens, battery life is rated at up to 24 hours.
Pricing and Release Schedule Confirmed for October Launch
The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky finishes, with four storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. In the U.S.), prices start at $1,999, while in the UAE, it begins at AED 8,499. Customers across more than 70 countries and regions can place preorders starting Oct. 16. Apple’s initial launch is scheduled for Oct. 23, with a broader rollout covering 28 additional countries and regions on Oct. 30.
The iPhone Duo introduces Apple to the foldable smartphone sector, already populated by several leading manufacturers. Its book-style design marries a conventional outer screen with a larger interior workspace, integrating Apple’s proprietary processors, camera system, software, and services. The device is exclusively eSIM-based worldwide and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The October 23 release means consumers will receive Apple’s first foldable iPhone about six weeks after its initial announcement.