CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple announced the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking its debut in foldable smartphone technology. Priced from $1,999 in the U.S., the device features a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds, while its closed form reveals a 5.4-inch outer screen for typical phone functions. Preorders will open on Oct. 16, with retail stores starting sales on Oct. 23. This launch introduces a new form factor for Apple alongside its traditional iPhone lineup.
Both sides of the iPhone Duo are equipped with Super Retina XDR displays, supporting ProMotion and Always-On features. Apple states the peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits on each screen. The inner display boasts a nano-texture finish designed to reduce glare and lessen the visibility of the fold crease, according to Apple. The device’s enclosure is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, and its precision hinge comprises over 100 components. Additionally, the iPhone Duo is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, as confirmed by Apple.
The device runs on iOS 27.1, optimized for both its open and closed states. Apple introduces Split View, enabling users to operate two apps side by side, a first for the iPhone. It is also possible to open two windows of the same app and save pairs of apps for quick access later. The inner display supports displaying two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button and functions whether the phone is open or folded.
Foldable design paired with a revamped iOS interface
Photography capabilities include a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. Duo Preview displays a live camera feed on the outer screen while capturing photos. Users can also take selfies with the rear cameras and view themselves on that outer display. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
Under the hood, Apple equips the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro chip, manufactured using 2-nanometer process technology. The processor features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. It is cooled with a vapor chamber, and the device includes a battery on each side. Apple estimates that video playback can last up to 31 hours on the inner screen, 44 hours on the outer display, and mixed usage can reach 24 hours.
Pricing details and planned release timeline
Available in star white and night sky, the iPhone Duo comes in four storage configurations: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. In the U.S.), prices start at $1,999, with the device costing AED 8,499 in the UAE. Customers across more than 70 countries and regions can begin preordering on Oct. 16. Apple intends to make the phone available initially on Oct. 23, followed by another rollout in 28 additional countries and regions on Oct. 30.
The iPhone Duo introduces Apple to the foldable smartphone market, already inhabited by several leading brands. Its book-style design combines a traditional outer display with a larger internal workspace, integrating Apple’s processors, camera system, software, and services into this new form. It also features an eSIM-only setup globally, along with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Oct. 23 launch will see Apple’s first foldable iPhone reach customers approximately six weeks after its initial announcement.
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