CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking its debut in the foldable smartphone market. Starting at $1,999 in the U.S., this device features a 7.6-inch internal display that unfolds, while a 5.4-inch outer screen handles regular phone functions when closed. Preorders open on Oct. 16, with retail availability beginning Oct. 23. This release introduces a new iPhone design alongside Apple’s traditional lineup of smartphones.
Both sides of the iPhone Duo are equipped with Super Retina XDR displays, supporting ProMotion and Always-On features. Apple states that peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits on each screen. An inner panel with a nano-texture finish minimizes glare and reduces the visibility of the fold crease, according to Apple. The enclosure is made from Grade 5 titanium, and the precision hinge comprises over 100 components. Additionally, Apple grants the iPhone Duo an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
iOS 27.1 has been optimized by Apple to operate seamlessly in both open and closed modes. The new Split View feature allows users to run two applications side by side, a first for the iPhone. It also supports opening two windows of the same app and saving app pairs for quick access later. The inner display can show two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is embedded in the side button and functions whether the device is folded or open.
Foldable design combined with a revamped iOS interface
The camera system includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide lens. The main camera additionally offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto feature. Duo Preview displays a live view from the camera on the outer screen while a photo is taken. Selfies can be captured with the rear cameras and previewed on the outer display. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
Powering the iPhone Duo is Apple’s A20 Pro chip, manufactured with 2-nanometer process technology. This processor includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber and batteries on each side of the device support the system. Apple estimates 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen, while the outer display can support up to 44 hours. Mixed-use with both screens can last up to 24 hours.
Pricing details and release schedule for October
The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky colors, with four storage configurations: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. In the U.S. the starting price is $1,999, and in the UAE, the device begins at AED 8,499. Customers across more than 70 countries and regions can begin preordering on Oct. 16. Apple aims for initial availability on Oct. 23, with another 28 countries and regions receiving the device on Oct. 30.
The introduction of the iPhone Duo marks Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone segment, which is already populated by several major manufacturers. Its book-like design combines a traditional outer screen with a larger internal workspace, integrated with Apple’s processors, camera system, software, and services. The device employs an eSIM-only model worldwide and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Oct. 23 launch means customers will have access to Apple’s first foldable iPhone roughly six weeks after its initial announcement.