CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its inaugural foldable iPhone. The device starts at U.S. prices of $1,999. The company revealed the phone on Sept. 9 at its Cupertino headquarters. Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the new model as part of the company’s latest hardware lineup. Preorders will be available starting Oct. 16 in more than 70 countries and regions. The first units are expected to arrive at customers and stores on Oct. 23.
The iPhone Duo features a book-style form factor with two Super Retina XDR displays. When the device remains closed, a 5.4-inch screen handles standard phone functions. Opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch inner screen designed for video, applications, gaming, and multitasking. The enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge assembly contains over 100 components. The device also holds an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.
Apple has customized its mobile software to optimize the experience on the larger foldable display. The iPhone Duo will come with iOS 27.1, which includes features tailored for the new screen format. Users can run two apps side-by-side and save frequently used app combinations. When open, the phone can display two Home Screen pages simultaneously. Touch ID is embedded in the side button, providing biometric authentication regardless of the device’s configuration.
Foldable Screen Boosts Multitasking and Camera Capabilities on iPhone
The rear camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto option and supports zero shutter lag. Users can preview selfies taken with the rear camera on the external display before snapping a photo. Duo Preview allows subjects to see the framing while another person controls the camera. The main camera can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision.
Powering the foldable iPhone is Apple’s A20 Pro processor along with a dual-battery system. A custom vapor chamber helps to regulate heat during intensive tasks. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback when using the inner display, increasing to 44 hours with the outer screen. The device supports fast wired and wireless charging, as well as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Pricing and Availability in Over 70 Countries Begin in October
The iPhone Duo is available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can select between star white and night sky finishes. The device starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Preorders open one week prior to initial release, which begins on Oct. 23. Apple will expand sales to an additional 28 countries and regions on Oct. 30. The company has also adopted an eSIM-only approach for this model worldwide.
With the introduction of the iPhone Duo, Apple enters the foldable smartphone segment with a unique hardware and software design. Its form combines a compact external screen with the largest display Apple has integrated into an iPhone. The device merges Apple’s processors, cameras, connectivity features, and mobile operating system into a foldable format. Customers will receive the first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement. The October release signifies the commercial debut of Apple’s first foldable iPhone.