CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, marking the company’s debut into foldable smartphones, with U.S. prices starting at $1,999. The device was revealed on Sept. 9 at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, where CEO John Ternus introduced it as part of the latest hardware lineup. Preorders will begin on Oct. 16 across more than 70 countries and regions, and the first units are expected to be available to customers and stores starting Oct. 23.
Designed in a book-style form factor, the iPhone Duo features two Super Retina XDR displays, with a 5.4-inch screen for typical phone functions when folded shut. Opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch interior display suited for video playback, applications, gaming, and multitasking. The enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge consists of over 100 parts. Additionally, the phone carries an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.
Apple has tailored its mobile software to optimize the larger foldable screen, shipping the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, which includes features specifically designed for the new format. Users will be able to run two apps side by side and save preferred app pairings. When unfolded, the device can display two Home Screen pages simultaneously. Biometric authentication is available via Touch ID integrated into the side button, providing security in both folded and open states.
Foldable Screen Boosts Multitasking and Camera Features
The rear camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera, with the main offering an optical-quality 2x telephoto option and support for zero shutter lag. The external screen allows users to preview selfies taken with the rear cameras before capturing, and Duo Preview enables subjects to see the frame while another person controls the camera. The main camera can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision.
Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro processor and featuring a dual-battery system, the foldable iPhone incorporates a custom vapor chamber for heat management during intensive tasks. Apple rates the device’s video playback time at up to 31 hours when using the inner display and up to 44 hours with the outer screen. It also supports fast wired and wireless charging, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity options.
Pricing and Launch in Over 70 Countries
Available in storage variants of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, the iPhone Duo comes in star white and night sky finishes. The starting price is $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Preorders open one week before availability on Oct. 23, with initial shipments arriving shortly thereafter. On Oct. 30, Apple will expand sales to an additional 28 countries and regions. The device is also the first iPhone to adopt an eSIM-only design worldwide.
Bringing Apple into a well-established foldable smartphone segment, the iPhone Duo features a unique hardware and software approach. Its design combines a compact external screen with the largest display ever included on an iPhone, integrating Apple’s processors, cameras, connectivity, and mobile operating system into a foldable format. Customers will receive their first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement, with the October launch marking the commercial debut of Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone.