CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, marking its debut in foldable smartphones, with U.S. prices starting at $1,999. The company revealed the device on Sept. 9 at its Cupertino headquarters, with Apple CEO John Ternus presenting it as part of the newest hardware lineup. Preorders will begin on Oct. 16 across more than 70 countries and regions, and the initial units are expected to be available in stores and shipped to customers starting Oct. 23.
Designed in a book-style format, the iPhone Duo features two Super Retina XDR displays. When the device remains closed, a 5.4-inch screen manages typical phone functions. Opening it reveals a 7.6-inch inner display, suitable for videos, apps, gaming and multitasking. The enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge incorporates over 100 components. The device also carries an IP68 rating for splash, water and dust resistance.
Apple has modified its mobile software to leverage the larger foldable screen. The iOS 27.1 operating system, shipped with the device, introduces features tailored to the new display format. Users can position two apps side by side and save preferred app combinations for quick access. The open device can display two Home Screen pages simultaneously. Additionally, Touch ID integrated into the side button allows biometric authentication regardless of the device’s configuration.
Foldable Screen Boosts Multitasking and Camera Capabilities
The rear camera array includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera alongside a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom and supports zero shutter lag. Users can preview selfies taken with the rear camera on the external display before capturing the photo. Duo Preview also enables subjects to view the frame while another person operates the camera. The main camera records 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision support.
Powering the foldable iPhone is Apple’s A20 Pro processor, complemented by a dual-battery architecture. A custom vapor chamber manages heat during intensive tasks. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback when using the inner display, increasing to 44 hours when utilizing the outer screen. The device supports fast wired and wireless charging, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Pricing and Launch in Over 70 Countries Scheduled for October
The iPhone Duo will be available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can select between star white and night sky finishes. The starting price is $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Sales will commence on Oct. 23 following a week of preorders beginning on Oct. 16. On Oct. 30, Apple plans to extend sales to an additional 28 countries and regions. The device will be exclusively eSIM-enabled worldwide, eliminating physical SIM cards.
With the iPhone Duo, Apple enters the foldable smartphone market with a unique hardware and software approach. Its design combines a compact external screen with the largest display Apple has integrated into an iPhone. The device consolidates Apple’s processors, cameras, connectivity options, and mobile OS within the foldable format. Customers will receive their first units approximately six weeks after the initial September announcement. The October launch signifies the commercial debut of Apple’s first foldable iPhone.