CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking the company’s debut into foldable smartphones. The device starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and features a 7.6-inch interior display that unfolds. When closed, it displays a 5.4-inch outer screen for everyday tasks. Preorders will begin on Oct. 16, with retail stores opening on Oct. 23. This launch introduces a new form factor for the iPhone alongside its traditional lineup of smartphones.
Both sides of the iPhone Duo utilize Super Retina XDR displays, supporting ProMotion and Always-On features. Apple states that peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits for each screen. The inner display is coated with a nano-texture finish, which reduces glare and makes the fold crease less visible, according to Apple. The device’s enclosure is made from Grade 5 titanium, and the precision hinge incorporates more than 100 components. Additionally, Apple grants the iPhone Duo an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
iOS 27.1 has been optimized to function seamlessly whether the device is open or closed. The new Split View feature allows users to operate two apps side by side, a first for the iPhone. Users can also open two instances of the same app and save app pairs for future use. The inner screen supports two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button and works regardless of whether the device is folded or unfolded.
Foldable Hardware Meets a Redesigned iOS Experience
The camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera also offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. With Duo Preview, users can see a live view from the camera on the outer screen while capturing photos. They can also take selfies with the rear cameras while viewing themselves on the outer display. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
Apple equips the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. The chip comprises a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. It is paired with a vapor chamber and a battery on each side of the device. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen, 44 hours on the outer display, and up to 24 hours of mixed usage with both screens active.
Pricing and Release Schedule Set for October Launch in Multiple Markets
The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky, with four storage capacities. Customers can select from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB options. U.S. prices start at $1,999, and the device will cost AED 8,499 in the UAE. Preorders will open in over 70 countries and regions beginning Oct. 16. The initial release will happen on Oct. 23, with another 28 countries and regions receiving the device on Oct. 30.
The introduction of the iPhone Duo places Apple into the foldable smartphone market, alongside several other major manufacturers. Its book-style design combines a traditional outer screen with a larger internal workspace. Apple has integrated this format with its proprietary processors, camera systems, software, and services. The device is designed exclusively with an eSIM and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Oct. 23 launch will deliver Apple’s first foldable iPhone to consumers roughly six weeks after its initial announcement.