CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup by introducing a foldable model called the iPhone Duo. The company unveiled this device on Sept. 9, with preorders scheduled to start on Oct. 16. In the U.S., the starting price is set at $1,999, while in the UAE, it begins at AED 8,499. The product will be available for purchase starting Oct. 23 in over 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone, featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external screen that serves as the primary display for daily use when the device remains folded, while opening it reveals a larger 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, optimized for multitasking and larger applications. Both displays are equipped with ProMotion and Always-On capabilities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. Apple constructed the device’s enclosure using Grade 5 titanium and developed the hinge from over 100 components. Additionally, it holds an IP68 rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water.
The design and usability of the foldable iPhone are heavily influenced by its software, with Apple creating iOS 27.1 to seamlessly support both open and closed modes. Split View allows users to position two apps side by side on the internal display, and they can also operate two windows from the same app, saving these configurations for future use. The expanded screen permits two Home Screen pages, and Touch ID remains integrated into the side button for biometric authentication.
Enhanced multitasking features enabled by the larger display
The device’s camera system includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera, with the main sensor supporting a 2x optical telephoto zoom. The Duo Preview feature allows users to see a live image of the subject on the outer display while someone else takes the shot, and the outer screen can also act as a viewfinder for selfies captured with the rear cameras. Video recording capabilities include 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, with Dolby Vision support.
Powering the iPhone Duo is Apple’s A20 Pro chip, manufactured with advanced 2-nanometer technology, which features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber ensures proper thermal management within the foldable body, and each side of the device contains a separate battery. The company estimates up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and as much as 44 hours on the outer screen.
October launch introduces Apple to the foldable smartphone market
Available storage options start at 256GB and extend up to 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be offered in star white and night sky finishes. The initial retail launch occurs on Oct. 23 after preorders commence a week earlier; subsequently, an additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on Oct. 30. The foldable phone features an eSIM-only design globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
By launching the iPhone Duo, Apple enters a competitive foldable smartphone arena that already includes offerings from several leading manufacturers, combining a conventional outer screen with a larger internal workspace suitable for apps, photos, and videos. The hardware integrates Apple’s proprietary chips, operating system, and camera features, while maintaining core iPhone functionalities such as biometric authentication and the existing software ecosystem. Customers can expect to receive their first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.