CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market with its inaugural device. Priced at $1,999 in the U.S., this new model features a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds, while its closed form reveals a 5.4-inch outer screen suitable for typical phone tasks. Preorders are scheduled to begin on Oct. 16, with the device hitting stores starting Oct. 23. This launch introduces a new form factor to Apple’s traditional smartphone lineup, complementing its existing models.
Equipped with Super Retina XDR displays on both sides, the iPhone Duo supports ProMotion and Always-On functionalities. Apple claims both screens can reach a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The inner panel features a nano-texture finish that diminishes glare and makes the fold crease less noticeable, according to Apple. The device’s enclosure is made from Grade 5 titanium, and the sophisticated hinge assembly comprises over 100 parts. Additionally, the iPhone Duo is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, as confirmed by Apple.
The device runs on iOS 27.1, optimized for both its open and closed states. One notable feature is Split View, enabling 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 quick access later. The inner screen supports displaying two Home Screen pages along with a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button and functions whether the device is folded or open.
Foldable Hardware Meets a Redesigned iOS Experience
Photography capabilities include 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. The Duo Preview feature shows a live camera feed on the outer display while capturing a photo, and users can take selfies with the rear cameras while viewing themselves on that outer screen. The main camera supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision.
Under the hood, Apple powers the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro chip, fabricated using a 2-nanometer process. The processor features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. Apple combines this with a vapor chamber and a battery on each side of the device. The company estimates up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner screen, which extends to 44 hours on the outer display. In mixed usage scenarios, the battery life can reach up to 24 hours.
Pricing and Release Timeline Set for October Launch
Available in star white and night sky, the iPhone Duo offers four storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Pricing in the U.S. begins at $1,999, and in the UAE, it starts at AED 8,499. Customers across more than 70 countries and regions will be able to pre-order starting Oct. 16, with initial availability on Oct. 23. A subsequent rollout will occur in 28 additional countries and regions on Oct. 30.
This foldable device positions Apple within a segment already occupied by several major smartphone manufacturers. Its book-style design merges a traditional outer screen with an expanded internal workspace. Apple has integrated its own processors, camera systems, software, and services into this format. The device uses an eSIM-only configuration globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The October 23 release will bring Apple’s first foldable iPhone into consumers’ hands approximately six weeks after its official reveal.