CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, representing the company’s inaugural foldable smartphone. Priced from $1,999 in the U.S., this device unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch internal display, while its closed form features a 5.4-inch external screen suitable for everyday use. Preorders will commence on Oct. 16, with retail stores beginning sales on Oct. 23. This launch introduces a new foldable design alongside Apple’s traditional smartphone lineup, expanding its iPhone options.
Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion and Always-On support are featured on both sides of the iPhone Duo. Apple claims the peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits for each screen. The inner display is finished with a nano-texture coating to lessen glare and make the fold crease less noticeable, according to Apple. The device’s enclosure is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, and the precision hinge consists of over 100 components. Additionally, Apple certifies the iPhone Duo with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
iOS 27.1 has been tailored to operate seamlessly in both open and closed states of the device. The Split View feature allows users to run two applications side by side, a first for iPhone devices. It is also possible to open two windows of the same app and save app pairs for later sessions. The inner screen supports displaying two Home Screen pages and a vertically scrolling Today View. Touch ID is integrated into the side button and functions regardless of whether the device is open or folded, as noted by Apple.
Foldable technology merges with an upgraded iOS interface
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 option. The Duo Preview feature displays a live view from the camera on the outer screen while someone is taking a photo. Users can 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.
Powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip utilizing 2-nanometer process technology, the device features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. The chip is cooled with a vapor chamber, and each side of the device contains a battery. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display, which increases to 44 hours on the outer screen. Mixed usage of the displays can last up to 24 hours, as stated by the company.
Pricing details and scheduled release in October
The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky colors, with four storage variants: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. U.S. prices start at $1,999, and in the UAE, the device begins at AED 8,499. Customers across more than 70 countries and regions will be able to preorder starting Oct. 16. Apple plans to launch the product initially on Oct. 23, with a subsequent release in another 28 countries and regions on Oct. 30.
By introducing the foldable iPhone, Apple enters a market segment already occupied by several leading device manufacturers. Its book-style design combines a standard external screen with a larger internal workspace, integrating Apple’s proprietary processors, camera systems, software, and services. The device features an eSIM-only setup globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Oct. 23 release will deliver Apple’s first foldable smartphone to customers approximately six weeks after its official reveal.