CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with U.S. prices starting at $1,999. The company unveiled the device on Sept. 9 at its Cupertino headquarters. Apple CEO John Ternus presented the new model as part of the company’s latest hardware lineup. Preorders will open Oct. 16 in more than 70 countries and regions. The first units will reach customers and stores on Oct. 23.
The iPhone Duo uses a book-style design with two Super Retina XDR displays. A 5.4-inch screen handles regular phone tasks when the handset remains closed. Opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch inner display for video, apps, games and multitasking. Apple built the enclosure from Grade 5 titanium and designed the hinge with more than 100 components. The phone also carries an IP68 rating for splash, water and dust resistance.
Apple has adapted its mobile software to make use of the larger folding display. The iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1, which includes features designed for the new screen format. Users can place two apps beside each other and save frequently used app combinations. The open phone can also show two Home Screen pages at the same time. Touch ID sits in the side button, giving users biometric authentication in either configuration.
Foldable display expands iPhone multitasking and camera options
The rear camera system features a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera includes an optical-quality 2x telephoto option and supports zero shutter lag. Users can preview rear-camera selfies on the external screen before taking a photo. Duo Preview also lets subjects see the frame while another person controls the camera. The main camera records 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision.
Apple powers the foldable iPhone with its A20 Pro processor and a dual-battery architecture. A custom vapor chamber helps manage heat inside the device during demanding tasks. Apple rates video playback at up to 31 hours when users rely on the inner display. Playback rises to 44 hours when they use the outer screen. The phone also supports fast wired and wireless charging, alongside Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread connectivity.
Pricing and October rollout cover more than 70 markets
Apple will sell the iPhone Duo with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB of storage. Buyers can choose between star white and night sky finishes. The handset starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Initial availability begins Oct. 23 after preorders open one week earlier. Apple will extend sales to another 28 countries and regions on Oct. 30. The company has also adopted an eSIM-only design worldwide for the model.
The iPhone Duo brings Apple into an established foldable smartphone category with its own hardware and software approach. Its design combines a compact external screen with the largest display Apple has placed on an iPhone. The handset also integrates Apple’s processors, cameras, connectivity technology and mobile operating system into the folding format. Customers will receive the first devices roughly six weeks after their September introduction. The October rollout marks the commercial debut of Apple’s first foldable iPhone.