CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, in October. The company revealed the device on Sept. 9 with an initial U.S. starting price of $1,999. Customers can place preorders starting Oct. 16, with the phone expected to be available from Oct. 23. The initial rollout will encompass more than 70 countries and regions, including the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus introduced this new model as part of the company’s expansion of the iPhone family into foldable technology.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display when fully opened, marking the largest screen Apple has ever included on an iPhone. While the device remains closed, a 5.4-inch outer display manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both displays support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and achieve a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The body is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, complemented by a precision hinge for seamless folding. A nano-texture finish on the inner display reduces glare, reflections, and minimizes the visibility of the crease.
This expanded display size influences how iPhone software operates across various apps and daily tasks. The device will ship with iOS 27.1, featuring enhancements tailored for the foldable screen. Users can utilize Split View to position two apps side by side on the inner display, with options to save pairs and open two windows of the same app. When unfolded, the display supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and functions in both the open and closed states.
Dual screens enhance software capabilities and camera functions
The iPhone Duo is equipped with two 48-megapixel rear cameras that support main and ultra-wide photography. Additionally, the main camera provides an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. The outer display can be used as a preview screen when capturing photos with the rear cameras. Duo Preview allows another person to see the framing while the photographer controls the shot. The device can record 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second. A FaceTime camera, hidden beneath the inner display, remains out of sight when not in use.
The A20 Pro processor powers the foldable iPhone, featuring a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. Manufactured using 2-nanometer technology, it is paired with a custom vapor chamber for thermal management. The device contains one battery on each side to optimize internal space usage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread via the N1 networking chip. It also supports Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM.
Global launch details, pricing, and availability for the iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo will be available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can choose between star white or night sky finishes. The starting price for the 256GB model is $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Preorders for the initial markets will open on Oct. 16. Retail sales begin on Oct. 23, with an additional 28 countries and regions joining the rollout on Oct. 30. The device will come preloaded with iOS 27.1.
By introducing a new hardware format, the iPhone Duo expands Apple’s smartphone lineup while maintaining familiar software and services. Its foldable design combines a compact outer screen with a larger workspace when opened. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI function seamlessly across the device, alongside existing mobile applications. Later in 2026, Apple Pencil with USB-C support will arrive, enabling writing, sketching, and document markup. The October launch will be the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.