CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone range with the introduction of a foldable model called the iPhone Duo. The company unveiled the device on Sept. 9, with preorders set to open on Oct. 16. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, and in the UAE, the starting price is AED 8,499. Sales will commence on Oct. 23 across over 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first smartphone with a book-style design featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display for routine use when the device remains closed. When opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen optimized for larger applications and multitasking. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On functions, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. Apple uses Grade 5 titanium for the casing and has crafted the hinge from more than 100 parts. The device also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Software significantly influences how the foldable iPhone operates with its expanded screen space. Apple designed iOS 27.1 to function seamlessly in both open and closed states. Split View allows users to position two apps side by side on the internal display. They can also run two instances of the same app simultaneously and save configurations for quick access later. The larger screen supports two Home Screen pages, while Touch ID remains integrated into the side button.
Enhanced multitasking options with the larger display
The device’s camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor also provides an optical 2x telephoto setting. Duo Preview enables users to see a live image on the outer display while someone else captures the shot. The outer screen doubles as a viewfinder for selfies taken with the rear cameras. Video recording can reach 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, with Dolby Vision support.
Apple has equipped the iPhone Duo with the A20 Pro processor, built using 2-nanometer chip technology. The chip features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. Inside, a vapor chamber helps regulate thermal performance within the foldable structure. Apple also installed a battery on each side of the device. The company lists up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer screen.
October release introduces Apple to the foldable smartphone segment
Storage options start at 256GB, with configurations up to 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB available. The iPhone Duo will be sold in star white and night sky finishes. The initial retail release begins on Oct. 23, following a preorder period that kicks off a week earlier. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on Oct. 30. The phone supports an eSIM-only design globally and is compatible with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
By launching the iPhone Duo, Apple enters the foldable smartphone market, which already features models from several prominent manufacturers. Its design combines a standard outer screen with a larger internal workspace for apps, photos, and videos. Apple integrates this hardware with its proprietary chips, operating system, and camera features, while maintaining familiar iPhone functionalities, including biometric authentication and its existing software ecosystem. Customers can expect their first units roughly six weeks after the September announcement.