CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has introduced a foldable model to its iPhone range with the unveiling of the iPhone Duo. The company announced the device on Sept. 9, with preorders opening on Oct. 16. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, while the UAE’s base price is AED 8,499. The device will be available in more than 70 countries and regions starting Oct. 23. This marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external screen for everyday use when closed, and a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display for multitasking and larger apps when opened. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. Its enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge comprises over 100 components. The phone also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Software is crucial to maximizing the foldable form factor. Apple’s iOS 27.1 is tailored for both open and closed modes, offering Split View to run two apps side-by-side on the internal display. Users can also operate two windows of the same app and save configurations for quick access. The expanded screen allows for two Home Screen pages, with Touch ID integrated into the side button.
New multitasking capabilities with larger display
The camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor features an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. Duo Preview enables users to see a live image on the external display while someone else takes the shot. The outer screen can also serve as a viewfinder for selfies using the rear cameras. Video recording supports 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision.
Powered by the A20 Pro chip, built on 2-nanometer technology, the foldable device includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber aids thermal regulation, and each side of the phone contains a battery. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and 44 hours on the outer screen.
October debut introduces Apple to foldable smartphone market
Available storage options range from 256GB to 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be sold in star white and night sky colors. Preorders start one week before the official launch, with the first units arriving around six weeks after the September announcement. The rollout will include 28 additional countries and regions on Oct. 30. The device supports an eSIM-only design globally, with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
This release positions Apple within the foldable smartphone arena, competing with models from several leading brands. The design combines a standard outer screen with a larger internal workspace for apps, photos, and videos. Hardware, software, and camera features are all integrated with Apple’s proprietary chips and ecosystem. The company also maintained familiar features like biometric authentication. Customers can expect their first units roughly six weeks following the September announcement.