CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is planning an October debut for the iPhone Duo, marking its first entry into foldable smartphones. The company introduced the device on Sept. 9, with an initial U.S. starting price of $1,999. Customers will be able to preorder beginning Oct. 16, with the product scheduled to be available from Oct. 23. The initial rollout includes over 70 countries and regions, among them the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus unveiled the new model as the company expanded the iPhone family into a foldable format.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it the largest screen Apple has ever included on an iPhone. When closed, a 5.4-inch outer display handles calls, messages, applications, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The device’s construction includes Grade 5 titanium for the body and a precision hinge for smooth folding. A nano-texture finish on the inner display reduces glare, reflections, and the visibility of the crease.
This larger display also influences how iPhone software operates across various apps and daily tasks. Apple will ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, tailored for the foldable screen. Split View allows two apps to run side by side on the inner display. Users can save app pairs and open two windows of the same supported app. When unfolded, the display supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and functions whether the device is open or closed.
Dual screens expand software capabilities and camera options
The iPhone Duo comes equipped with two 48-megapixel rear cameras, covering main and ultra-wide photography. The main camera also features an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. Users can utilize the outer screen as a preview while capturing photos with the rear cameras. Duo Preview allows another person to see the frame while the photographer controls the shot. The device supports recording 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second. The FaceTime camera is positioned beneath the inner display and remains hidden when not in use.
Powering the device is the A20 Pro chip, which includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. Apple manufactures this processor using 2-nanometer technology and pairs it with a custom vapor chamber. To optimize internal space, the phone employs one battery on each side. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread via the N1 networking chip. The device also supports Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM functionality.
Global launch plans include various storage options and pricing details
The iPhone Duo will be available with storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Buyers can choose between star white and night sky finishes. The 256GB model starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Preorders will be accepted from Oct. 16 in the initial markets, with retail availability beginning on Oct. 23. An additional 28 countries and regions will join the rollout on Oct. 30. The device will arrive preloaded with iOS 27.1.
Adding a foldable hardware format to Apple’s smartphone lineup, the iPhone Duo maintains the familiar iPhone software and services. Its foldable design offers a compact outer screen combined with a larger workspace when opened. Apple’s AI and Siri will function across the entire device, alongside the company’s existing mobile apps. Later in 2026, support for the Apple Pencil with USB-C will be introduced for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October launch will be the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.