CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup with a new foldable model, the iPhone Duo. The company revealed the device on Sept. 9, with preorders scheduled to open on Oct. 16. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, while in the UAE, the starting price is AED 8,499. The product will go on sale beginning Oct. 23 across more than 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The new iPhone Duo features an external 5.4-inch screen for everyday use when the device remains folded. When opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, optimized for larger applications and multitasking. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On capabilities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The device’s enclosure is made from Grade 5 titanium, with the hinge assembled from over 100 individual components. Additionally, the phone is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.
The role of software is crucial in managing how the foldable iPhone utilizes its expanded screen space. Apple designed iOS 27.1 to accommodate both open and closed modes seamlessly. Split View allows users to position two apps side-by-side on the inner display. It is also possible to run two windows of the same app and save preferred app setups for quick access. The larger screen supports two Home Screen pages, while Touch ID remains embedded in the side button.
Enhanced multitasking options enabled by the larger display
The camera array includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera along with a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor provides an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. Duo Preview allows users to see a live image on the outside display while someone else takes the shot. The outer screen can also serve as a viewfinder for selfies captured with the rear cameras. Video recording capabilities include 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, with Dolby Vision support.
Powered by the A20 Pro chip, constructed with 2-nanometer technology, the iPhone Duo features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber manages thermal regulation within the foldable body. The device contains batteries on each side, with Apple claiming up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer screen.
October release introduces Apple into the foldable smartphone segment
Storage options range from 256GB up to 2TB, with choices including 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky finishes. The initial retail release begins on Oct. 23, following a preordering phase that starts a week earlier. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on Oct. 30. The phone supports an eSIM-only design globally, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
With this launch, Apple enters the foldable smartphone market, which already features offerings from several major brands. Its design combines a standard outer screen with a larger internal workspace suitable for apps, photos, and videos. The hardware integrates Apple’s proprietary chips, operating system, and camera technology, while maintaining core iPhone features like biometric authentication and its existing software ecosystem. Customers can expect the first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.