CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup by unveiling a foldable model called the iPhone Duo. The device was announced on September 9, with preorders scheduled to open on October 16. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, while in the UAE, the initial price is AED 8,499. Sales are set to commence on October 23 across more than 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring distinct outer and inner screens.
The iPhone Duo features an external 5.4-inch display suitable for daily phone tasks when the device remains closed. When opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen intended for larger applications and multitasking. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On functionality, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The device’s enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge consists of over 100 parts. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Software is crucial to how the foldable iPhone leverages its additional display area. Apple developed iOS 27.1 to operate seamlessly in both open and closed modes. The Split View feature allows users to position two apps side by side on the internal display. Additionally, users can run two windows of the same app and save combinations for quick access later. The larger screen supports two Home Screen pages, and Touch ID remains embedded in the side button.
The bigger display unlocks new multitasking possibilities for iPhone
The camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor also provides an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. Duo Preview enables users to see a live image of their subject on the outer display while someone else takes the shot. The external screen also functions as a viewfinder for selfies using the rear cameras. Video recording supports 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision compatibility.
Powering the iPhone Duo is the A20 Pro processor, manufactured with 2-nanometer chip technology. This chipset features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. A vapor chamber aids in thermal regulation within the foldable device. The phone also has a battery on each side. Apple estimates up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and as much as 44 hours on the outer screen.
October release positions Apple in the foldable smartphone sector
Storage options start at 256GB, with choices extending to 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky colors. Its initial retail launch occurs on October 23, following a pre-order phase that begins a week earlier. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on October 30. The phone features an eSIM-only design globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
By introducing the iPhone Duo, Apple enters the foldable smartphone market, which already includes products from various major manufacturers. Its design combines a standard outer screen with an expanded internal workspace for apps, photos, and videos. Apple has integrated this hardware with its proprietary chips, operating system, and camera capabilities. The company has retained familiar features such as biometric authentication and its established software ecosystem. Customers will receive the initial units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.