CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is set to release the iPhone Duo in October, marking its first foldable smartphone. The company introduced the device on Sept. 9, with a starting U.S. price of $1,999. Preorders are scheduled to open on Oct. 16, with the official release happening on Oct. 23. An initial rollout will include over 70 countries and regions, such as the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus presented the new model as part of the company’s expansion of the iPhone lineup into foldable formats.
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 manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and reach a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The device’s body is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, complemented by a precision hinge for smooth folding. The inner display benefits from a nano-texture finish that minimizes glare, reflections, and the visibility of the fold crease.
This larger display also influences how iPhone software functions across applications and everyday activities. The device will ship with iOS 27.1 and features optimized for the foldable display. Users can utilize Split View to position two apps side by side on the inner screen. Additionally, the operating system allows saving app pairs and opening two windows from the same app. When unfolded, the display supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains located on the side button and works whether the device is open or closed.
Enhanced Software and Camera Capabilities via Dual Screens
The iPhone Duo is equipped with two 48-megapixel rear cameras, covering main and ultra-wide photography. The main camera also includes an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. Users can turn the outer display into a preview window while capturing photos with the rear cameras. Duo Preview allows another person to view the frame while the photographer controls the shot. The device supports recording 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second. Beneath the inner display, a hidden FaceTime camera is positioned for video calls when needed.
Under the hood, the foldable iPhone runs on the A20 Pro chip, which features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. Apple manufactures this processor using 2-nanometer technology and integrates a custom vapor chamber. The device is powered by a battery on each side to optimize internal space. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, facilitated by Apple’s N1 networking chip. The phone supports the latest cellular modem standards and eSIM connectivity.
Global Launch Details and Pricing for the iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo will be available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with color choices including star white and night sky finishes. The 256GB model begins at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Customers in the initial markets can preorder from Oct. 16. Retail sales will commence on Oct. 23, and another 28 countries and regions will join the rollout on Oct. 30. The device will arrive pre-installed with iOS 27.1.
This foldable iPhone introduces a new hardware format to Apple’s smartphone lineup, maintaining the familiar iOS experience and services. Its dual-screen design offers a compact outer display with a larger workspace when unfolded. Apple’s AI features, including Siri, operate across the entire device along with existing mobile applications. Support for the upcoming Apple Pencil with USB-C is expected in late 2026 for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October release will be the first opportunity for consumers to purchase an iPhone with foldable technology directly from Apple.