CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is gearing up for an October release of the iPhone Duo, which will be its inaugural foldable iPhone model. The company announced this device on Sept. 9 with an initial U.S. starting price of $1,999. Customers can pre-order starting Oct. 16, with the official release scheduled for Oct. 23. The rollout will initially include more than 70 countries and regions, among them the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus presented the new device as the company expanded its iPhone lineup to incorporate a foldable format.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, marking the largest screen Apple has ever included on an iPhone. While the device remains closed, a 5.4-inch outer display manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion technology, Always-On display features, and can reach a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The device’s body is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, complemented by a precision hinge that enables folding. Additionally, a nano-texture finish on the inner display minimizes glare, reflections, and the visibility of the crease, enhancing user experience.
The expanded screen real estate also significantly influences how iPhone software operates across various apps and daily tasks. Apple will ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, which incorporates features optimized for the foldable display. For example, Split View allows users to place two applications side by side on the inner screen, with options to save app pairs and open two windows of the same app when supported. When unfolded, the display accommodates two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and functions seamlessly whether the device is open or closed.
Dual screens expand software capabilities and camera functionalities
The iPhone Duo is equipped with two 48-megapixel rear cameras that cover both main and ultra-wide photography, with the main camera also offering an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. During photography, users can utilize the outer screen as a preview display, allowing them to see the frame while capturing images with the rear cameras. Duo Preview enables another person to view the shot in real-time, while the photographer maintains control. The device supports recording 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 120 frames per second. Beneath the inner display, a concealed FaceTime camera remains hidden when not in use.
Processing power is provided by the A20 Pro chip, which includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. Built using 2-nanometer technology, Apple pairs this processor with a custom vapor chamber for optimal thermal management. The phone is powered by one battery on each side, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread through the N1 networking chip, along with support for Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM connectivity.
Global release details and pricing for the iPhone Duo announced
Apple will offer the iPhone Duo with multiple storage options—256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB—and customers will have a choice of star white or night sky finishes. The 256GB model begins at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. The initial preorders will be available from Oct. 16 in select markets, with retail sales starting on Oct. 23. A further 28 countries and regions will join the rollout on Oct. 30. The device will arrive preloaded with iOS 27.1.
With its innovative foldable hardware format, the iPhone Duo introduces a new dimension to Apple’s smartphone lineup while maintaining the familiar iPhone software and services. Its design merges a compact outer screen with a larger workspace when unfolded, while Apple’s Intelligence and Siri AI functions operate seamlessly across the device alongside existing mobile applications. Later in 2026, Apple plans to release the Apple Pencil with USB-C support for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October launch marks the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.