CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is gearing up for an October launch of the iPhone Duo, its inaugural foldable model. The company announced the device on Sept. 9 with a starting U.S. price of $1,999. Preorders are set to open on Oct. 16, with the phone expected to be available starting Oct. 23. The initial rollout will reach more than 70 countries and regions, including the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the new device as part of the company’s expansion of the iPhone lineup into foldable technology.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it the largest screen Apple has ever offered 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’s nano-texture finish minimizes glare, reflections, and the appearance of the fold crease.
The expanded display size also influences how iPhone software functions across applications and daily tasks. Shipping with iOS 27.1, the Duo introduces features tailored for its foldable form factor. Split View enables two apps to run side by side on the inner screen, with users able to save paired app configurations and open two windows from supported applications. When unfolded, the display accommodates two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and functions whether the phone is open or closed.
Dual screens enhance software and camera capabilities
Equipped with two 48-megapixel rear cameras, the iPhone Duo supports both main and ultra-wide photography, with the main camera offering a 2x optical zoom. The outer display can be used as a preview screen for capturing photos with the rear cameras, and Duo Preview allows another person to view the shot while the photographer controls it. The device can record 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second. A FaceTime camera is located beneath the inner display and remains hidden when not in use.
The new foldable iPhone is powered by the A20 Pro chip, featuring a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. Manufactured with 2-nanometer technology, the processor is paired with a custom vapor chamber for efficient performance. The device utilizes one battery on each side to maximize internal space. It also incorporates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support via its N1 networking chip, and it is compatible with Apple’s latest cellular modem tech and eSIM connectivity.
Pricing and release schedule for global debut of iPhone Duo
Apple will offer the iPhone Duo with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, available in star white or night sky finishes. The 256GB model starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Customers in the initial markets can preorder from Oct. 16, with retail sales beginning on Oct. 23. An additional 28 countries and regions will join the rollout on Oct. 30. The device will come preloaded with iOS 27.1.
Adding a new hardware format to Apple’s smartphone lineup, the iPhone Duo retains familiar iPhone software and services. Its foldable design offers a compact outer screen with a larger workspace when opened. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI functions are integrated across the device, alongside existing mobile applications. Later in 2026, Apple Pencil with USB-C support will arrive for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October launch marks the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.