CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is planning an October launch for the iPhone Duo, marking its debut foldable iPhone. The company revealed the device on Sept. 9, with an initial U.S. price of $1,999. Preorders will start on Oct. 16, and the phone will be available from Oct. 23. The rollout will include over 70 countries and regions initially, such as the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus presented 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 integrated into an iPhone. While closed, a 5.4-inch outer display manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The device’s body is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, with a precision hinge facilitating the fold. A nano-texture finish on the inner display reduces glare, reflections, and the visibility of the fold line.
This larger screen also influences how iPhone software functions across various apps and daily activities. Apple will ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, including features tailored for the foldable display. Split View allows two apps to run side by side on the inner screen. Users can save app pairs and launch two windows from the same compatible application. When unfolded, the display supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and is operational whether the device is open or closed.
Dual Screens Enhance Software and Camera Capabilities
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. When capturing photos, users can utilize the outer screen as a preview display, while Duo Preview allows another person to see the framing while the photographer controls the shot. The device can record 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second. A FaceTime camera is hidden beneath the inner display and remains inactive when not in use.
The new foldable iPhone is powered by the A20 Pro chip, which features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. Built on 2-nanometer technology, Apple pairs this processor with a custom vapor chamber for thermal management. The device incorporates two batteries—one on each side—to maximize internal space. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread through the N1 networking chip. It also supports Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM capabilities.
Global Release Dates and Pricing Details for the iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo will be available in storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can choose between star white and night sky finishes. The 256GB model starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. Those in the initial markets can preorder the device starting Oct. 16. Official retail sales begin on Oct. 23, with an additional 28 countries and regions joining the rollout on Oct. 30. The phone will come preloaded with iOS 27.1.
Adding a novel hardware format to Apple’s smartphone lineup, the iPhone Duo maintains the familiar iPhone software and services. Its foldable design combines a compact outer display with a larger workspace when unfolded. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are integrated across the device, alongside existing mobile apps. Additionally, Apple Pencil with USB-C support is expected to arrive later in 2026 for writing, sketching, and document editing. The October launch will be the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.