CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone portfolio by unveiling a foldable device called the iPhone Duo. The company revealed the device on September 9, with preorders scheduled to open on October 16. Pricing in the U.S. starts at $1,999, and in the UAE, the initial price is AED 8,499. The device will be available for purchase beginning October 23 across more than 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner screens.
Equipped with a 5.4-inch outer display for typical use when the device remains closed, the iPhone Duo transforms into a larger 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display when opened, designed for multitasking and larger applications. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On technology, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The device’s enclosure is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, and the hinge assembly comprises over 100 parts. It also has an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to water and dust.
The way the foldable iPhone utilizes its additional screen space is heavily reliant on software. Apple developed iOS 27.1 to support both closed and open modes. The Split View feature enables users to place two apps side by side on the internal display. Additionally, users can operate two windows of the same app simultaneously and save app groupings for quick access later. The extended screen supports two Home Screen pages, and Touch ID remains embedded in the side button.
New multitasking capabilities facilitated by the larger display
The device’s camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor also offers a 2x optical telephoto mode of high quality. With Duo Preview, subjects can be viewed live on the outside display while the photographer or user captures the shot. The outer screen can also serve as a viewfinder for selfies taken with the rear cameras. Video recording can reach 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, with Dolby Vision support.
Powering the iPhone Duo is the A20 Pro chip, produced using 2-nanometer process technology. It features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber helps regulate internal temperatures during operation. The device contains batteries on both sides, with Apple estimating up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer display.
October release positions Apple within the foldable smartphone arena
Storage options start at 256GB, with variants available at 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be sold in star white and night sky color schemes. Its initial retail launch begins on October 23, following the preorder window opening a week earlier. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on October 30. The handset supports an eSIM-only design globally and is compatible with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
By releasing the iPhone Duo, Apple enters a foldable smartphone segment that already features offerings from various leading manufacturers. Its design combines a traditional exterior screen with a larger internal workspace suitable for applications, photos, and videos. This hardware seamlessly integrates with Apple’s proprietary chips, iOS operating system, and camera features. The company maintains familiar iPhone functionalities, including biometric authentication and its established software ecosystem. Customers can expect to receive the first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.