CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, ahead of an October retail launch. The device opens to a 7.6-inch inner display and includes a 5.4-inch outer screen. Both displays use the same aspect ratio, allowing content to scale between them. They also support ProMotion, Always On features and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. U.S. pricing begins at $1,999, with preorders scheduled to open October 16.
Apple built the iPhone Duo around a precision hinge containing more than 100 components. The enclosure uses grade 5 titanium, while Ceramic Shield materials protect key exterior surfaces. Apple gives the phone an IP68 rating for splash, water and dust resistance under controlled testing conditions. The inner screen carries a nano-texture finish that reduces glare and reflections during use. Touch ID sits inside the side button, providing authentication in both open and closed positions. Users can also unlock the device through a compatible Apple Watch.
The camera system includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main camera supports 48-megapixel images, a 24-megapixel default mode and an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. The foldable design lets users frame rear-camera selfies on the outer display. Duo Preview can show subjects a live view before a picture is captured. Apple also places a FaceTime camera beneath the inner screen. Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the model during the company’s September product announcement.
A20 Pro drives performance across the foldable design
Apple powers the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro processor, also used in the iPhone 18 Pro models. The chip combines a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU and dual 16-core Neural Engine. A custom vapor chamber helps manage heat during gaming, multitasking and AI workloads. The phone carries one battery on each side of the folding body. Apple manages both cells as a single power system. The company estimates up to 24 hours of use when activity is divided equally between the two displays.
Battery estimates differ according to which screen owners use. Apple lists up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display. The outer screen can provide up to 44 hours of video playback. Wired charging can reach 50% in about 20 minutes under Apple’s stated test conditions. MagSafe or Qi2 charging can reach 50% in about 30 minutes. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread through Apple’s N1 chip, while the C2 modem handles cellular connectivity.
iOS 27 adds split-screen tools before October availability
Apple designed iOS 27 to adjust as users open, close, rotate or reposition the iPhone Duo. Split View allows two apps to run side by side on an iPhone for the first time. Users can open two windows from the same app and save frequently used app pairs. Several interface controls move toward the side of the larger display to preserve vertical viewing space. Apple says support for Apple Pencil with USB-C will arrive later in 2026. Siri AI begins its beta rollout with iOS 27 on September 14.
The iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 and comes in star white and night sky. Storage choices include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. Apple plans availability from October 23 across more than 70 countries and regions. Initial markets include the UAE, United States, China, India, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. Another 28 markets will receive the phone on October 30. In the United States, Klarna provides Apple Upgrade leasing options, while T-Mobile supports iPhone Handoff at launch.