CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone range with a new foldable model, the iPhone Duo. The company unveiled this device on September 9, with preorders scheduled to open on October 16. Pricing in the U.S. begins at $1,999, and in the UAE, the starting price is AED 8,499. The product will go on sale starting October 23 in over 70 countries and regions. This release marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display used for daily tasks when the device remains closed. When opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen designed for larger applications and multitasking capabilities. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On functionalities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. Apple crafted the enclosure from Grade 5 titanium and constructed the hinge from more than 100 components. The device also boasts an IP68 rating, providing protection against water and dust.
Software is integral to how the foldable iPhone manages its expanded display area. Apple designed iOS 27.1 to support both open and closed modes. Split View allows users to place two apps side by side on the internal screen. Additionally, users can operate two windows of the same app and save specific app arrangements for later use. The larger display supports two Home Screen pages, while Touch ID remains embedded in the side button.
Enhanced multitasking options introduced with larger display for iPhone
The camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera along with a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor also provides an optical-quality 2x telephoto setting. Duo Preview enables users to see a live image of their subject on the external display while someone else takes the shot. The outer screen can also function as a viewfinder for selfies captured with the rear cameras. Video recording capabilities include 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision support.
Equipped with the A20 Pro processor, the iPhone Duo features 2-nanometer chip technology. The processor includes a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber facilitates thermal management within the foldable body. Apple also placed a battery on each side of the device. The company states that the device offers up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer screen.
October launch positions Apple in the foldable smartphone market
Starting storage options include 256GB, with choices extending to 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky finishes. Its initial retail release begins on October 23, following a preordering phase that starts one week earlier. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on October 30. The phone employs an eSIM-only design globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
With this release, Apple enters the foldable smartphone segment, joining several major manufacturers already offering such devices. Its design combines a standard outer screen with an expanded inner workspace for apps, photos, and videos. The hardware integrates Apple’s own chips, operating system, and camera features, while maintaining familiar iPhone functionalities like biometric authentication and its established software ecosystem. Customers can expect the first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.