CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with availability scheduled for October 23. The handset opens to a 7.6-inch inner display and uses a 5.4-inch outer screen when closed. Both displays share the same aspect ratio and support ProMotion and Always On functions. Apple says outdoor brightness can reach 3,000 nits. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, while preorders begin October 16 in more than 70 countries and regions.
iPhone Duo combines dual 48MP cameras, two displays and Apple’s A20 Pro chip. (Credit – Apple Inc.)
The iPhone Duo combines a titanium enclosure with a hinge assembled from more than 100 components. Apple uses grade 5 titanium for the frame and Ceramic Shield materials to protect exterior surfaces. The company rates the phone IP68 for splash, water and dust resistance under controlled test conditions. Its folding screen includes a nano-texture surface that reduces glare and reflections. Apple also integrates Touch ID into the side button, allowing authentication while the phone remains either open or closed.
Two 48-megapixel rear cameras handle main and ultra-wide photography on the iPhone Duo. The main camera offers 48-megapixel capture, a 24-megapixel default setting and an optical-quality 2x telephoto option. Users can take rear-camera selfies while checking their framing on the outer display. Duo Preview also lets subjects view a live image before the shutter operates. An under-display FaceTime camera sits beneath the larger screen when unused. Apple CEO John Ternus presented the model as the company’s first foldable iPhone.
A20 Pro powers performance across two displays
Apple equips the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro chip, which also appears in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The processor combines a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU and dual 16-core Neural Engine. A custom vapor chamber helps control heat during games, multitasking and AI workloads. Apple places a high-energy battery on each side of the folding body. Its software manages both cells as one system. The company estimates up to 24 hours of use when owners divide activity equally between both displays.
Apple lists up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen and 44 hours on the outer display. Wired charging can reach 50% in about 20 minutes under the company’s stated testing conditions. MagSafe or Qi2 charging can reach 50% in about 30 minutes. The iPhone Duo also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread through Apple’s N1 networking chip. Its C2 modem supports cellular connectivity, while the phone uses an eSIM-only design in markets worldwide.
iOS 27 expands multitasking ahead of October release
The iPhone Duo runs iOS 27.1 at launch, with software designed around its folding hardware and larger inner screen. Split View allows two apps to appear side by side on an iPhone for the first time. Users can open two windows from the same app and save frequently used app combinations. The interface also shifts several controls to the side to preserve vertical viewing space. Apple says Apple Pencil with USB-C support will arrive later in 2026. Siri AI begins its beta rollout with iOS 27 on September 14.
Apple will sell the iPhone Duo in star white and night sky with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. Initial markets include the UAE, United States, China, India, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. Another 28 countries and regions will receive the phone on October 30. Apple Upgrade, a U.S. leasing program provided by Klarna, offers eligible customers 12-month and 24-month terms. T-Mobile will support iPhone Handoff at launch for compatible U.S. customers.