CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is planning to introduce its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, with a release scheduled for October. The company announced the device on Sept. 9, revealing a starting U.S. price of $1,999. Customers can place preorders beginning Oct. 16, and the phone will be available starting Oct. 23. The initial rollout will encompass over 70 countries and regions, including the United States and UAE. Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the new model as part of the company’s expansion into foldable smartphones within the iPhone series.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it the largest screen ever offered on an iPhone. When closed, a 5.4-inch outer display manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and reach a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. For its body, Apple utilizes Grade 5 titanium and incorporates a precision hinge to facilitate folding. Additionally, a nano-texture finish on the inner display minimizes glare, reflections, and the visibility of the crease.
The larger screen also impacts how iPhone software operates across apps and daily activities. The device will ship with iOS 27.1, featuring capabilities tailored for the foldable display. Split View allows two apps to run side by side on the inner screen. Users can save specific app pairs and open two windows from the same supported app. When unfolded, the display also supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains embedded in the side button, functioning whether the device is open or closed.
Dual Screens Expand 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 provides an optical 2x telephoto zoom. When capturing photos, users can use the outer display as a preview screen. Duo Preview allows another person to see the frame while the photographer controls the shot. The device supports recording 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 120 frames per second. A FaceTime camera is positioned beneath the inner display and remains hidden when not in use.
Under the hood, the foldable iPhone runs on the A20 Pro chip. This processor features a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple manufactures it using 2-nanometer technology and pairs it with a custom vapor chamber. The phone contains one battery on each side to maximize internal space. It also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread via its N1 networking chip. The device is compatible with Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM functionality.
Global Launch Details for the iPhone Duo, with Price Options and Release Schedule
Apple will offer the iPhone Duo in storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can choose between star white or night sky finishes. The starting price for the 256GB model is $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. The initial preorder window opens on Oct. 16 for select markets. The device will go on sale on Oct. 23, with an additional 28 countries and regions joining the launch on Oct. 30. It will arrive with iOS 27.1 pre-installed.
The introduction of the iPhone Duo adds a new hardware form factor to Apple’s lineup, while maintaining familiar software and services. Its foldable design combines a compact outer screen with a larger workspace when opened. Apple’s Intelligence and Siri AI functions operate seamlessly across the device alongside existing mobile applications. Later in 2026, support for Apple Pencil with USB-C will be introduced for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October release marks the first opportunity for consumers to purchase a foldable iPhone directly from Apple.