CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup by unveiling a foldable model called the iPhone Duo. The company announced the device on Sept. 9, with preorders set to start on Oct. 16. U.S. prices begin at $1,999, and in the UAE, the starting cost is AED 8,499. The product will go on sale in more than 70 countries and regions beginning Oct. 23. This launch marks Apple’s debut of a book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The new iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display for daily use when the device remains closed. Once opened, it reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, optimized for larger apps and multitasking. Both displays support ProMotion and Always-On functionalities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The device’s enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, with a hinge made of over 100 components. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Apple’s software is integral to how the foldable device utilizes its additional screen space. iOS 27.1 has been tailored to operate seamlessly in both open and closed modes. Split View allows users to position two apps side by side on the inner display. It’s also possible to run two instances of the same app simultaneously and save app arrangements for future use. The expanded screen supports two Home Screen pages, and Touch ID remains embedded in the side button.
Expanded display unlocks new multitasking capabilities on iPhone
The device’s camera setup includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor offers an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. Duo Preview enables users to see a live image of the subject on the outer display while someone else captures the shot. The outer screen also serves as a viewfinder for selfies taken with the rear cameras. Video recording supports 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second and includes Dolby Vision compatibility.
Powering the iPhone Duo is the A20 Pro processor, manufactured using 2-nanometer chip technology. This chip incorporates a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber helps manage thermal performance within the foldable chassis. The device contains a battery on each side, with Apple listing up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and as much as 44 hours on the outer screen.
October release introduces Apple to foldable smartphone segment
Storage options range from 256GB to 512GB, with variants available up to 1TB and 2TB. The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky finishes. The initial retail release is scheduled for Oct. 23, following a week-long preorder period. An additional 28 countries and regions will receive the device on Oct. 30. The device is designed with an eSIM-only setup globally and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
The introduction of the iPhone Duo positions Apple within the foldable smartphone market, which already includes devices from several leading manufacturers. Its design combines a standard outer screen with a larger internal workspace tailored for apps, photos, and videos. Apple has integrated its proprietary chips, operating system, and camera features into this hardware. The company has retained familiar iPhone functionalities such as biometric authentication and its existing software ecosystem. Customers can expect to receive the first units approximately six weeks after the September announcement.