CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup with a foldable model called the iPhone Duo. The device was unveiled on Sept. 9, with preorders set to open on Oct. 16. U.S. pricing starts at $1,999, and in the UAE, it begins at AED 8,499. Sales will commence on Oct. 23 across more than 70 countries and regions. This launch marks Apple’s first book-style smartphone featuring separate outer and inner displays.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer screen for regular use when folded, while opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display optimized for larger apps and multitasking. Both screens support ProMotion and Always-On capabilities, with outdoor brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The device’s enclosure is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, with a hinge made from over 100 components, and it carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Software is key to leveraging the additional screen space of this foldable iPhone. Apple developed iOS 27.1 to operate seamlessly in both open and closed states. Split View allows users to position two apps side by side on the inner display, while multitasking enables running two windows from the same app and saving app configurations for future use. The expanded screen supports two Home Screen pages, with Touch ID integrated into the side button.
New multitasking features enabled by larger display
The camera system includes a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera and a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera, with the main sensor offering an optical-quality 2x telephoto setting. Duo Preview allows users to see a live image on the outside display while someone else takes the photo, and the outer screen functions as a viewfinder for selfies using the rear cameras. Video recording can reach 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision support.
The device is powered by the A20 Pro chip, built using 2-nanometer technology, featuring a six-core CPU, a seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines. A vapor chamber aids in thermal management, and the phone contains a battery on each side. Apple states 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 introduces foldable iPhone to market
Storage options range from 256GB to 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with color choices including star white and night sky finishes. The initial retail release begins on Oct. 23, following a preorder period that starts one week earlier, with another 28 countries and regions receiving the device on Oct. 30. The iPhone Duo uses an eSIM-only design worldwide and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
With this model, Apple enters a foldable smartphone segment that already features offerings from several major brands. Its form factor combines a standard outer screen with a larger internal workspace for apps, photos, and videos. The hardware integrates Apple’s own chips, operating system, and camera capabilities, while maintaining familiar iPhone features such as biometric authentication and the existing software ecosystem. Customers can expect to receive their units roughly six weeks after the September announcement.