CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Apple is planning an October release for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone model. The company introduced the device on Sept. 9 with a starting U.S. price of $1,999. Preorders will start on Oct. 16, with the device becoming available on Oct. 23. Over 70 countries and regions, including the United States and UAE, will be part of the initial release. Apple CEO John Ternus revealed the new model as the company expanded the iPhone lineup to include a foldable design.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it the largest screen Apple has included in an iPhone. While the device is closed, a 5.4-inch outer display manages calls, messages, apps, and other functions. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On technology, and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The body is built with Grade 5 titanium, and a precision hinge allows the fold. The inner display has a nano-texture finish to cut glare, reflections, and reduce the visibility of the crease.
This larger screen also influences how iPhone software works across different apps and daily tasks. The device will ship with iOS 27.1, featuring functions optimized for the foldable display. Split View can place two apps 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 supports two Home Screen pages. Touch ID remains integrated into the side button and functions whether the device is open or closed.
Dual screens expand software capabilities and camera options
Apple equips the iPhone Duo with two 48-megapixel rear cameras, covering main and ultra-wide photography. The main camera provides an optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom. The outer screen can be used as a preview while taking photos with the rear cameras. Duo Preview allows another person to see the frame as the photographer controls the shot. The device can record 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 120 frames per second. A FaceTime camera is hidden beneath the inner display when not in use.
Powered by the A20 Pro chip, the foldable iPhone offers a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple manufactures this processor with 2-nanometer technology and pairs it with a custom vapor chamber. The phone has a battery on each side to make the most of its internal space. It also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread via its N1 networking chip. The device includes support for Apple’s latest cellular modem technology and eSIM connectivity.
Global launch details: pricing and availability for the iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo will be offered with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Customers can choose from star white or night sky finishes. The 256GB model starts at $1,999 in the United States and AED 8,499 in the UAE. The initial group of markets can preorder the device from Oct. 16. Retail sales begin on Oct. 23. An additional 28 countries and regions will join the launch on Oct. 30. The device will come with iOS 27.1 preinstalled.
This new foldable design adds a fresh hardware format to Apple’s smartphone lineup while maintaining familiar software and services. The foldable form combines a compact outer screen with a larger workspace when opened. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI operate across the device, along with existing mobile apps. Later in 2026, Apple Pencil with USB-C support will be available for writing, sketching, and document markup. The October release marks the first time customers can directly purchase a foldable iPhone from Apple.