Apple Unveils iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable iPhone, Starting at $1,999

Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, introducing a wider book-style design, a 7.6-inch inner display and software features built specifically for the new form factor.

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo at its “Surprise and Shine” event in Cupertino, and it is the first major new device launched under CEO John Ternus. When folded, the phone has a 5.4-inch outer display, while opening it reveals a 7.6-inch Retina display.

Apple said the design drew inspiration from the iPad’s versatility. The inner screen includes an under-display camera, while a custom nanotexture finish is intended to make the display crease less noticeable and reduce glare.

Apple redesigns iOS for a foldable iPhone

The hinge uses grade 5 aluminium and more than 100 components designed for smooth movement and durability. Unlike Apple’s other flagship iPhones, the Duo relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID, although users can also unlock it with an Apple Watch.

The device runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip and includes Apple’s C2 technology, which Apple says supports faster uploads. Like the previous iPhone Air, the Duo is eSIM-only.

Apple has adapted iOS 27 for the foldable display. Users can run apps side by side, create paired app combinations and place a video on one half of the screen while using another app below it.

The phone can also be used partially folded or placed on a table for hands-free use. Apple said Apple Pencil support will arrive later this year.

Dual 48MP cameras and new photo features

The iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with 2x optical zoom, but no dedicated telephoto lens. Users can take selfies with the rear cameras while viewing a preview on the outer display.

Apple is also adding an outer-screen animation designed to help subjects focus on the camera, along with a Smart Take feature that uses an on-device model to capture a photo when everyone in the frame is posing.

Battery life is rated at up to 31 hours of video playback when using the inner display and up to 44 hours with the outer screen.

iPhone Duo starts at $1,999

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 with 256GB of storage and will be offered in two colours. Preorders begin Oct. 16, with availability starting Oct. 23.

Apple is entering a foldable smartphone market where companies including Samsung and Xiaomi already offer wider foldable designs. Foldables still account for less than 2% of overall smartphone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research.

Counterpoint expects global foldable shipments to continue expanding, and the firm said the iPhone Duo could capture as much as 25% of the foldable market by the end of the year.