Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo

Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone category with the introduction of the iPhone Duo. This strategic move comes seven years after Samsung debuted its first foldable device and follows shortly after a high-profile launch from Huawei, signaling Apple’s intent to compete in the maturing flexible display segment.

The company’s signature event featured new CEO John Ternus in a lead role for the first time. After presenting the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and updated Apple Watch and AirPods models, Ternus introduced the foldable as the final reveal while drawing a direct comparison to existing market offerings. “Others have created foldables that just feel like two phones awkwardly stuck together,” Ternus said. He described the Duo as having “a larger display that feels as natural and intuitive as an iPad,” and stated it has the “largest display ever on an iPhone, while still fitting easily in your pocket”.

According to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP for worldwide marketing, the device features a doublewide 7.6-inch diagonal screen that is 50% larger than the display on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. To ensure durability, the hardware utilizes a mirror-polished grade 5 titanium chassis and a custom precision hinge consisting of over 100 components. Under the hood, the Duo is powered by the A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, supported by a custom vapor chamber cooling system, a 16-core Neural Engine, and a 7-core GPU.

Operating on iOS 27, the device introduces side-by-side Split View multitasking to the iPhone for the first time. It includes an under-display FaceTime camera on the main panel and a side-mounted Touch ID sensor built into the power button. The camera system features a 48MP Fusion Main sensor capable of 4K120 fps Dolby Vision, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera with macro capabilities, and a Center Stage front sensor. The dual-battery architecture is designed to support up to 31 hours of video playback on the primary screen and 44 hours on the cover screen, with support for fast charging, MagSafe, and Qi2 standards.

Regarding connectivity, the iPhone Duo is an eSIM-only device globally and carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It features Apple’s proprietary C2 cellular modem and N1 wireless chip, providing support for US mmWave 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. Available in star white and night sky, the Duo is priced starting at $1,999 for the 256GB model, with options up to 2TB. Pre-orders are set to begin on October 16, with a full retail launch on October 23.

Alongside the Duo, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which also utilize the A20 Pro chip. These models feature a new 48MP variable-aperture main camera with physical blades—a first for the lineup—and a redesigned, slimmer Dynamic Island that can show three Live Activities at once. New color variants include Burgundy and Glacier. Prices for the Pro models have increased by $100 compared to the previous generation, with the 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299.