Apple revealed its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during its recent event in Cupertino. This marks the first major product release under CEO John Ternus. The device features a wider foldable form factor aimed at improving the viewing experience, particularly when watching videos. When unfolded, the iPhone Duo offers a 7.6-inch Retina display, complemented by a 5.4-inch outer screen. Apple highlighted that the design draws inspiration from the versatility of the iPad and supports vertical use in its unfolded state. The inner display includes an under-display camera to maintain an uninterrupted screen experience.
To address common foldable display issues, Apple applied a custom nanotexture finish to minimize the visibility of the crease and reduce glare. The hinge mechanism is composed of over 100 specialized components designed to ensure smooth operation and durability. Unlike previous iPhones, the iPhone Duo omits Face ID, relying instead on Touch ID and Apple Watch integration for unlocking.
The phone is powered by the new A20 Pro chip paired with the C2 modem, enabling faster upload speeds. It continues Apple's move toward eSIM-only models, similar to last year’s iPhone Air. Battery life varies depending on the display in use, with up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen and 44 hours on the outer display.
Camera capabilities include a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens with 2x optical zoom, but no telephoto lens. The device supports rear-camera selfies with previews on the outer display and includes features like an animated focus aid for children and a smart-take mode that automatically captures photos when subjects are posing.
iOS 27 has been optimized for foldable use, with interface elements such as Wi-Fi controls repositioned for vertical orientation. The system supports split-screen multitasking and app pairing, and users can operate the phone half-folded or set it on a surface for hands-free use.
The iPhone Duo will be available starting October 23, with pre-orders opening on October 16. It is priced at $1,999 for the 256GB model and comes in two colors. While competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi have introduced wide foldables earlier, Apple’s entry is expected to boost interest in the category. Market analysis suggests the iPhone Duo could capture up to 25% of the foldable smartphone market by the end of the year, despite foldables currently accounting for less than 2% of overall smartphone shipments.