Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo

CUPERTINO: Apple on Wednesday unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, including a widely anticipated foldable version called Duo.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 and will be available with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Apple will begin accepting preorders on October 16, with the device officially available from October 23.

The inner display features a new FaceTime camera that works when iPhone Duo is fully open or propped up on a surface. It also supports Dual Capture, allowing users to capture scenes from both the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Duo FaceTime lets someone with you join a video call through the outer display.

iPhone Duo features a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, with the Ultra Wide camera shared with the iPhone 18 Pro. It also includes a 12MP 2x Telephoto camera.

The device can stand on its own, enabling hands-free capture, including 4K Dolby Vision HDR time-lapse video.

 iPhone Duo features a 12MP Center Stage front camera on the outer display.

iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide, with a separate battery on each side of the device. The two batteries operate as a single battery, providing all-day battery life.

The device offers up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer display.

iPhone Duo provides up to 24 hours of charge when both screens are used equally. It supports fast charging, reaching up to 50% in around 20 minutes, while 5 minutes of charging provides up to 5 hours of video playback on the outer display.

iPhone Duo features C2, Apple’s new cellular modem, which is up to 50% faster than C1X and adds 5G mmWave support in the US, while consuming up to 15% less battery.It delivers up to 35% higher sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple is introducing a new StandBy mode for iPhone Duo. Users can view widgets such as Music, Calendar, and Weather at a glance.

When placed beside the bed, iPhone Duo can transform into a bedside clock.

The iPhone Duo allows users to run two apps side by side or launch the same app twice. Swiping up from the bottom makes it easy to switch between apps, while users can also pair apps together for quick access later.

The device can be used in any orientation. It can even be partially folded and placed on a table, allowing users to watch content without needing a stand.

Apple has also developed custom audio tuning algorithms that account for the changing distance between the speakers as the device is positioned in different ways.

When partially folded, content can be shifted away from the fold area, making controls and interactive elements easier to reach and tap.

Apple says the iPhone Duo “feels exceptionally solid every time you use it.” The foldable features Ceramic Shield on the back and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, along with an IP68 rating.

At the heart of the device, the central structural plane uses support ribs for added stiffness, while the antenna splits are reinforced with high-performance ceramic inserts to strengthen the overall structure.

The iPhone Duo will be available in two finishes: Star White and Night Sky.

Unlike recent iPhone models that rely on Face ID, the iPhone Duo uses Touch ID integrated into the side button for biometric authentication.

Apple also says users will be able to unlock iPhone Duo with their Apple Watch, providing an additional way to quickly access the device.