Artificial Intelligence

Apple Announces Its First Foldable Phone, The iPhone Duo

Apple has finally entered the foldable phone market with the long-rumored iPhone Duo, bringing a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen to consumers.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 17, 2026 · Updated: October 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Apple Announces Its First Foldable Phone, The iPhone Duo — Image: The Verge

Apple Unveils Long-Rumored Foldable Device

Apple has finally announced its long-rumored foldable: the iPhone Duo . Unveiled during Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, the new device marks Apple's official entry into the foldable smartphone market.

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable is a major new bet for the company, even if it arrives a little later than competitors like Samsung and Google. It sports a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner screen, complete with a matte “nano-texture” finish designed to handle glare effectively.

Hardware Specifications and Design

The folding mechanism is smooth, carries an IP68 rating, and features a crease that is nearly impossible to find by touch. Unlike traditional slab iPhones that rely on facial recognition, the Duo uses a Touch ID sensor on the power button instead of Face ID.

For durability, the phone is built with Ceramic Shield 2 on its back panel while standard Ceramic Shield covers the front display. Inside, it shares the same A20 Pro chipset found in the iPhone 18 Pro, paired with a 48-megapixel fusion camera system that includes a main lens and a wide-angle lens, though it omits variable aperture.

Revamped Software and Controls

To accommodate the unique form factor, Apple completely revamped iOS 27’s controls and apps for the foldable, which includes placing the dock on the side of the phone. Unfolding the device also triggers a flashy opening animation when opened.

Additionally, Apple confirmed that Apple Pencil support will be coming to the foldable device later this year.

Pricing, Preorders, and High Demand

The phone carries a premium price tag, starting at $1,999 for the base 256GB model, with higher configurations increasing the cost. Despite the high price, preorder demand was “extraordinary,” according to Apple statements reported by Bloomberg.

Delivery estimates for the iPhone Duo slipped into next year in less than an hour after preorders opened at 8 AM ET on Friday. Current online configurations on Apple's website display late January delivery dates.

In-Store Availability and Launch Plans

The foldable device is officially slated to launch in physical retail stores on October 23rd. Because Apple typically reserves a portion of inventory for in-store availability, customers who missed out on initial online preorders may still be able to secure a unit in person at an Apple Store.

As tech analysts and reviewers dive deeper into hands-on testing, publications like Verge staffers react to the iPhone Duo: What we love and don’t love provide early insights into how the physical design, matte display finish, and overall user experience perform in daily use.