Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone Duo With 7.6-Inch Display
Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, its first foldable device. The company introduced the phone at its Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino. The launch also marks the first major device release under new CEO John Ternus.
Unlike early foldables that resembled tall vertical slabs, the iPhone Duo uses a wider design. As a result, the format could offer a more suitable aspect ratio for watching videos when the phone is fully unfolded.
Display and Design
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch Retina display when unfolded, while the outer screen measures 5.4 inches. Apple said the device was “inspired by the versatility of iPad.” It also demonstrated how users can operate the phone vertically when unfolded.
Meanwhile, the inner screen includes an under-display camera. This approach gives the display a more uninterrupted, all-screen appearance.
Apple also developed a custom nanotexture finish to make the crease less noticeable and reduce glare. Although many foldables still show a visible crease, manufacturers such as Oppo have made progress toward more seamless displays.
The hinge uses grade 5 aluminum and more than 100 specialised components. According to Apple, the design aims to provide smooth opening and closing while improving durability.
Interestingly, the iPhone Duo does not include Face ID. Instead, it relies on Touch ID for unlocking. Users can also unlock the device through an Apple Watch.
The phone runs on the new A20 Pro chip and C2 model, which supports faster uploads. Like last year’s iPhone Air, the iPhone Duo also uses an eSIM-only setup.
Battery life is another major focus. Apple claims the inner display can deliver up to 31 hours of video playback. With the outer display, that figure rises to 44 hours.
Cameras and iOS 27
The iPhone Duo comes with a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. It also offers 2x optical zoom, although the dual-camera system does not include a dedicated telephoto lens.
Like other foldable phones, the Duo lets users take selfies with the rear cameras. At the same time, they can use the outer display to preview their shots.
The phone also includes a feature that plays an animation on the outer display. This can help keep children focused when someone is taking their photo. In addition, Smart Take uses an on-device model to capture an image when everyone in the frame is posing.
Furthermore, iOS 27 adapts its interface to the foldable design. Essential controls, including Wi-Fi, can move to the side, while the home screen can dock vertically.
Users can also run apps in split-screen mode and pair applications together. For example, someone watching a video can pin it to the top half of the display while using another app below.
The flexible design offers even more options. Users can operate the iPhone while it is partly folded or place it on a table. Apple also said the device will support Apple Pencil later this year.
Price, Availability and Market Outlook
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and comes in two colours. Preorders will open on October 16, while the device will reach customers on October 23.
However, Apple is entering a market where wide-format foldables already have established competition. Samsung and Xiaomi have launched similar devices before Apple.
Foldables still represent a small portion of the overall smartphone market. According to Counterpoint, the category accounts for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments.
Even so, the iPhone Duo could quickly gain ground. Counterpoint estimates that the device could capture as much as 25% of the foldable market by the end of the year.
Apple’s first foldable therefore arrives with a premium price, a larger flexible display, redesigned software and a camera system built around the foldable form. Its reception could determine how quickly foldable iPhones become a major part of Apple’s smartphone lineup.
