Apple has folded the iPhone in half: the first iPhone Duo starts at $1,999

Apple has officially unveiled its first foldable iPhone — the iPhone Duo. When unfolded, the smartphone transforms into a device with a 7.6-inch screen, whilst when folded it functions as a compact iPhone with a 5.4-inch external display.

The price is also rather unusual: in the US, the iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, whilst in Germany it starts at 2,299 euros. Apple will open pre-orders on 16 October, with sales beginning on 23 October 2026. The company has not yet announced the official price for Ukraine.

Details

The iPhone Duo’s key feature is its two Super Retina XDR OLED displays. The inner display measures 7.6 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 1,878×2,670 pixels, whilst the outer display measures 5.4 inches and has a resolution of 1,398×2,034 pixels. Both support ProMotion with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and Always-On.

When unfolded, the device is approximately 5.2 mm thick; when folded, it is 11.3 mm thick. The device weighs 254 grams. Apple has used a titanium frame and claims the device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.

The smartphone is powered by the A20 Pro chip and is available with 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB of storage. The main camera system comprises two 48-megapixel cameras, whilst the front-facing camera on the inner screen is positioned beneath the display.

Apple promises up to 31 hours of video playback when using the internal screen and up to 44 hours when using the external screen. It features MagSafe and fast wired charging: up to 50% in approximately 20 minutes.

There are a few details worth knowing before you buy. The iPhone Duo does not feature Face ID – instead, it uses Touch ID in the side button. The smartphone works exclusively with eSIM in all countries. Support for the Apple Pencil via USB-C has been announced, but will be available later in 2026.

Prices in the US start at $1,999 for the 256 GB model. The 512 GB version costs $2,199, the 1 TB model costs $2,599, and the top-of-the-range 2 TB model costs $3,199. In Germany, the prices are €2,299, €2,549, €3,049 and €3,799 respectively.

Why this matters

For Apple, this is the most significant redesign of the iPhone in many years and marks its entry into a category where Samsung, Google, Motorola and other manufacturers have long been active. According to the Associated Press, foldable smartphones remain a niche segment, accounting for less than 5 per cent of the market, so the iPhone Duo will be a test of whether Apple can make this form factor mainstream.

For buyers, another factor is more important: this is an expensive first-generation model. Apple describes in detail the reinforced hinge, the titanium construction and the protective materials, but the actual durability of the foldable display, the visibility of the crease and wear and tear on the hinge will only become clear following independent testing and long-term use.

Those planning to buy the device abroad should check in advance with their mobile operator regarding eSIM support, international warranty terms and regional prices. The absence of a physical SIM card is not an option here, but a feature of all versions of the iPhone Duo.

Source

Apple’s official press release: Apple unveils iPhone Duo.

Technical specifications: iPhone Duo — Technical Specifications.

The original TechXplore article is based on an Associated Press report on the launch of the new iPhone range. Market context has also been verified via the Associated Press.