Apple has released its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, seven years after Samsung began selling foldable smartphones. The device unfolds into a 7.6-inch handset and closes into a smaller 5.4-inch device, making it Apple's slimmest iPhone when unfolded.
The iPhone Duo will be available in two finishes: star white and night sky. Orders open Friday, October 16, with store availability beginning Friday, October 23.
Display and Design
The outside display provides approximately 90% of the usable display area found on the iPhone 18 Pro. When unfolded, the inner screen becomes 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both Super Retina XDR panels use matching proportions to allow apps to resize without sudden layout changes.
The displays support ProMotion, Always On mode, and 3,000 nits of maximum outdoor brightness. Apple applied a nano-textured surface to the inner panel to reduce glare, minimize visible reflections, and make the fold line less noticeable.
The device uses a grade 5 titanium frame with a 100-part hinge system. Ceramic Shield covers the back, while Ceramic Shield 2 on the front promises triple the scratch resistance of its predecessor. The foldable screen includes a scratch-resistant surface finish and a polymer nano coating that Apple claims is approximately 40 percent stiffer than competing polymers.
Hardware and Performance
The iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro processor, specially designed to work with a customized vapor chamber, two batteries, and a new cooling system to ensure consistent performance and full-day usage. The device runs iOS 27, which has been modified to adapt to the foldable design.
Camera System
The main rear sensor is a 48MP Fusion camera that shoots at full 48MP resolution without shutter delay, with 24MP as the standard setting. A built-in 2x telephoto option provides optical-quality zoom. The device also includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera.
Video recording reaches 4K at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision. Users can adjust playback speed for slow motion and add cinematic effects after recording at up to 60 frames per second. Time-lapse recording now supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR.
Software Features
Smart Take uses on-device AI processing to observe scenes and capture images when subjects are positioned properly. Duo Preview allows subjects to see their composition using the rear cameras. Kid Cue displays Peanuts animations on the outside screen to direct children's attention toward the lens.
Duo FaceTime can place people beside the owner on the exterior display during calls. Audio Mix provides enhanced processing for clearer speech and music separation.
Security and Privacy
Authentication uses Touch ID integrated into the side key, and users can also open the phone using an Apple Watch. The inner FaceTime camera is positioned underneath the screen so it disappears when unused.
