Apple opens iPhone Duo pre-orders, its first foldable, on October 16

Display, design and chip

Apple says the inner display of iPhone Duo is 50 percent larger than the display on iPhone 18 Pro Max, giving users a larger canvas for viewing content, gaming and multitasking. Closed, the 5.4-inch outer display delivers 90 percent of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro in what Apple calls a compact, pocketable design.

The company says the phone uses a precision-engineered hinge and is built to last. It is powered by A20 Pro and has a dual-battery architecture, which Apple describes as delivering impressive all-day battery life. The device has an IP68 rating for splash, water and dust resistance and comes in two colors: star white and night sky.

Cameras, iOS 27 and Siri AI

The camera system includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera with zero shutter lag and an integrated optical-quality 2x Telephoto. A 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera handles wider fields of view and macro photography. The Center Stage front camera can take photos and videos in any orientation, so users do not need to rotate the phone for landscape selfies. A new FaceTime camera sits underneath the inner display.

iOS 27 has been adapted to the form factor. Apple says the large display supports Split View multitasking and seamless app switching, and that content reacts as the phone folds, reorients when turned to the side and switches to the appropriate display when flipped over. StandBy can run on either the outer or inner display, even when the phone is not charging.

Siri AI is described as an entirely new version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge and onscreen awareness. It is rolling out in beta in English with iOS 27. On the inner display, users can keep Siri open alongside an app and ask about what is onscreen, and Siri mode in Camera lets them get information about what is in front of them.

Pricing options, trade-in and accessories

Apple did not state a purchase price in the material provided, but it detailed several ways to pay:

• Apple Upgrade: provided by Klarna, with 12- and 24-month leases. Prices start as low as $57.99 per month for a 24-month lease for iPhone Duo, excluding taxes and any trade-in credit.
• Apple Trade In: instant credit from $175 to $885 for an eligible iPhone 13 or higher.
• Carrier deals: up to $1,200 in credit toward iPhone Duo when trading in iPhone 14 Pro Max or higher, with activation through AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.
• Apple Card Monthly Installments: in the U.S., 0 percent APR and 3 percent Daily Cash back.

Two accessories launch alongside the phone. The iPhone Duo Folio, in navy blue and taupe, has an integrated kickstand. The iPhone Duo Case, in sand and navy blue, has a two-part design that wraps both sides of the device. Both work with MagSafe, Qi2 25W and Qi-certified chargers.

What it means for buyers

Apple is pushing buyers to prepare ahead. Customers can configure a device, pick accessories, secure leasing or financing pre-approval and arrange a trade-in, then save the choices to their shopping bag before 9 p.m. PT on Thursday, October 15 to check out with one click when pre-orders open. Home delivery and in-store pickup are both offered, and Apple Specialists can help with setup and data transfer.

For existing iPhone owners, the trade-in, lease and carrier figures give the clearest sense of cost so far, though final pricing and availability dates beyond pre-orders were not in the announcement text.