Apple Launches iPhone Duo Foldable Phone Starting at $1,999

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Apple has introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, featuring a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch foldable screen, with preorders open and a release slated for October 23, 2026.

Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its inaugural foldable smartphone, during the "Surprise and shine" event alongside new models of the iPhone and Apple Watch. The device features a compact 5.4-inch outer display that unfolds to reveal a larger 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR screen, enhancing user interaction and multimedia experience. Support for Apple Pencil is expected later this year, adding to the phone's versatility.

Distinguishing itself from previous iPhones, the Duo does not include Face ID facial recognition; instead, it employs a Touch ID fingerprint sensor positioned along the device's edge for secure unlocking. The phone boasts an IP68 rating, signifying water and dust resistance, and incorporates Ceramic Shield 2 glass protection on the back with Ceramic Shield on the front display, providing enhanced durability.

Powered by the A20 Pro chipset, the same as the iPhone 18 Pro, the Duo carries a 48-megapixel fusion camera comparable to the flagship model, though it lacks the variable aperture feature. Consumers can choose between two finishes: Star White and Night Sky.

The iPhone Duo is available for preorder at $1,999 for the 256GB storage model, with availability commencing on Friday, October 23, 2026. Purchasers can order unlocked devices directly from Apple or Best Buy. For those interested in carrier deals, promotions include AT&T offering up to $1,200 off with trade-in credit spread over monthly bills, alongside incentives for switching to their network. T-Mobile provides up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-ins or without trade-ins for new lines. Verizon waives activation fees and offers financing options, including a monthly installment plan and bundled service packages with upgrade privileges.

This launch marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, extending its product lineup beyond traditional slab smartphones and addressing consumer demand for innovative form factors. Further features such as software optimizations for the foldable screen and Apple Pencil integration are anticipated as the product ecosystem develops.