Apple unveiled the new iPhone Duo during its “Surprise & Shine” event, marking the company’s first entry into the foldable phone market. Priced at $2,000, this device offers several firsts for the iPhone lineup, including an under-display camera and exclusive camera features. The phone will launch in October, likely alongside iOS 27.1.
A New Design and Display
The iPhone Duo features a passport-style shape that folds smoothly with a glass-like animation. Apple used grade 5 titanium for strength and an elegant mirror-polished finish. The outer screen covers 90% of the area found on the iPhone 18 Pro, while the inner display offers 50% more screen space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The company introduced a matte display on the inner screen for the first time since the iPhone’s inception. This technology reduces glare and helps hide the device’s crease. The outside display uses Ceramic Shield 2, which has three times the scratch resistance of previous screen technology.
While Samsung has manufactured folding phones for years, Apple’s approach emphasizes durability. The device has an IP68 rating, protecting it from water and dust. Early videos suggest the crease is virtually unnoticeable, and the phone feels premium despite its foldable nature.
Camera System and Under-Display Lens
Apple equipped the iPhone Duo with four cameras. The rear system includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide and a 48MP Fusion Main camera. The front camera on the outside is a 12MP Center Stage sensor that tracks users during video calls. The main cameras support improved Photographic Styles and Spatial Video recording.
The device also features an under-display FaceTime camera on the inner screen. This hidden lens activates only when needed, such as for a selfie or a call. The company has not released the megapixel count for this sensor, but early reports indicate it blends seamlessly into the matte display.
This under-display camera has been rumored for nearly two decades. Its inclusion on a foldable device represents a significant step in display technology. The matte finish further aids in hiding the sensor and the crease, creating a nearly seamless viewing experience.
Tablet-Like Features and Creative Tools
Apple is bringing iPad-like capabilities to the iPhone Duo. The device supports using two apps simultaneously and works with the Apple Pencil. The dock sits on the right corner of the display, along with the Wi-Fi and cellular indicators. The Duo can be used in multiple positions, and each of them changes how you interact with the phone. When it’s standing, for example, it can enter a StandBy Mode, where you can see the calendar, get a glowing orange light when it’s time to wake up in the morning, watch movies, and more.
Talking about movies, if the phone is seated, you can watch the content on one side, and the other will feature buttons to control the experience, such as play/pause, advance/go back, etc. Apple also says that this iPhone can be used perfectly in a half-folded design, environment, portrait, and closed. Each way will make apps behave in a different manner, ensuring users always have the most optimal experience.
Performance and Software Integration
The iPhone Duo will run on iOS 27.1, a version of the operating system that brings significant changes to how applications function. Apple is integrating iPad-level multitasking into the iPhone Duo. Users can run two applications simultaneously, a feature that previously required an iPad. The operating system adjusts app layouts based on how the device is folded. When the phone is open flat, the interface covers the entire surface. If the device is folded in half, the screen is divided to show content on both sides.
Pricing and Release Timeline
The device will not reach customers until October. It is expected to launch alongside the update to iOS 27.1. The starting price for the iPhone Duo is set at $2,000. This price point places it at the top of the smartphone market, reflecting the costs associated with the new foldable technology.
