Apple On 9 September, it unveiled the iPhone Duo — the first foldable iPhone in the company’s history. When closed, the device is about the size of a passport, and when opened, it transforms into a compact tablet featuring the largest display Apple has ever fitted into an iPhone. Unlike long, narrow foldable smartphones, Apple has made the Duo shorter and wider. The outer and inner displays have the same aspect ratio, so apps should transition smoothly between the two modes without any abrupt changes to the layout.
- The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable smartphone.
- External display: 5.4″; internal display: 7.6″.
- The screen on the 50% is larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- It features Touch ID and support for the Apple Pencil.
- iOS 27 now features a fully-fledged Split View.
- Battery life — up to 44 hours of video playback on an external display.
The 7.6-inch display is the largest in the history of the iPhone
When closed, the iPhone Duo has 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR. In terms of screen size, it is roughly equivalent to that of the iPhone 18 Pro’s 90% display.
Once opened, the user receives 7.6-inch internal panel — 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max display and approximately 80% larger than the screen iPhone 18 Pro.
Apple has made the aspect ratio the same for both displays. As a result, when the device is unfolded, the content simply expands, whilst the main interface elements remain in their usual places.
Apple has tried to tackle the main problem with foldable devices — the crease
The company placed particular emphasis on the internal display.
Apple says it has developed nano-textured coating, which reduces glare and visually conceals the central crease. The top polymer layer of the 40% is stiffer than the materials typically used in foldable smartphones.
The panel has a multi-layer construction:
- protective polymer;
- high-strength glass above and below the OLED;
- elastic adhesive layer;
- a titanium base;
- carbon fibre support elements.
The hinge consists of more than 100 precision components. Apple also calibrates the hinge individually for each case.
The biggest iOS redesign ever, all for the sake of a single iPhone
For Duo, the company has significantly redesigned iOS 27.
The main controls have been moved closer to the side of the display, and the Dock on the home screen is now vertical.
On the big screen, you can:
- run two apps side by side;
- to open two windows of the same application;
- switch between programmes with a gesture;
- to store a couple of apps;
- watch the video at the top of the screen whilst working below.
iOS also responds to smartphone opening angle.
You can place the Duo on the table in a half-open position and watch videos without a stand. In this position, the interface automatically shifts away from the central fold.
A separate StandBy mode has also been introduced, which works even when the smartphone isn’t charging.
The Apple Pencil will work with the iPhone for the first time
The iPhone Duo has become the first iPhone to support the Apple Pencil.
The Apple Pencil with USB-C can be used on both displays for:
- notes;
- drawing;
- document editing;
- image labelling.
Apple plans to enable support for the stylus later this year.
This actually blurs the line between the iPhone Duo and the compact iPad even further.
No Face ID — Touch ID is back
Due to its complex internal design, Apple has decided not to use Face ID.
Scanner Touch ID has been integrated into the side button, much like on some iPad models. Users can register multiple fingers to conveniently unlock the device in different positions.
You can also unlock Duo via your Apple Watch.
The FaceTime camera is located on the inner screen below the display, so there is no separate cut-out in the middle. The Verge also confirms the absence of the familiar Dynamic Island.
Titanium casing and IP68
The frame is made of Grade 5 titanium.
Apple has further reinforced it with ceramic fibres, which, according to the company, are approximately three times stronger than Grade 5 titanium itself.
Defence:
- Ceramic Shield 2 at the front;
- Ceramic Shield on the back;
- IP68 from dust and water.
Two colours are available:
Star White
Night Sky.
The A20 Pro and the new C2 modem
According to the latest reports on the presentation, the iPhone Duo runs on A20 Pro and got a new modem of his own Apple C2.
C2 supports faster data download speeds, and in the US, 5G mmWave. Apple claims up to 50% has faster upload speeds than C1X with energy consumption approximately 15% lower.
The iPhone Duo will be eSIM only, worldwide.
Doing away with the physical SIM card has made it possible to utilise more internal space for the battery.
The two batteries operate as one
The batteries are located on both sides of the smartphone, whilst Apple’s operating system synchronises them as a single battery.
Apple states:
- to 31 hours of video on the internal display;
- to 44 hours of video on the outside;
- to 24 hours of mixed use two displays.
Fast charging provides approximately 50% in 20 minutes.
Five minutes of charging can provide up to five hours of video playback on an external display.
The cameras use both displays
The Fusion’s main camera supports 48-megapixel photographs, 2x optical-quality zoom and 4K at 120 fps.
But the main feature of Duo is not just the sensors themselves.
The external display can be used as a face detector for the person being photographed. She can see herself and adjust her posture before the photo is taken.
The following have also appeared:
Dual Capture — Simultaneous streaming from the front and rear cameras on FaceTime.
FaceTime Duo — The person next to them can see the person they’re talking to on the second screen.
Smart Take — The AI analyses the scene and takes the photo itself when everyone is ready for the shot.
Thanks to its clever design, the smartphone can also stand upright on a surface for time-lapse shots, group photos and video calls.
Price of the iPhone Duo
The starting price is around $1999–2000 for the 256 GB version. The most expensive configuration can cost around $3000.
Sales are expected no earlier than October.
This makes the Duo the most expensive iPhone in the range and a direct rival to Samsung’s top-of-the-range models Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei.
Key features of the iPhone Duo
| Characteristics | iPhone Duo |
|---|---|
| External display | 5.4″ Super Retina XDR |
| Internal display | 7.6″ Super Retina XDR |
| Form factor | book-related |
| Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Defence | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Touch ID |
| Processor | A20 Pro |
| Modem | Apple C2 |
| SIM | eSIM only |
| Apple Pencil | yes |
| Video on the internal screen | up to 31 hours |
| Video on an external device | up to 44 hours |
| Fast charging | 50% ≈ 20 mins |
| OS | iOS 27 |
| Colours | Star White, Night Sky |
| Price | from ≈ $2000 |
What’s special about the iPhone Duo
Apple wasn’t simply trying to make a «foldable iPhone».
Duo effectively occupies a middle ground between iPhone and iPad mini: a standard external screen for quick tasks and a large internal screen for watching videos, reading, Split View, the Apple Pencil and multitasking.
The most interesting thing now is what the independent reviews will reveal: just how inconspicuous the hinge is, how well it holds up, whether the wide body is comfortable, and to what extent the claimed battery life matches real-world use.
