iPhone Duo: Apple announces its first foldable phone starting at $1,999

Apple has officially announced its long-rumored foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. The new device comes equipped with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen featuring a nano-texture finish and an almost invisible crease. Instead of Face ID, the phone utilizes a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button, alongside a dual-camera system consisting of a main lens and a wide-angle lens. Apple also revamped iOS 27 controls specifically for the foldable design, relocating the dock to the side of the phone and adding a flashy unfolding animation.

Although arriving later to the foldable market compared to competitors like Samsung and Google, the iPhone Duo represents a major new bet for Apple. The device starts at $1,999 for the base 256GB model, with prices scaling higher for larger capacities. Despite the steep price tag, Apple reported that preorder demand has been extraordinary, signaling a potential major hit for the company.

Following the launch of preorders at 8:00 AM ET on Friday, estimated delivery dates quickly slipped into 2027 in less than an hour. Bloomberg reported a statement from Apple regarding the overwhelming customer response.

"The pre-order demand for iPhone Duo, our first foldable iPhone, has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers’ hands as quickly as possible."

Apple

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

While online delivery windows have stretched to late January, the foldable is still scheduled to launch in physical Apple Stores on October 23rd. Apple traditionally allocates inventory for in-store purchases, giving walk-in customers a chance to acquire the device sooner than online delivery estimates suggest.