Apple Debuts iPhone Duo Foldable with iOS 27 Overhaul

Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, which will be available starting October 23 following pre-orders on October 16. Priced at $1,999, the device features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display and a titanium frame, according to Apple.

While the hardware introduces a 100-component hinge and custom adhesives to minimize the screen crease, The Verge reports that Apple is playing catch-up to Android rivals. The outlet notes that Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei have already released similarly shaped devices, and that Samsung's Z Fold 8 and Oppo's Find N6 have previously made significant strides in eliminating the crease. Additionally, The Verge points out that the Duo is heavier than the Z Fold 8—weighing 254g—and lacks the silicon-carbon batteries used by Motorola and Samsung to increase capacity. The device's dual 48-megapixel camera system also lacks a telephoto lens, trailing triple-camera setups from Google and Xiaomi.

However, the iPhone Duo's primary differentiator is its software. Running a specialized version of iOS 27, the device moves the dock to a vertical layout on the right side of the screen and rotates the Dynamic Island, per The Verge. Apple's official specifications highlight new "posable" orientations, including a "Seated" mode for viewing and a "Standing" mode for StandBy functionality. The software also introduces Split View multitasking and "Siri AI," which Apple describes as a more personal and powerful assistant.

Other hardware specs include an A20 Pro chip with vapor cooling, an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system. Apple also introduced "Duo Preview," which allows subjects to see a live shot on the outer display, and "Kid Cue," which uses animations to draw children's attention to the lens.