Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, marking one of the biggest design shifts in the company’s iPhone lineup.
The new device takes on Samsung’s long-standing dominance in the foldable segment with a book-style design that combines an expansive inner display with a conventional outer screen.
Although the iPhone Duo has been unveiled, it will reach Indian shelves later this year. The foldable iPhone will be available from October 23, with pre-orders opening on October 16. The starting price has been set at Rs 2,99,900 for the 256GB model.
“iPhone Duo is the most transformational change to iPhone since the original. With an entirely new design and intuitive experiences, it shows what’s possible when hardware and software are engineered together and redefines what it means to use a foldable phone,” Apple CEO John Ternus said.
iPhone Duo design and display
The iPhone Duo brings a significant departure from Apple’s traditional iPhone design. It features a 7.6-inch foldable inner display paired with a 5.4-inch outer screen, giving users access to two displays in a single device.
Apple has built the handset using Grade 5 titanium and Ceramic Shield 2. The phone will be offered in two colour options — Star White and Night Sky.
The hinge is a key part of the foldable design. Apple says it uses a variable torque system, carbon-fibre support plates and integrated magnets to help the device close completely flat. The company has also worked to minimise the visible crease using a custom polymer and laser lithography process.
The inner FaceTime camera is hidden beneath the display and becomes visible when required, while Touch ID has been integrated into the side button.
Both displays support Apple Pencil via USB-C, adding another layer of functionality to the larger foldable screen.
A20 Pro chip and iOS 27
Powering the iPhone Duo is Apple’s A20 Pro chipset, also used in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The device runs iOS 27, with Apple introducing software features designed specifically for the foldable form factor.
The interface dynamically adjusts depending on whether the phone is closed, partially opened or fully unfolded. Controls can shift to the side of the display to make them easier to reach with the thumb.
Users can also operate two home screens simultaneously, run apps side-by-side and keep video content on one portion of the display while working on the other.
Apple is also providing developers with APIs to create applications that take advantage of the Duo’s larger, flexible screen.
Camera features
The iPhone Duo features a 48MP Fusion main camera alongside a 48MP ultra-wide camera.
Apple has introduced features designed specifically for the foldable form factor. Duo Preview allows subjects to see the camera framing on the external display, while SmartTake uses AI to automatically capture a photo when it detects that everyone is ready and smiling.
iPhone Duo price and availability in India
The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 for the 256GB storage variant in India. Pre-orders will open on October 16, followed by the official sale on October 23.
The foldable iPhone will be available in Night Sky and Star White colour options.
At the top end, the 2TB variant is priced at Rs 4,49,900, making the iPhone Duo one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones to date.
With its first foldable iPhone, Apple is finally stepping into a market where Samsung has had a significant head start. The Duo’s combination of a large foldable display, flagship hardware and software built around the new form factor will now put Apple’s approach to foldable phones under the spotlight.
Comments are closed.