Apple unveils the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone

Key takeaways

Apple has launched the iPhone Duo as its first foldable smartphone.
Thanks to the dual screens and a titanium casing, seamless multitasking is possible.
Powerful A20 Pro chips drive advanced 48 MP camera systems.

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone Duo, introducing its very first foldable smartphone. This device, revealed during the “surprise and shine” presentation, puts an end to years of speculation by offering a versatile form factor.

Titanium

When folded, the phone is about the size of a passport, but when unfolded it offers the largest screen ever seen on an iPhone.

To guarantee durability and a lightweight feel, Apple has used a titanium casing and an advanced hinge made up of more than 100 separate parts, ensuring the device stays firmly closed or lies perfectly flat when open.

Screen

The device features a dual-screen setup: a 5.4‑inch outer display and a 7.6‑inch inner display. The transition between the two is smooth, with the interface controls remaining in fixed positions for ease of use. The larger internal screen is optimised for both landscape and portrait orientation and supports split‑view multitasking, allowing users to run two different apps or multiple windows of a single app at the same time.

Productivity is further enhanced by compatibility with the Apple Pencil on both screens. In addition, the outer display has a standby mode for constant access to clocks and notifications, while security is handled via a side‑mounted Touch ID sensor or synchronisation with an Apple Watch.

Battery life

Under the bonnet, the iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro processor and a proprietary C2 modem. To power the dual screens, Apple has integrated two separate batteries. Battery life varies depending on use: the outer screen alone lasts up to 44 hours for video playback, the inner screen offers 31 hours, and with balanced use of both, usage time is around 24 hours.

Advanced camera systems

Photography is central, with a Dual Fusion system featuring a 48 MP main camera and an ultra‑wide‑angle lens. The main sensor supports 2x optical zoom, and both cameras can capture high‑resolution images at 24 MP or 48 MP. Video capabilities include 4K at 120 fps and 4K Dolby Vision HDR time‑lapses. For selfies and calls, the device uses a 12 MP Center Stage camera on the front and a discreet 1080p FaceTime camera under the display.

New software tools include Smart Take for group photos, Kid Cue to grab children’s attention, and Duo Preview, which lets people see themselves on the outer display when using the high‑quality rear cameras. In addition, Duo FaceTime allows multiple people to join a call via the outer display.

Prices and availability

The iPhone Duo is available in Star White and Night Sky and starts at 2,339 euros for the 256 GB version. The most expensive version costs 3,839 euros. Pre‑orders start on 16 October, with a worldwide release in 70 countries scheduled for 23 October. (fc)