Apple has officially opened the doors to a new era of mobile hardware, as pre-orders for the long-awaited iPhone Duo began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, October 16. Marking the company’s first venture into the foldable smartphone market, the device is now available to customers across more than 70 countries and regions ahead of its official retail launch on Friday, October 23.
First unveiled at Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event last month, the iPhone Duo introduces a radical departure from the traditional slab-style smartphone. The device features a compact 5.4-inch outer display that unfolds to reveal a sprawling 7.6-inch interior folding screen. Available in “star white” and “night sky” finishes, the handset is positioned as a premium productivity powerhouse, starting at a price of $1,999 for the 256GB model.
This price point represents a significant $800 premium over the base iPhone 18 Pro, signaling Apple’s intent to target power users and early adopters. To justify the investment, Apple has introduced software-level innovations exclusive to the foldable form factor. Most notably, the device launches with a specialized version of iOS—iOS 27.1—which introduces “Split View” multitasking. This allows users to run two apps side-by-side or manage multiple windows from a single application, a first for the iPhone lineup. Furthermore, the device is the first in the series to offer Apple Pencil support, though that feature is slated for a future software update later this year.
Internally, the iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro chip, consistent with the latest iPhone 18 Pro models. To accommodate the unique folding design, Apple has engineered a dual-battery architecture and replaced the traditional Face ID system with Touch ID integrated directly into the side button.
With the device marking a completely new product category, analysts are closely watching supply chain performance. While the official release is scheduled for October 23, Apple has already confirmed a staggered roll-out, with an additional group of regions scheduled to receive the device on October 30.
Prospective buyers are advised that initial demand is expected to be high. As with previous major product launches, delivery windows are subject to change based on order volume. Those hoping to secure a unit for day-one delivery are encouraged to finalize their orders through the Apple Store app or online store as soon as possible. With its unique multitasking capabilities and high-end design, the iPhone Duo represents Apple’s most significant hardware pivot in years, aiming to redefine how users interact with their mobile devices.
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