Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with a U.S. starting price of $1,999 and an October 23 release date. Announced on September 9, the device opens into a larger screen for people who want more room to read, watch video or work across apps.
Preorders begin October 16, according to Apple’s announcement. That leaves buyers several weeks between the unveiling and the first opportunity to order.
iPhone Duo price and release dates
The starting configuration includes 256GB of storage. Apple lists two finishes, star white and night sky. The schedule below covers the first launch markets, including the United States; local availability should be checked before ordering.
| Detail | Announced information |
|---|---|
| U.S. starting price | $1,999 |
| Base storage | 256GB |
| Preorders | October 16, 2026 |
| First availability | October 23, 2026 |
| Displays | 5.4-inch outer; 7.6-inch inner |
What changes when the phone unfolds
The inner display gives the device its central selling point: a bigger workspace that can fold down for carrying. Apple says its software supports two apps side by side, making tasks such as checking a webpage while composing a message possible on one screen.
Macworld’s event coverage independently reported the same price, screen sizes and October launch dates. It also described a Touch ID sensor in the power button, replacing Face ID on this model, and a design measuring 5.2mm when open and 11.3mm when folded.
Those dimensions illustrate the practical tradeoff. Opening the phone creates more viewing space; closing it stacks the two halves together. Buyers considering the format will need to weigh that extra screen area against how the folded device feels in a pocket or in one hand.
What buyers still need to assess
A launch presentation establishes specifications, but it does not settle everyday questions about comfort, screen wear or battery endurance. Apple’s durability and battery claims should be treated as manufacturer claims until independent testing provides a fuller picture.
App behavior is another important test. A larger display is most useful when the apps a person relies on make effective use of it. Reading, video calls and comparing information across windows offer different ways to judge whether the design adds enough value.
For now, the confirmed news is the move to a folding iPhone and a clear ordering timetable. The next decision point for prospective buyers is October 16, when preorders are scheduled to open.
Reporting checked September 10, 2026. Featured artwork is an AI-generated conceptual illustration, not a product photograph.
