Apple to Release $1,999 Foldable iPhone Duo Friday
The device features a passport-sized design and a dual-app multitasking display.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Apple is set to release the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Priced at $1,999, the device features a folding mechanism that allows it to collapse to the size of a passport while offering the largest screen display in the iPhone lineup.
Why it matters
The iPhone Duo signals a shift in the company's product strategy toward high-end foldable form factors. This development introduces a new multi-tasking workflow, enabling users to run two applications simultaneously on the expanded internal display.
The iPhone Duo is priced at $1,999. It utilizes a folding hinge architecture to reduce the device footprint to the size of a passport while providing the largest display surface area currently available in an iPhone.
The players
Apple
A consumer electronics company known for its integrated hardware and software ecosystems.
The details
The iPhone Duo uses a folding hinge to collapse the device into a compact form factor. When opened, the primary internal screen allows for side-by-side app multitasking, a software interface enabled by the expanded display area. The device is designed to provide maximum screen real estate while remaining portable by folding to a passport-sized profile.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Customers began forming a line at the Miami Beach store.
Thursday morning, October 22, 2026: People were observed waiting in line for the launch.
Friday, October 23, 2026: The iPhone Duo launches at 7 a.m.
January 2027: Expected delivery window for some online orders.
The Tech Race
The iPhone Duo marks the formal entry of Apple into the competitive field of foldable smartphones. It follows several years of research and consumer-facing testing conducted by rival hardware manufacturers.
Prospective buyers face limited availability at retail stores, with some online orders pushed to January 2027. The device requires a $1,999 investment and targets users seeking a dual-app multitasking workflow on a mobile screen.
The takeaway
The iPhone Duo demonstrates a significant pivot toward foldable hardware to enable new mobile multitasking capabilities. Prospective owners should monitor regional store inventory alerts on Friday morning to bypass the January 2027 online shipping delay.
What happens next
Consumers should monitor inventory availability updates as online orders for the device are already sold out.
Further reading
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