Last updated: October 16, 2026
The quick answer
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, opens for pre-orders on Friday, October 16, at 5 a.m. Pacific Time and goes on sale October 23 in the US and more than 70 other countries and regions. US prices start at $1,999 for 256GB and climb to $3,199 for 2TB, so it makes sense mainly for people who will really use a tablet-sized screen that fits in a pocket.
What happened
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo in September, but buyers had to wait more than a month to order it. That wait ends this morning. Ahead of the launch, Apple let shoppers prepare their order in advance in its online store and app so checkout takes a single step once pre-orders go live; the preparation window closed on the evening of October 15 Pacific Time.
The phone opens into a 7.6-inch inner display and has a 5.4-inch outer display for use while folded. It runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, uses Touch ID in the side button, is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, and works only with eSIM, with no physical SIM tray. It has two 48-megapixel rear cameras (main and ultra wide), plus a separate front camera under the inner screen for video calls when the phone is open.
iPhone Duo prices and key dates
| Storage | US price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,999 |
| 512GB | $2,199 |
| 1TB | $2,599 |
| 2TB | $3,199 |
- Pre-orders: Friday, October 16, from 5 a.m. PT (8 a.m. ET).
- First wave: Friday, October 23, in the US and 70+ countries and regions, including Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, China, India, Australia and Singapore.
- Second wave: Friday, October 30, in 28 more countries and regions.
- Colors: Star White and Night Sky.
- Monthly option (US): Apple lists financing from $83.29 per month over 24 months for the base model.
- Accessories: Apple’s own iPhone Duo Case ($79) and Folio with Kickstand ($129) can also be ordered from October 16.
What changes for you
For most of the last decade, iPhones have come in one shape. The Duo is the first that turns into something close to a small tablet, and Apple has built software around that: iOS 27 adds Split View so you can run two apps side by side on the inner screen, and StandBy works on either display. Apple also says Apple Pencil support is planned for later this year, so if you want to write or sketch on it, that is not available at launch.
The trade-off is price and fragility. At $1,999 and up, the Duo costs far more than a standard iPhone, and foldable screens are more expensive to repair than flat ones. Reports on out-of-warranty repair costs have already been circulating, so think about protection before you buy. If you are new to Apple’s latest software, our explainer on how much storage Apple Intelligence takes is useful when picking a storage tier.
How to pre-order the iPhone Duo quickly
- Decide before 5 a.m. PT. Pick your storage and color in advance. Supply is expected to be tight, and delivery dates usually slip within minutes of launch.
- Use the Apple Store app or apple.com. Sign in with your Apple Account beforehand and check that your shipping address and payment method are current.
- Check your carrier and eSIM. Because the Duo is eSIM-only, confirm your carrier supports eSIM transfer before switching phones. If you rely on a physical SIM today, ask your carrier how to convert it.
- Consider trade-in or financing carefully. Apple offers trade-in and monthly payment options; compare the total cost, not just the monthly figure.
- Decide on AppleCare. Apple offers AppleCare+ for the Duo, which covers accidental damage. Given the folding display, this matters more than on a regular phone.
- Back up your current iPhone. Make a fresh iCloud or computer backup so setup on October 23 is smooth.
Who should buy it, and who should wait
Good fit: people who read, edit documents, watch video or juggle two apps on their phone every day, and who would otherwise carry both an iPhone and an iPad mini. Frequent travelers may also like having a large screen without a second device.
Better to wait: anyone on a tight budget, anyone who wants Apple Pencil support on day one, and people who are hard on their phones. First-generation hardware often improves quickly, and waiting for independent reviews and durability tests after October 23 costs you nothing but time. If you mainly want a new phone for the camera or battery life, a standard iPhone 18 model will likely give you more for the money.
Apple has also refreshed its home lineup this month; see our guide to HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and the new Apple TV 4K.
FAQ
When does the iPhone Duo arrive in stores?
Friday, October 23, in the US and more than 70 countries and regions. A second group of 28 countries and regions follows on October 30.
Does the iPhone Duo have a SIM card slot?
No. Apple describes it as eSIM-only, so you will need a carrier that supports eSIM.
Can I use an Apple Pencil with it?
Not at launch. Apple says support for Apple Pencil with USB-C is planned for later this year.
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