Apple has officially announced the launch schedule for the iPhone Duo, marking the company's first move into the foldable smartphone market.
The new device will introduce a completely different form factor for Apple's iPhone lineup, allowing users to carry a compact phone that can open into a much larger display.
Before pre-orders begin, Apple will give customers an opportunity to prepare their purchases through its familiar "Get ready" setup process.
The preparation window opens Monday, October 12, 2026, giving potential buyers several days to choose their preferred configuration before the actual pre-order period begins.
Customers can access the setup process through the Apple Store app or Apple's online store. The system is designed to reduce the amount of time needed at checkout when pre-orders officially open.
During the setup process, buyers can select their preferred storage capacity, wireless carrier, payment method and color.
The iPhone Duo will initially be offered in two finishes, Night Sky and Star White.
For customers purchasing a carrier-supported version, Apple will offer connectivity options through AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Once the configuration is completed, buyers will be ready to place their orders when the official pre-order window opens Friday, October 16.
Pre-orders will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, or 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
The iPhone Duo will then officially go on sale Friday, October 23, 2026.
As Apple's first foldable iPhone, the device introduces a new design that changes how the phone can be used depending on whether it is closed or opened.
When folded shut, the iPhone Duo uses a 5.4-inch outer display that keeps the device compact enough to function like a conventional smartphone.
Opening the device reveals a much larger 7.6-inch internal display, giving users considerably more screen space for activities such as watching videos, browsing the web, working with apps and multitasking.
The inner display also features a nano-texture finish designed to reduce glare and make the larger screen easier to view in different lighting conditions.
Apple has designed the two displays around the same aspect ratio, helping create a consistent viewing experience when moving between the exterior and interior screens.
The design is supported by a precision-engineered hinge that allows the phone to open and close while maintaining the two-screen configuration.
Apple is also using a dual-battery system to provide power for the device's larger display and other components inside the folding chassis.
At the heart of the iPhone Duo is Apple's new A20 Pro chip, which is designed to handle the performance demands of the new hardware.
The processor is paired with a dedicated thermal management system that includes a custom vapor chamber.
That cooling system is intended to help control heat generated by the processor and other components during demanding tasks, particularly inside the relatively compact folding body.
The combination of the hinge, dual-battery setup, larger internal display and thermal system represents a significant change from the traditional iPhone design.
The foldable form also gives Apple a new way to approach the balance between portability and screen size.
Instead of carrying a larger conventional smartphone or tablet, users can fold the device down when they need a smaller footprint and open it when they want a larger workspace.
Apple is positioning the iPhone Duo as a premium product, and its pricing reflects that position.
The 256GB unlocked model will cost $1,999 in the United States.
Customers who want more storage can choose the 512GB unlocked version, which will be priced at $2,199.
That makes the iPhone Duo considerably more expensive than Apple's conventional iPhone models, placing it firmly in the company's high-end device category.
The pricing also puts Apple's first foldable directly into the premium segment of the growing foldable smartphone market.
For Apple, the launch represents more than another addition to the iPhone lineup. It introduces a new hardware design that could expand how customers use the company's most important product.
The October launch will also put Apple's foldable technology directly in the hands of consumers for the first time, following years of industry development around foldable smartphones.
With the "Get ready" process beginning October 12, pre-orders opening October 16 and retail availability starting October 23, Apple has now established the key dates for the iPhone Duo's debut.
The iPhone Duo will launch with a starting price of $1,999 for the 256GB unlocked model, while the 512GB version will cost $2,199.
