Apple Unveils $1,999 Folding Phone
The iPhone Duo features Touch ID and new camera tools, though software optimization for its dual screens is still catching up.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Apple released the iPhone Duo on October 23, 2026. This is the company's first folding smartphone. It costs $1,999. The device follows Samsung's Galaxy Fold, which introduced the category in 2019.
The phone has a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display. This form factor is new to Apple. Many third-party applications have not been optimized for the new screen sizes. Apps such as Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have received updates for iOS 27.1. Some of these apps, including Instagram, still display broken interface elements. Other apps appear as a narrow strip in the center with thick black bars on the sides.
Apple replaced Face ID with a Touch ID sensor. The sensor is located on the right side of the device. This is the first time Touch ID has appeared on a flagship iPhone. The sensor remains on the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks. The Dynamic Island moved to the top-right edge of the outer screen near the selfie camera. It also appears in the same corner on the inner display during live activities.
Accessories present some challenges. The phone supports MagSafe. When unfolded and attached to a car dock or tripod, the device tips to one side due to uneven weight distribution. Third-party makers may need to add anti-rotation magnets. Magnetic wallets stick out past the bottom edge because the Duo is shorter than other iPhones. Apple has not offered an official fix for this issue.
New camera features allow users to take selfies with the rear cameras. A control labeled Slide to show camera moves the full camera app to the outer display. This disables the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. A separate feature called Duo Preview lets the person being photographed see the viewfinder. Kids Cue plays Snoopy animations on the outer screen to attract a child's attention.
Multitasking allows users to drag an app from the bottom to either side of the inner screen. Two apps can run side by side. Tapping the middle bar once locks the two apps as a pair. This pair is accessible from the Recent apps menu but cannot be saved as a single icon.
Apple advises caution with the inner display. The matte nano-texture finish is an integral component. Apple's support page warns users not to attempt to remove it. Doing so could void the warranty. A damaged finish costs $19 in warranty or $49 out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+.
Future software updates will add Reachability and support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. The keyboard can already be split for easier typing. There is no place on the phone to store the stylus.
