Apple Launches iPhone Duo Foldable with Mixed Reviews

Apple released the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The device features a 5.4-inch outer cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display with a nano-texture finish designed to minimize the center crease. Powered by the A20 Pro chip and running iOS 27, the Duo supports split-screen multitasking and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Reports on pricing and availability vary. Some sources indicate a starting price of $1,999 or $2,000, while others cite a range between $3,499 and $5,899. While the device hit shelves on October 23, 2026, following pre-orders on October 16, constrained supply and production yields of approximately 60 percent have caused delivery delays into January.

Hardware reviews are mixed. The Duo is praised for its Grade 5 titanium construction, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a battery life of 13 hours and 20 minutes, which outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. However, it lacks the telephoto lens found in the iPhone 18 Pro Max and replaces Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. Critics also highlight thermal management problems during intensive tasks and a low-resolution 4MP under-display inner camera.

Software optimization remains a challenge, as many third-party apps are not yet fully compatible with the foldable form factor. Despite these first-generation hurdles, the device is positioned as a premium tool for gamers and content creators.