Patna: Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market — but the company has delivered one surprise before users even get their hands on the device. Despite months of speculation that its first foldable iPhone could be called the iPhone Ultra, Apple has officially named it the iPhone Duo.
The new device represents the biggest design departure in the iPhone lineup, combining a conventional cover display with a large foldable screen and a user interface designed specifically around the new form factor.
The iPhone Duo has launched globally, including in India and the US, and comes exclusively with eSIM connectivity.
No physical SIM slot
Apple has removed the physical SIM tray completely from the iPhone Duo, with the company using the additional internal space to accommodate a larger battery.
When unfolded, the phone features a 7.6-inch foldable Super Retina XDR display. Apple says a custom nano-texture finish makes the central crease virtually invisible while also reducing reflections.
The inner display uses a custom polymer construction topped with a layer of high-strength glass.
When folded, users get a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR cover display. Ceramic Shield protection is used on both the exterior display and rear panel.
An iPhone that works in more than one shape
The iPhone Duo runs iOS 27, which has been customised for the foldable form factor.
One of the key features is Split View, allowing users to place compatible apps side by side and switch between them with a swipe.
The device can also be used partially folded, opening up additional ways to interact with apps and content.
Apple has also added a standby mode that can operate while the device is not connected to a charger.
iPhone Duo
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
AirPods 5… and Joz pic.twitter.com/TWj3GjDSmk
— John Ternus (@johnternus) September 9, 2026
A20 Pro brings a major performance jump
Powering the iPhone Duo is Apple’s A20 Pro chipset, manufactured using a 2nm process.
The six-core CPU includes two new “super cores” and four efficiency cores. Apple claims the CPU delivers 20% faster performance.
The seven-core GPU is claimed to provide 40% faster graphics performance, along with increased memory bandwidth.
The A20 Pro also features a dual Neural Engine architecture with 32 cores in total and supports 8-bit floating-point operations.
Apple claims the chip delivers 50% more memory bandwidth and is 40% more powerful than the A19 Pro and twice as powerful as the A18 Pro.
The phone also uses Apple’s C2 modem, which the company says offers 50% better performance than the C1x.
Two 48MP cameras on the back
The iPhone Duo features a dual-camera system comprising:
- 48MP Fusion main camera with 2x optical zoom
- 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera
- Front-facing Center Stage camera
- Under-display FaceTime camera integrated into the foldable screen
The phone supports video recording at up to 4K at 120 frames per second.
The under-display camera is designed to disappear into the foldable display when not in use, further reducing visual interruptions on the large inner screen.
From iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max to Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5… here’s a look at all of the latest announcements dropping today! #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/YvswtNEA7m
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 9, 2026
Up to 44 hours of video playback
Battery life is another area where Apple’s foldable design makes an ambitious claim.
Apple says the iPhone Duo can deliver up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours using the outer screen.
When both displays are used, the claimed battery life is 22 hours on a single charge.
Apple also claims that a five-minute charge can provide up to five hours of video playback.
Price and availability in India
The iPhone Duo will be available in two colours — Star White and Night Sky.
Prices in India start at:
- 256GB: Rs 2,99,900
- 512GB: Available
- 1TB: Available
- 2TB: Available
Pre-orders will begin on October 16, with sales starting October 23.
Apple has also introduced new Folio cases designed specifically for the foldable iPhone.
The iPhone Duo therefore marks more than the arrival of Apple’s first foldable phone. It represents a fundamental change in how an iPhone can be used — folded like a conventional smartphone, unfolded like a compact tablet, or positioned somewhere in between.
