Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone, at a special event in Cupertino on September 9, 2026. The launch came alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but Apple has chosen to roll out the foldable separately, giving Indian buyers a slightly longer wait.
When Can You Pre-Order the iPhone Duo in India?
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo opened in India on October 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM IST. The device will then go on sale starting October 23, 2026, available through the Apple Store website, Apple retail outlets, and major e-commerce platforms.
How Much Does It Cost?
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet. In India, prices start at ₹2,99,900 for the base 256GB model, with 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB variants also on offer. For comparison, the phone starts at $1,999 in the US; the price gap in India is largely due to import duties, GST, and the fact that the foldable isn’t manufactured locally.
Design and Display: What Makes It Different
The iPhone Duo has a passport-style folding design, wider and shorter than typical foldables, similar in spirit to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line. It features a 5.4-inch outer display for quick tasks and a spacious 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking. Apple has used a nano-texture finish on the inner screen to reduce glare and make the crease less noticeable during everyday use.
Powerful Hardware Under the Hood
Running the show is Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, paired with a vapour-cooling system to manage heat during gaming or heavy multitasking. Instead of Face ID, the Duo uses Touch ID built into the side button. It’s also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and runs iOS 27, a version of Apple’s software tailored for the foldable format.
Should You Buy It?
With a starting price near ₹3 lakh, the iPhone Duo is aimed squarely at early adopters and Apple loyalists rather than everyday buyers. If you want cutting-edge foldable tech with Apple’s ecosystem, it’s worth watching for launch-day offers. If budget matters more, the iPhone 18 Pro series remains a strong, more affordable alternative.
