Apple announced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, during a surprise event held in 2026. The new device features a flexible OLED display that opens to reveal a larger interior screen. It is built with a titanium frame and includes IP68 dust and water resistance.
The phone measures 11.3mm thick when closed and has rounded edges for easy handling, according to Engadget. Buttons on the outside include a lock key with built-in TouchID, a camera control, and a volume rocker. The volume rocker is placed on top of the device, which makes sense for those who switch between portrait and landscape modes frequently.
The phone can detect how open it is and supports both tent and tabletop modes. It can also be used partially bent, which is helpful for reading ebooks. Inside, the main display has a matte nano texture that reduces reflections and hides the visible crease.
The screen’s design is similar to Apple’s desktop displays and MacBook Pros, according to a report from CNET. This texture helps make stylus input feel natural since the phone will support the Apple Pencil later this year. The back of the Duo includes two rear cameras: a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide lens.
While not matching the advanced features of the iPhone 18 Pro line, the camera setup still captures clear images in various lighting conditions. The software experience on the Duo is smooth and refined, making multitasking possible. Users can split apps using gestures or by touching and holding an app icon and selecting the split-screen option.
The Duo also supports dragging and dropping files between apps and holding the little tab in the middle of the split-screen view to create dedicated app pairs for faster multitasking. In addition to the foldable phone, Apple also introduced updated iPhone Pro models at the event. These devices feature iOS 27.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also come with a new variable-aperture camera system. This camera uses mechanical blades to adjust light exposure, offering more control over bokeh and depth of field. However, the aperture is limited to six blades, which is less than what’s found in many professional lenses.
The camera system still shows limitations due to the small sensor size and module constraints. Tim Cook introduced John Ternus as CEO during the event, marking his first Apple product launch as CEO. Ternus brought a background in product design to the role and provided detailed information about hardware components.
The event featured more video from locations around Los Angeles instead of static Apple Park footage. Touch ID returns on the Duo for login and purchase approvals instead of Face ID. This feature allows multiple fingerprints to be registered, which is useful for users with greasy or dirty hands.
The Duo also supports front and rear camera feeds simultaneously in FaceTime, while Duo Preview lets the outer screen show a live view to the person being photographed. Preorders for the iPhone Duo begin in October with delivery expected at the end of that month. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available for preorder soon, with shipping a week later.
Apple also showcased cases designed for the Duo and other devices. The company’s overall presentation emphasized innovation and user experience improvements across its product line.