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iPhone Duo: What you need to know about Apple’s first foldable iPhone
10th September, 2026 07:26 AM
Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo, its first iPhone with a foldable design.
The device was unveiled on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during Apple’s latest launch event, where the company also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The iPhone Duo has attracted attention because it represents one of the biggest design changes to the iPhone in years. Unlike the traditional iPhone design, the Duo can be folded when being carried and opened to provide a much larger screen.
How the iPhone Duo looks
The iPhone Duo uses a book-style folding design. When closed, it has a 5.4-inch outer display, making it possible to use the phone without opening it.
When unfolded, the device reveals a much larger 7.6-inch inner display. Apple says the inner screen is 50 per cent larger than the display on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, giving users more space for watching videos, gaming, reading, and working with multiple apps.
For Kenyan users, this could be useful for people who use their phones for more than calls and social media, including watching content, editing documents, browsing several pages, and handling work while travelling.
The inner screen also has a special finish designed to reduce glare and reflections. Apple says the design is intended to make the crease less noticeable when using the phone.
What powers the iPhone Duo?
The foldable phone is powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which is also designed to handle demanding tasks, including artificial intelligence features.
Apple has fitted the device with a thermal management system and dual-battery architecture. The company says this combination is designed to provide strong performance while maintaining all-day battery life.
The Duo also runs iOS 27.1, with the software adapted to take advantage of the larger foldable display.
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are also part of the experience, although the availability of some AI features will depend on language and region.
Camera and other features
The iPhone Duo comes with an advanced camera system designed to take advantage of its foldable form.
One interesting feature is that the phone can be used in different positions when taking photos or recording videos. The larger display can also provide more space for viewing and working with content.
Apple has also brought Touch ID back to the device through a sensor built into the side button. The phone supports camera control and will later support the Apple Pencil with USB-C, allowing users to take notes, sketch, and mark up documents on either display.
The device is made using grade 5 titanium and has an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water. Apple has also designed a new hinge to control how the phone opens and closes.
How much does the iPhone Duo cost?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 (about Ksh258,000) in the United States for the 256GB version, although the final price in Kenya could be higher because of taxes, import costs and retailer margins.
It will be offered with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. The phone comes in two colours: Star White and Night Sky.
For comparison, the starting US price makes the Duo significantly more expensive than Apple’s standard iPhone models and puts it firmly in the premium smartphone category.
When will the iPhone Duo be available?
Apple said pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will begin on October 16, 2026, with sales starting on October 23 in more than 70 countries and regions.
Kenya is not included in Apple’s initial list of markets announced for the October 23 release, meaning Kenyan buyers may have to rely on local retailers or importers depending on when the device officially reaches the country.
The iPhone Duo therefore marks a major shift for Apple as the company joins Samsung and other smartphone makers that have already introduced foldable devices.
For consumers, the biggest question will be whether the Duo’s large screen and new design justify its premium price.
