Apple’s first folding phone is finally on sale. The iPhone Duo went on sale on 23 October 2026, with a starting price of $1,999 in the US. Demand has been so strong that Apple capped pre-orders and limited walk-in sales. Here are the price, key specs, early reviews, and what Pakistani buyers should know.
iPhone Duo Sales Begin: What Happened
Pre-orders opened on 16 October. Within minutes, estimated delivery dates slipped to late January because demand outpaced supply. Apple called the customer response “nothing short of extraordinary.”
As a result, Apple capped pre-orders at two handsets per customer. It also limited stock for walk-in shoppers, so crowds were smaller than at usual iPhone launches. In China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan, units were available only to customers who had ordered online.
The launch is also an early test for new Apple CEO John Ternus. He unveiled the phone about a week after taking charge in September.
iPhone Duo Price and Storage Options
The iPhone Duo is the most expensive iPhone Apple has sold. It comes in two colors, Star White and Night Sky. The US prices are as follows:
| Storage | US Price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,999 |
| 512GB | $2,199 |
| 1TB | $2,599 |
| 2TB | $3,199 |
In addition, Apple sells the Duo Case for $79 and the Duo Folio with a kickstand for $129 in the US.
iPhone Duo Specifications
The Duo has a passport-shaped design. It opens like a small book. These are the main specs:
- Displays: a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer screen.
- Chip: Apple’s A20 Pro.
- Battery: two batteries managed together by software. Apple quotes 31 hours of video on the inner display and 44 hours on the outer display.
- Weight: 254 grams.
- Protection: IP68 dust and water resistance.
- SIM: eSIM only, with no physical SIM slot.
iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
Many buyers will compare the Duo with Apple’s top regular phone. The table shows the main differences.
| Feature | iPhone Duo | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (US) | $1,999 | $1,299 |
| Main display | 7.6-inch foldable | 6.9-inch flat |
| Weight | 254 g | 249 g |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
Therefore, the Duo costs $700 more at the starting level. It also gives up Face ID and some camera and battery strengths.
Early Reviews: Praise and Problems
Early reviews are mixed. Reviewers praised the design and the sturdy, barely visible hinge. This matters because the visible crease has long been a weakness of foldable phones.
However, reviewers also pointed out several drawbacks:
- The camera has no telephoto lens.
- Many third-party apps still need updates for the new screen size.
- The folded phone is less handy for quick daily tasks.
- Face ID is missing, so users must adapt to a different unlock method.
Apple commentator John Gruber described it as an extremely polished prototype rather than a finished product. Meanwhile, tech reviewer Marques Brownlee said regular users who mostly text, browse, and use social media should probably skip it. Several prominent reviewers recommended against the Duo for many Apple customers.
Can Apple Change the Foldable Market?
Samsung and Huawei have sold premium foldables for several years. Even so, adoption has stayed limited. IDC expects Apple to take 44 percent of foldable market value in 2026 on 31 percent of units. By 2027, IDC forecasts that Apple will lead the category in both value and units.
IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said Apple has made a convincing case for the form factor. He added that the next test is turning excitement into availability and adoption.
iPhone Duo in Pakistan
Apple has not confirmed an official Pakistan launch or price. Some websites list expected prices, but these are estimates and they differ widely. Imported units may also cost far more than the US price because of taxes and duties. Therefore, wait for official announcements, and check the warranty and PTA approval before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iPhone Duo price?
It starts at $1,999 in the US for 256GB. The 2TB model costs $3,199.
When did the iPhone Duo go on sale?
Sales began on 23 October 2026. Pre-orders opened a week earlier, on 16 October.
Is the iPhone Duo worth buying?
It suits buyers who want a large foldable screen and can afford the price. Reviewers say regular users may be better served by a standard iPhone.
Does the iPhone Duo have Face ID?
No. Reviews note that users must get used to not having Face ID.
Conclusion
The iPhone Duo marks Apple’s entry into foldables, backed by strong demand, a premium design, and a $1,999 starting price. Yet reviewers warn about the missing telephoto lens, missing Face ID, and limited app support. Supply is tight, so buyers may wait until the new year for delivery. For more tech and public-interest updates, keep following Pakistan Post. You can also read the original report on Dawn.
