Key Highlights

  • Pre-orders are live: Bookings opened in India on October 16 at 5:30 PM IST, and sales begin October 23.
  • Premium pricing: The phone starts at Rs 2,99,900 for 256GB. The 2TB model costs Rs 4,49,900.
  • Two screens: It has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. Apple says the inner screen gives 50% more viewing area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
  • Touch ID is back: The fingerprint sensor sits in the side power button. The phone runs the A20 Pro chip with vapour chamber cooling.
  • Strong demand expected: Industry reports put global shipments close to six million units in 2026.

For years, Apple watched from the sidelines as rivals experimented with folding screens. On Friday, it joined the segment in India. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first-ever foldable smartphone, opened at 5:30 PM IST on October 16. Official sales start on October 23.

Apple calls the device its thinnest iPhone to date. It also has the largest display ever offered on an iPhone. The phone uses a book-style folding design and is available through Apple’s online store, authorised retail partners and leading offline retail outlets.

A Price Tag That Has Everyone Talking

The pricing has drawn the most attention. The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 for the 256GB variant. The 512GB model costs Rs 3,24,900, the 1TB model Rs 3,74,900 and the top 2TB model Rs 4,49,900. That makes it one of the most expensive smartphones Apple has ever launched.

Industry reports still point to strong consumer interest. Global shipments are expected to approach six million units in 2026.

Two Displays, One Big Promise

The phone has a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display and a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR outer display. Apple says the inner screen offers 50 per cent more viewing area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. For people who watch films, series and trailers on their phones, that is the headline feature.

Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On functionality and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. The inner panel has a nano-texture finish to reduce glare.

Power, Software and a Familiar Comeback

The A20 Pro chipset powers the device, and a custom vapour chamber cooling system keeps it from overheating. iOS 27 has been redesigned for the foldable form. It adapts automatically as the phone is opened, closed or held at different angles.

Split View lets users run two apps side by side, and saved app pairs make it faster to switch between tasks. Touch ID also returns, built into the side-mounted power button.

For durability, the phone has a Grade 5 titanium build. It uses Ceramic Shield on the back, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Built for Creators

Apple has put a strong focus on photography. The iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with integrated 2x telephoto capability. It also has a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera that supports macro shots. This setup is aimed at content creators, influencers and entertainment professionals who shoot reels and behind-the-scenes footage.

Why It Matters

Apple’s late entry gives the foldable category a major boost. When Apple adopts a form factor, mainstream buyers usually take it more seriously. In India, the iPhone Duo’s price places it next to luxury purchases rather than everyday gadgets. Expect it to show up in celebrity hands, at red-carpet events and in airport spotting photos soon.

What Comes Next

All eyes are now on October 23. The first-day sale numbers, early reviews and the durability of the fold will show whether Indian buyers are willing to pay up to Rs 4.49 lakh for Apple’s foldable.