Apple Introduces $1,999 iPhone Duo Foldable Alongside iPhone 18 Pro Models
Apple’s first foldable iPhone costs $700 more than the Pro Max, offering a larger screen but fewer camera features than standard Pro models.
Key points
- The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable device, priced at $1,999 with a 7.6-inch display.
- iPhone 18 Pro models start at $1,199 and offer advanced cameras and Face ID.
- All three new devices share the A20 Pro chip and iOS 27 software foundation.
Apple has expanded its iPhone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to MacRumors, the new device carries a $1,999 starting price, positioning it as a premium option distinct from the traditional slab designs.
The iPhone Duo commands a $700 premium over the $1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max. This price difference reflects the inclusion of a 7.6-inch folding display and Split View multitasking capabilities. MacRumors notes that the design allows the device to stand independently for video playback and FaceTime calls.
Hardware and Design Differences
The iPhone Duo supports StandBy mode without requiring a charger connection, a feature highlighted by MacRumors as a key advantage. However, the foldable model lacks Face ID and the Action button found on the Pro series. The Pro models retain a more versatile camera system, offering substantially lower prices than the Duo.
All three devices utilize the A20 Pro chip, featuring a 6-core CPU and 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators. MacRumors reports that the hardware includes a dual 16-core Neural Engine and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The Apple C2 modem is standard, except for the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the United States.
Shared Features and Software
The lineup shares Super Retina XDR OLED displays with ProMotion up to 120Hz and Always-On capabilities. MacRumors states that peak outdoor brightness reaches 3,000 nits across all models. Ceramic Shield 2 protects the front of Pro models and the outer display of the iPhone Duo.
IP68 water and dust resistance is standard, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Each device includes a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera at 13mm and f/2.2 aperture. Photographic Styles 3, Dual Capture, and 48MP macro photography are also included in the shared feature set.
Connectivity and Safety
iOS 27 powers all three devices, with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support subject to regional availability. MacRumors indicates that Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Crash Detection are standard features. Satellite connectivity for Messages and Find My is also included in the base specifications.
USB-C ports support USB 3 speeds, while MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging offer up to 25W power delivery. eSIM support is standard across the lineup. The N1 wireless networking chip and second-generation Ultra Wideband chip are also present in all models.
What should you do?
Consumers should evaluate whether the larger screen and multitasking features of the iPhone Duo justify the significant price increase over the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Users prioritizing camera versatility and biometric security via Face ID may find the Pro models more suitable for their needs.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Compare the specific camera requirements of your workflow against the versatile system in the Pro models versus the Duo.
- Assess if the 7.6-inch folding display and Split View multitasking provide tangible productivity benefits for your daily use.
- Verify regional availability of Apple Intelligence features before purchasing, as support varies by language and location.
- Check if the $700 price premium aligns with your budget constraints compared to the lower-cost iPhone 18 Pro options.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the iPhone Duo cost compared to the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, which is $700 more than the iPhone 18 Pro Max starting price of $1,299.
Does the iPhone Duo include Face ID?
No, the iPhone Duo does not include Face ID or the Action button, features that are present on the Pro models.
What chip powers the new iPhone lineup?
All three models, including the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, feature the A20 Pro chip.
