iPhone Duo Pre-Orders Begin Friday With $1,999 Price Tag and Camera Limitations
The first foldable iPhone launches with pre-orders this Friday, offering a new form factor but lacking Pro-level camera hardware and Face ID.
Key points
- Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo start this Friday, with shipments arriving on October 23.
- The device costs $1,999 but lacks a telephoto lens and Face ID, using Touch ID instead.
- iOS 27 is optimized for the foldable screen, allowing apps to snap across the hinge.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin this Friday, marking the start of sales for Apple’s first foldable smartphone. According to Engadget, the first units will be shipped to buyers on October 23, fulfilling a long-awaited hardware shift for the company.
The iPhone Duo represents the most radical change to the iPhone lineup in recent years, introducing a folding mechanism to the brand. Despite the significant engineering shift, the device comes with notable hardware trade-offs compared to standard models. It is also the most expensive iPhone available, with a starting price of $1,999.
Hardware and Feature Limitations
The iPhone Duo lacks several features found in higher-end models, particularly regarding its camera system. According to Engadget, the device has two rear cameras and no dedicated telephoto lens, similar to midrange iPhones. It offers a 2x optical-quality zoom via digital crop of the main 48-megapixel sensor, which Engadget notes is inferior to the iPhone 18 Pro’s zoom lens.
The front-facing camera on the iPhone Duo has a lower resolution than the latest iPhones, featuring 12 megapixels instead of 18. Additionally, the main lens lacks a variable aperture, a feature that remains exclusive to iPhone 18 Pro models. These omissions mean the Duo does not have the best hardware specifications in every respect.
Authentication and Software Adjustments
Unlocking the iPhone Duo relies on Touch ID located on the side button rather than Face ID. This change may require users to adjust their habits, as it differs from the facial recognition standard on recent iPhones. The Action Button is also absent, limiting quick controls to silencing the phone or accessing the Control Center.
Camera Control remains available on the device, allowing users to open camera apps with a single click. Apple has optimized iOS 27 for the foldable form factor, enabling apps to automatically snap to fit two halves of the screen when the hinge is bent. This software adaptation helps manage the unique display layout of the new device.
What should you do?
Consumers interested in the iPhone Duo should review the pre-sale deals and consider accessories before ordering. Engadget suggests reading reviews of competing products to compare the foldable experience. Buyers should also weigh the camera limitations and authentication changes against the high price point to determine if the device fits their needs.
What to do and how to stay safe: iPhone Duo
- Review the specific camera limitations and lack of telephoto lens before purchasing the iPhone Duo.
- Compare the iPhone Duo’s features and price against competing foldable products and current iPhone models.
- Check for pre-sale deals and necessary accessories that may be required for the foldable form factor.
- Evaluate whether Touch ID authentication and the absence of an Action Button meet your usability preferences.
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
When can I buy the iPhone Duo?
Pre-orders begin this Friday, and the first units will ship to buyers on October 23.
Does the iPhone Duo have Face ID?
No, the iPhone Duo uses Touch ID on the side button for unlocking instead of Face ID.
How much does the iPhone Duo cost?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone in the current lineup.
