Apple launches its first folding screen iPhone-the iPhone Duo

Apple releases its first folding-screen iPhone: iPhone Duo officially debuts

Seven years after Samsung Electronics launched a foldable smartphone, Apple has finally released its first folding-screen iPhone. The new device, called the "iPhone Duo", has a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded and folded into a smaller 5.4-inch body. Apple says this is its thinnest iPhone model.

Users can choose two color schemes: "starlight white" and "night sky black". Orders will be open for pre-ordering on Friday, October 16, and in-store stock will be available for sale starting on Friday, October 23.

Dual screen design and precision hinge technology

The usable display area of the iPhone Duo's external screen is approximately 90% of that of the iPhone 18 Pro. After unfolding, the internal screen area is 50% larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The two Super Retina XDR displays are designed with matching proportions to ensure that the application automatically adjusts the layout when it expands or folds without suddenly changing the interface structure. At the same time, both screens support ProMotion's adaptive refresh rate, always-on screen function and an outdoor maximum brightness of up to 3000 nits.

In order to reduce glare, reduce visible reflections and make creases less obvious, Apple has used nano-texture processing technology on the surface of the inner screen. A hinge system consisting of about 100 parts is built inside the fuselage, with a titanium frame and dual screen layout. The front-facing FaceTime camera is placed below the screen and is completely invisible when not in use.

In addition, Apple Pencil, which supports the USB-C interface, will be available later this year and can collaborate seamlessly between dual screens for writing, drawing and document annotation. In terms of identity verification, the iPhone Duo is achieved through the built-in Touch ID on the side buttons, and also supports unlocking the phone while wearing the Apple Watch.

Robust materials and innovative structure

The complete machine is made of Grade 5 titanium, the main body is polished, and the 3D printed hinge shell is micro-sandblasted to enhance the texture. Ceramic Shield ceramic shield glass is used on the back, and the front is upgraded to Ceramic Shield 2, which has three times higher scratch resistance than the previous generation.

There are reinforcing ribs inside the hinge, and the area around the antenna is reinforced with glass fiber material to improve structural strength. The foldable screen has a scratch-resistant coating on the surface and a polymer nanocoating on the bottom, which is said to be as much as 40% more rigid than similar products from competitors. The flexible display module is equipped with high-strength glass layers on both sides, and a special adhesive allows each layer to move independently when bent, thereby reducing the pressure in the folded area. A layer of titanium metal plate is also added to the bottom to further strengthen the overall structure.

Powerful performance and AI imaging innovation

The device is equipped with the A20 Pro chip and is optimized to cooperate with custom liquid-cooling cavities, dual battery systems and new cooling architecture to ensure continuous high-performance output and all-weather battery life. The iOS 27 operating system has deeply adapted the folding form, and the software interface will intelligently switch based on the opening and closing status of the phone.

In terms of imaging system, the main camera is a 48MP Fusion lens, which supports full-resolution shooting without shutter delay. The default setting is 24MP. The built-in 2x optical zoom option provides optical quality. Apple has also introduced an improved computational photography system that combines large size sensors, larger aperture and sensor displacement anti-shake technology to significantly improve shooting results in dark light environments. The auxiliary camera is also equipped with a 48MP Fusion ultra-wide-angle lens, which is consistent with the iPhone 18 Pro series.

The dual-screen design has also reshaped the photography experience. The "Smart Take" function leverages the local AI processing capabilities of the A20 Pro chip to analyze scenes in real time and automatically trigger shooting when the subject is in the best position. Users can use the rear camera to combine the external screen to take selfies, and the "Duo Preview" function allows the subject to preview the composition in real time. "Kid Cue" plays the "Peanut Comics" animation on the external screen to guide children to look at the camera. During video calls,"Duo FaceTime" can simultaneously display the pictures of relatives and friends standing next to the user on the external screen.

Video recording supports Dolby Vision 4K 120fps specification and supports slow-motion playback. Movie effects can be added later, and a maximum frame rate of 60fps can be supported. The audio mixing algorithm has been upgraded to achieve clearer separation of vocals from vocals/background music. Time-lapse photography now supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR format, and thanks to its self-supporting folding body, long-term shooting can be performed without the need for a tripod.

Privacy First AI Strategy

Apple executive John Ternus said: "The iPhone Duo is the most transformative product since the original iPhone. The new design and intuitive interactive experience demonstrate the infinite possibilities of hardware and software co-engineering and redefine the meaning of the use of folding-screen phones." He added: "Despite having the largest display in the history of the iPhone, it still fits easily into your pocket. Combined with the powerful computing power of the A20 Pro, whether it is entertainment, multitasking or games, users can be immersed in it and work efficiently anytime, anywhere."

Regarding the artificial intelligence system, Ternus calls it an "intelligent personal hub", emphasizing that it will provide services based on "the most intimate details of your daily life." He pointed out that most requests will be completed on the device side, and tasks requiring external computing will be processed through protected remote servers. "The outside world regards data as an object to be collected and stored, but here, even Apple cannot access the information that belongs to you."