Apple started pre-orders for the iPhone Duo today, October 16, at 5:30 PM IST. The foldable phone starts at Rs 2,99,900. Apple said it is “the thinnest iPhone ever.” Sales begin October 23 across official stores and retailers. Many expect high demand for this device despite the very high price.
Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, goes up for pre-order today, October 16, at 5:30 PM IST, with sales starting October 23. The phone carries the brand’s largest display, and the company said it is “the thinnest iPhone ever.” Customers can book the device through Apple’s official online store, authorised retailers and major offline platforms.
When Apple revealed the price of the iPhone Duo, it sent waves across the internet due to its exorbitant price. Even so, reports suggest higher demand for the phone, with nearly 6 million iPhone Duo units expected to ship in 2026 alone. This could be due to the brand’s reputation, as the iPhone is often associated with a status symbol.
The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900 for the base 256GB model. The 512GB and 1TB configurations cost Rs 3,24,900 and Rs 3,74,900, while the top-end 2TB model costs Rs 4,49,900. It comes in two colours: Star White and Night Sky. However, Apple is also set to provide a Rs 7,000 bank offer on select cards, which softens the blow a little.
What do you get for the money
This is Apple’s first foldable, and it opens like a book. Inside is a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display, which Apple says offers 50 per cent more display area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Fold it shut, and the 5.4-inch outer screen gives you a familiar, regular-phone experience.
It runs on the A20 Pro chip, brings back Touch ID on the side and supports Apple Pencil. On the toughness front, it has Ceramic Shield on the back, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and an IP68 rating.
The camera setup is a big part of the pitch. There is a 48MP main camera with an optical-quality 2x telephoto, plus a 48MP ultra-wide that also shoots macro photos. The front camera is smart too. It can take selfies in any orientation, so you don’t have to turn the phone sideways for a landscape shot. A separate camera under the inner display handles FaceTime calls when the phone is open. To keep the big screen going, Apple has used a dual-battery design that promises all-day battery life.
The phone runs iOS 27, which adapts as the phone folds, switches to the right screen when you flip it and supports Split View, so two apps can sit side by side. Siri has also had a makeover. The new Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, can stay open next to an app and answer questions about what is on screen. It is rolling out in beta, in English. StandBy mode works on either screen even when the phone isn’t charging, turning it into a photo frame, clock or widget hub.
Whether the Duo is worth it will depend on how much you love foldables, and Apple. For those who do, the wait is almost over.