iPhone Duo buyers must spend $249 extra for listed features

Apple has made its first foldable smartphone available to the public this week. The iPhone Duo arrives with a hardware design that Apple says supports fast charging and stylus input. However, the device ships without the specific accessories needed to activate those headline capabilities at their full potential.

A tech review outlet calculated that early buyers need an additional $249 to access the core features Apple promotes. This total combines the cost of the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the specific power adapter required for peak charging speeds. The phone itself is sold with a USB-C cable but no wall charger, consistent with recent Apple hardware releases.

The stylus support represents the first time an iPhone has offered this functionality. Users can write notes and sketch on both the inner and outer displays. Apple stated that the design draws on the proportions of a standard A-series paper notebook. Software support is scheduled for arrival next week in the iOS 27.2 update. The compatible Apple Pencil (USB-C) is listed at $69, reduced from its previous price of $79.

Charging performance also depends on external hardware. The iPhone Duo can reach 50 percent charge in approximately 20 minutes. This speed is only achievable with a suitable power adapter. The review site points to Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max, priced at $34, as a recommended option. An alternative from Anker, a 100W USB-C charger with a five-foot cable, is available for $29.

Additional accessories target specific user needs. For drivers, a MagSafe car mount from ESR is suggested for $19. This allows the phone to clip to an air vent while displaying navigation data. For protection, third-party cases are available, including the SPIDERCASE Magnetic Case at $29 and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro at $39. Apple sells its own Folio with Kickstand for $129 and a standard case for $79.

The device also updates the StandBy mode to display views while the phone is upright and not charging. Two of these views, Home Camera and Home Modular, provide access to smart home accessories. The review recommends two HomeKit-compatible security cameras to utilize this feature: the Aqara G100 2K model at $39 and a eufy 4K camera at $69.

The total for the Pencil and the Apple 40W adapter is $103. However, the $249 figure cited includes the recommended security camera and other items to create a complete setup. The source notes that the AirPods Pro 3 are also on sale for $199, down from $249, for users looking to upgrade their audio gear alongside the new phone.