iPhone Duo Launches at $1,999 With Touch ID

Apple released the iPhone Duo today, its first folding smartphone, priced at $1,999. The device marks a return to Touch ID, a sensor technology that has been absent from flagship iPhones since the iPhone X.

The phone features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display. This specific screen configuration is new to the company's lineup. The hardware design is thinner than previous models, a physical constraint that likely influenced the decision to drop Face ID.

The fingerprint sensor is located on the right side of the device. While Touch ID has remained standard on the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks, this is the first time it has appeared on a top-tier iPhone. The Dynamic Island remains on the device, positioned at the top-right edge around the outer selfie camera. It also appears in the same corner on the inner display during live activities.

Software compatibility presents an immediate challenge for buyers. Many third-party applications have not yet been optimized for the new shape and size. Apps such as Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have been updated for iOS 27.1, but some still show broken interface elements. Many other apps display as a narrow strip in the center of the screen with thick black bars on the sides. Apple has moved navigation elements to the right rail rather than the bottom center.

The iPhone Duo is currently back-ordered for several weeks. This delay may allow developers time to update their apps before many customers receive their devices.

Accessories require specific attention due to the device's form factor. The phone supports MagSafe, but when unfolded and attached to a car dock or tripod, it tips to one side because of uneven weight distribution. Third-party makers may need to add anti-rotation magnets to fix this. Magnetic wallets attach securely but extend past the bottom edge because the Duo is shorter than other iPhones. Apple offers no official fix for this alignment issue.

Photography capabilities include a feature that allows users to take selfies with the superior rear cameras. A control labeled "Slide to show camera" moves the full camera app to the outer display, including modes and Photographic Styles. This disables the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. The device also includes "Duo Preview," which allows the subject to see the viewfinder, and "Kids Cue," which plays Snoopy animations on the outer screen to attract a child's attention.

Multitasking allows users to run two apps side by side on the inner screen. Tapping the middle bar locks the two apps as a pair, accessible from the Recent apps menu. The pair cannot be saved as a single icon.

Apple warns that the matte nano-texture finish on the inner screen is an integral component. The company's support page states, "Don't attempt to remove it." Doing so could void the warranty. A damaged finish can be replaced at an Apple Store or authorized provider for $19, or $49 out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+.

Future software updates will add Reachability and support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. There is no place to store the stylus on the phone.