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iPhone Duo Review: Apple's $1,999 Foldable Weighs Design Against Usability

opinion-review · 2026-09-10

The Duo, Apple's inaugural folding iPhone, is priced at $1,999, making it the priciest iPhone to date. According to a PetaPixel review, it boasts a Grade 5 titanium frame, a Ceramic Shield 2 front display, and a custom alloy hinge, which is rated slightly higher than the Samsung Galaxy Fold. The matte interior display minimizes glare, and the crease is almost imperceptible. Touch ID has replaced Face ID, a change the reviewer considers a misstep due to its sluggishness and registration problems. Battery performance is just sufficient, dipping below 30% after a long day. The camera system features two 48-megapixel sensors but lacks ProRAW. One-handed operation feels cumbersome, and older applications do not display well. Ultimately, it represents a blend of iPhone and iPad.

Key facts

  • iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever
  • The device uses a Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back
  • Touch ID replaces Face ID on the Duo, which the reviewer calls a mistake
  • Cameras are two 48-megapixel fusion sensors with no ProRAW, ProRes Log or LiDAR
  • Battery dropped to just under 30% after a 7 AM to 9:30 PM day of moderate to heavy use
  • A 60-watt adapter reaches 50% charge in about 20 minutes, versus 15 minutes on the iPhone 18 Pro
  • Smart Take, Kid Cue and Duo Preview are camera features exclusive to the Duo
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra start at $1,699 and $1,899; Xiaomi 18 Fold at about $1,650

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Apple
  • Apple Park
  • Samsung
  • Xiaomi
  • PetaPixel
  • Reddit
  • Slack
  • YouTube
  • Duolingo
  • Gmail
  • Firefox
  • Netflix
  • Lightroom
  • Afterlight
  • Edits
  • Narwhal
  • Instagram
  • Apple Store
  • OnePlus
  • Nothing
  • Securities Times
  • TechRadar
  • Huawei
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Diariodesign
  • DoorDash
  • WhatsApp
  • Apple Authorized Service Provider

Locations

  • Cupertino
  • United States
  • China
  • Spain

Sources