Apple’s first foldable phone is finally here. The iPhone Duo opened for pre-orders on Friday, 16 October 2026, and the first units reach buyers on Friday, 23 October. Demand looks huge, and shipping estimates on Apple’s store have already slipped for many models. This guide covers the official price for every storage option, the release dates by country, the key specs, how to pre-order and what buyers in Nigeria should know before importing one.
Quick answer: The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256GB in the US. Pre-orders opened on 16 October, and it goes on sale on 23 October in more than 70 countries and regions, with 28 more following on 30 October.
Contents
- iPhone Duo price for every storage option
- Release date and pre-order timeline
- Key specs at a glance
- What makes Apple’s foldable different
- How to pre-order step by step
- Should Nigerians import one?
- How it compares with Samsung’s foldables
- Tips before you switch from Android
- Frequently asked questions
- When does the iPhone Duo come out?
- How much does Apple’s foldable cost?
- Does it have a physical SIM slot?
- Does it support Apple Pencil?
- Final thoughts
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iPhone Duo price for every storage option
Apple sells the foldable in four storage sizes. Here are the US prices:
- 256GB: $1,999
- 512GB: $2,199
- 1TB: $2,599
- 2TB: $3,199
Apple also offers monthly payments in the US from $83.29 a month over 24 months. In the UK, prices start at £1,999 for 256GB, while Canada starts at C$2,999. Local prices include taxes and vary by country, so always check Apple’s site for your region.
That makes it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold. For comparison, it costs more than many laptops, so it is worth knowing exactly what you get before you pay.
Release date and pre-order timeline
Apple confirmed the dates in its official iPhone Duo announcement:
- Pre-orders: Friday, 16 October 2026, from 5 a.m. Pacific Time
- First wave on sale: Friday, 23 October 2026, in more than 70 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Japan, China, India and Germany
- Second wave: Friday, 30 October 2026, in 28 more countries and regions
Within days of pre-orders opening, reports showed US delivery estimates moving into January for many configurations. Some early units also appeared on resale sites at much higher prices. If you want one soon, check your local Apple Store pickup options daily, because stock can appear without warning.
Key specs at a glance
- Inner display: 7.6-inch ProMotion screen with a nano-texture finish and 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness
- Outer display: 5.4-inch screen with about 90% of the iPhone 18 Pro’s screen area
- Chip: A20 Pro on a 2-nanometre process
- Rear cameras: 48MP Fusion Main with optical-quality 2x zoom, plus 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide
- Video: up to 4K at 120 fps in Dolby Vision
- Battery: up to 24 hours of mixed use, and up to 44 hours of video on the outer screen
- Charging: 50% in around 20 minutes wired, or around 30 minutes with MagSafe or Qi2
- Build: Grade 5 titanium, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and IP68 water and dust resistance
- SIM: eSIM only, worldwide
- Colours: star white and night sky
For the full technical breakdown, including size, weight and screen resolution, see our Apple foldable specs page.
What makes Apple’s foldable different
Apple waited years before entering the foldable market, and it focused on three pain points that buyers often mention.
The crease. Apple says its hinge has more than 100 parts and supports the centre of the screen so it lies flat when open. A titanium plate under the display adds strength.
The outer screen. Many foldables have a narrow cover screen that feels cramped. Apple gave both screens the same aspect ratio, so apps look familiar whether the phone is open or closed.
Software. The phone ships with iOS 27 features built for the larger screen. You get Split View for two apps side by side, two windows of the same app, a vertical Dynamic Island and a side-mounted Dock. Apple Pencil support with USB-C is due later this year.
How to pre-order step by step
- Open the Apple Store app or go to Apple’s website for your country.
- Choose your colour and storage size.
- Decide whether to add AppleCare, a Folio with Kickstand ($129) or a case ($79).
- Pick delivery or in-store pickup, then check the estimated date.
- Pay, then watch your email for shipping updates.
If your estimate is far away, keep checking pickup availability at nearby stores. Retail stock often arrives in small batches after launch day.
Should Nigerians import one?
Apple has not named Nigeria in its first two launch waves, and it does not run official Apple Stores in the country. Most Nigerian buyers will import through relatives abroad, trusted resellers or international shipping services. Before you do, think about these points:
- eSIM only. The phone has no physical SIM tray. Confirm that your network supports eSIM before you buy. Our guide on what an eSIM is explains how activation works.
- Total cost. Add shipping, customs duty and the exchange rate. The final naira price can be far above the US price.
- Warranty and repairs. Foldable screens are expensive to fix. Without an official Apple presence, repairs may take longer.
- Fake listings. High demand attracts scammers. Learn how to check if a phone is original before paying a local seller.
How it compares with Samsung’s foldables
Samsung has sold book-style foldables for years, and its latest models compete directly with Apple. Samsung’s phones usually offer more camera options and earlier Android features, while Apple’s foldable focuses on iOS integration, build quality and resale value. If you are torn, compare our Galaxy Z Fold8 specs side by side with Apple’s model before you decide.
Tips before you switch from Android
- Back up your old phone first. Our guide on how to back up your phone covers both Android and iPhone.
- Move your chats with the official tools. See how to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone.
- Check that your banking and work apps support iOS 27 before launch day.
Frequently asked questions
When does the iPhone Duo come out?
It goes on sale on 23 October 2026 in more than 70 countries and regions, with 28 more following on 30 October.
How much does Apple’s foldable cost?
It starts at $1,999 for 256GB in the US and rises to $3,199 for 2TB.
Does it have a physical SIM slot?
No. It is eSIM only worldwide, so check that your network supports eSIM.
Does it support Apple Pencil?
Apple says support for Apple Pencil with USB-C is coming later this year.
Final thoughts
Apple’s first foldable is expensive, but it is also the most ambitious iPhone in years. If you want one soon, pre-order now and watch for pickup stock. If you live in Nigeria, plan for eSIM, import costs and repairs before you commit. Either way, wait for real-world reviews of the hinge and battery if you are not in a hurry.
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