Apple’s first foldable iPhone goes on sale in India next week. The iPhone Duo, which Apple unveiled on September 9 at its “Surprise and Shine” event, opens for pre-order on October 16 at 5:30 PM IST, priced at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model. Deliveries start October 23. (Apple’s announcement)
At ₹2,99,900, this is the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold in India — ₹1,19,901 more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 (₹1,79,999), which launched on July 22, 2026. Same 7.6-inch inner display size on both.
Storage runs from 256GB to 2TB. Apple hasn’t officially confirmed India prices beyond the base model. Indian press citing Apple’s India store lists 512GB at ₹3,24,900 and 1TB at ₹3,74,900. Treat those as unconfirmed until Apple lists them itself. (Prices last checked October 9, 2026.)
The specs that matter
The Duo runs on the A20 Pro, the same chip as the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to Apple. It’s built on a 2nm process, with a 6-core CPU Apple claims is up to 20% faster than the A19 Pro, a 7-core GPU, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine.
Two displays: a 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR (the largest display ever on an iPhone, per Apple) and a 5.4-inch outer screen. Both get ProMotion, Always-On, and 3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness. The inner display has a nano-texture finish.
Two Apple-confirmed details deserve attention. First, there’s no Face ID: you unlock with Touch ID in the side button. Second, it’s eSIM-only worldwide. No SIM tray.
The frame is mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, rated IP68 (Apple says tested to 6 meters for 30 minutes). The outer display uses Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims has 3x better scratch resistance. Two rear cameras: 48MP Fusion Main with optical-quality 2x telephoto plus 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, a Center Stage front camera, and 4K120fps Dolby Vision video. Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro’s triple-lens system, there’s no third lens here. MacRumors’ roundup lists it at 5.2mm unfolded and 254 grams. Apple didn’t put those numbers in its own announcement.
Battery, per Apple’s own lab testing: up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner display, 44 hours on the outer, 24 hours mixed use. A half charge takes about 20 minutes wired with a 60W+ adapter.
It ships with iOS 27.1. Siri AI arrives in beta with iOS 27, and Apple Pencil support comes “later this year,” Apple says. Two colors: Star White and Night Sky.
Who should not pre-order
At ₹2,99,900, this isn’t a rational purchase. It’s an early-adopter tax. Every brand’s first foldable has had hinge or display teething problems, and there’s no reason to assume Apple is exempt until units have been in hands for months.
If you need the Apple Pencil, it isn’t supported yet. If you want mature AI features, Siri AI is still in beta. And if the price stings, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 does the same folding trick for roughly ₹1.2 lakh less.
One rumor to file away
Leaker Majin Bu claimed on September 17, via The Apple Post, that an iPhone Duo 2 could launch as early as spring 2027, putting the likelihood at 80%.
Pre-orders open October 16 at 5:30 PM IST. Apple’s “Get Ready” configurator opens October 12, so you can save your configuration before the rush.
Frequently asked questions
What is the iPhone Duo price in India?
₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model, per Indian press citing Apple’s India store (last checked October 9, 2026).
When do iPhone Duo pre-orders start in India?
October 16 at 5:30 PM IST, with deliveries starting October 23.
Does the iPhone Duo have Face ID?
No. Apple confirmed it uses Touch ID in the side button instead.
