iPhone Duo: Apple's Foldable iPhone Starts at 1999 Francs
Apple's first foldable iPhone launches in Switzerland on October 23. It features a 7.6-inch display, A20 Pro chip, and four storage options – but demands a significant premium.
Apple not only introduced the next iPhone generation on Wednesday evening in Cupertino, but also opened a new device category. The September Event focused on the iPhone Duo: Apple's first foldable smartphone. It aims to combine the portability of an iPhone with the workspace of a small tablet – and comes to Switzerland at a correspondingly high price.
The iPhone Becomes a Dual-Screen Device
When unfolded, the iPhone Duo offers a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display. When closed, it can be operated via an external 5.4-inch screen. Both OLED displays support ProMotion with up to 120 hertz, according to Apple, and reach a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits outdoors. The inner display consists of several thin layers and receives a nano-texture coating to reduce reflections.
The hinge allows for various angles. This enables the device to be set up like a small notebook, held like a book, or used in tent mode for photos and videos. iOS 27 has been adapted for these positions: content can be distributed across both screen halves, while features like Duo Preview show the person being photographed a preview on the outer display.
At 254 grams, the Duo is significantly heavier than a classic smartphone. When open, it measures 5.2 millimeters in depth; when closed, 11.3 millimeters. The frame and hinge cover are made of titanium, while the front and back feature Ceramic Shield. Apple specifies an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. However, only independent long-term tests will show how well the hinge and foldable screen withstand daily use over years.
Swiss Prices: Up to 3199 Francs
In Switzerland, the iPhone Duo with 256 GB storage starts at 1999 francs. The 512 GB version costs 2199 francs, Apple charges 2599 francs for 1 TB, and 3199 francs for 2 TB. The device is available in Night Sky and Starlight White colors.
Pre-orders are possible from Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2 PM. The iPhone Duo goes on sale on Friday, October 23. A USB-C cable is included, but a power adapter is not. This model relies exclusively on eSIM. Therefore, interested buyers should check before purchasing whether their mobile subscription and the desired Swiss provider support easy activation.
The starting price of 1999 francs is the main hurdle. For this price, one can already acquire a powerful laptop plus a good smartphone. Therefore, Apple targets the first generation primarily at tech-savvy buyers, mobile professionals, and people who frequently use documents, videos, or multiple apps simultaneously on the go.
A20 Pro, Two Batteries, and Four Cameras
Inside, the new A20 Pro operates. Apple speaks of an up to 20 percent faster six-core CPU and 50 percent more memory bandwidth compared to the A19 Pro. A vapor chamber is intended to dissipate heat. Two 16-core Neural Engines are available for AI tasks. These comparative values are provided by the manufacturer.
Apple distributes power supply across two integrated batteries for the first time. According to the company, this allows for up to 24 hours of typical use. For pure video playback, the company states up to 44 hours on the outer display and up to 31 hours on the inner display. With a separately available power adapter of at least 60 watts, the battery is expected to charge to 50 percent via cable in approximately 20 minutes.
The rear Dual-Fusion system combines a 48-megapixel main camera with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide angle. A two-times crop from the main sensor serves as an optical-quality telephoto option; a separate telephoto lens is absent. On the exterior is a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, and an under-display FaceTime camera is on the interior. According to the specifications, videos are possible at up to 4K and 120 frames per second.
The camera specifically reveals the compromise of the foldable design. The simultaneously introduced iPhone 18 Pro features an additional 48-megapixel telephoto lens and more manual control. Those seeking maximum photo quality may find better options there. However, those who utilize the large, flexibly positionable screen gain capabilities with the Duo that no other iPhone offers.
What Else Apple Introduced
In addition to the Duo, Apple presented the iPhone 18 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 12, the Apple Watch Ultra 4, and the AirPods 5. The iPhone 18 Pro starts in Switzerland at 1199 francs and includes a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture. The Watch Series 12 focuses on more precise heart rate measurement and more frequent HRV values, while the Ultra 4 emphasizes longer battery life. For the AirPods 5, Apple promises stronger active noise cancellation and a new acoustic architecture.
A Bold Beginning – with Early Adopter Risk
The iPhone Duo is the most significant Apple innovation of the evening because it breaks the rigid form factor of previous iPhones. The benefits are clear: more space for work, media, and multitasking, without needing to carry an additional tablet. Simultaneously, open questions remain regarding durability, repair costs, the visible crease, and actual battery life.
Therefore, Swiss consumers are not advised to purchase solely based on the presentation. Those considering the Duo should try it in stores after its sales launch, await independent reviews, and assess whether the large inner screen truly justifies the premium in their daily lives. The first generation is a technological promise – but not yet proof that foldable iPhones will become the new standard.
