iPhone Duo UAE pre-orders: 5 things Apple's foldable changes – and what it costs you

Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, opens for pre-orders in the UAE on October 16 at 4pm. The device costs Dh8,499 for 256GB, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has sold. The Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen that offers approximately 50% more screen area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The phone runs iOS 27.1, which includes layouts and multitasking tools made for the folding design.

One of the main differences between the Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro Max is that the Duo costs about Dh3,000 more. While the Duo has a larger screen, its features and capabilities are limited compared to the more expensive Pro models. The phone uses a 120Hz OLED display, an A20 Pro chip, and a 48MP main camera on the inner screen, along with a 48MP Ultra Wide camera on the back and a 12MP camera on the outer screen. The Duo also includes Touch ID in the side button, no Face ID, and no telephoto lens.

Despite the higher price, the Duo offers some practical benefits. The inner screen supports Split View, allowing users to run two apps side by side, which can be useful for tasks such as writing an email while keeping a document open. Additionally, the inner screen can be used for reading articles, documents, and images, providing more space than a conventional phone. The outer screen also enables features like Duo Preview, Smart Take, and Kid Cue.

However, there are limitations to consider. The Duo's camera system has fewer lenses than the Pro models, and it lacks adjustable aperture and ProRes or Apple Log video recording. The phone also does not have Action button or Face ID, and its build is smaller than the latest iPad. Buyers who frequently switch between apps may not find the Duo's split-screen functionality useful, and those who primarily use their phone for messaging, calls, and social media may not see the additional screen as a significant upgrade.