After years of rumours, Apple has done it — the company has launched its first-ever foldable phone, and it’s called the iPhone Duo. Unveiled on September 9, 2026, at the Steve Jobs Theatre, this is Apple’s biggest design change to the iPhone in a long time. And since Samsung has been ruling the foldable phone game for years with its Galaxy Z Fold series, comparisons were bound to start immediately.
So here’s the big question: is the iPhone Duo worth choosing over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8? Let’s break down the price, specs, and features in simple terms so you can decide for yourself.
What’s New in the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo isn’t just a bigger iPhone – it folds. When closed, it has a 5.4-inch screen that’s easy to use with one hand and fits in your pocket like a normal phone. Open it up, and you get a huge 7.6-inch display; the biggest screen Apple has ever put on an iPhone. Both screens work together smoothly, so whatever you’re doing doesn’t feel broken up when you fold or unfold the phone.
Apple has also worked hard on making it feel sturdy. The body is made from titanium, the front and back are protected with Ceramic Shield, and it comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle dust and accidental splashes — something people have always worried about with foldable phones.
Powering it all is Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which the company says gives noticeably better performance and battery life compared to older iPhones. Speaking of battery, thanks to two batteries working as one, you can get a full day of use even if you’re switching between both screens a lot.
The camera setup is also solid; a 48MP main camera with a built-in 2x zoom lens, plus an ultra-wide camera. And because it’s a foldable, Apple added some genuinely useful tricks, like using the outer screen as a live preview when someone else is taking your picture, or joining a FaceTime call using just the cover screen.
On the software side, it runs iOS 27, which now allows real multitasking — you can finally open two apps side-by-side on an iPhone, something Android foldables have offered for years. It also comes with Apple’s upgraded voice assistant, Siri AI.
One thing to note: the iPhone Duo works only on eSIM worldwide, so if your current phone still uses a physical SIM card, you’ll need to switch to eSIM once you upgrade. Apple Pencil support is also coming a bit later, not right at launch.
Apple iPhone Duo Price in India
The iPhone Duo Price in India starts at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB variant and goes up to ₹4,49,900 for the 2TB model. Here’s what the iPhone Duo will cost Indian buyers:
- Apple iPhone Duo 256GB: ₹2,99,900
- Apple iPhone Duo 512GB: ₹3,24,900
- Apple iPhone Duo 1TB: ₹3,74,900
- Apple iPhone Duo 2TB: ₹4,49,900
It comes in two colours – Star White and Night Sky. Pre-orders open on October 16, and the phone will be available in stores from October 23.
iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Full Comparison
If you’re trying to pick between the two biggest foldable phones on the market right now, here’s how they compare side by side.
| Specification | Apple iPhone Duo | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (India) | ₹2,99,900 (256GB) | ₹1,79,999 (256GB) |
| Inner Display | 7.6-inch, ProMotion, anti-glare finish | 7.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Outer Display | 5.4-inch | 6.5-inch |
| Processor | Apple A20 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide, with 2x zoom | 50MP + 50MP dual camera with OIS |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs mixed use (dual battery) | 4,800mAh |
| Build | Titanium body, Ceramic Shield, IP68 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass |
| Stylus Support | Apple Pencil coming later in 2026 | S Pen supported (sold separately) |
| SIM Type | eSIM only | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| Software | iOS 27 with Siri AI | Android 17 with Galaxy AI |
| Availability | Pre-order Oct 16, sale from Oct 23 | Already on sale |
So, Which One Should You Buy?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here – it really depends on what you value.
If you’re already deep into the Apple ecosystem and want a bigger screen without giving up iOS, the iPhone Duo makes total sense despite the higher price. You’re getting Apple’s usual polish, strong build quality, smooth software, and genuinely useful fold-specific camera features.
But if you care more about getting the most for your money, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is around ₹1.2 lakh cheaper at the base level, comes with S Pen support, and has already proven itself in the market for months.
Either way, Apple stepping into the foldable space is a big deal for the industry. It means foldable phones are no longer a niche experiment; they’ve officially gone mainstream, and both companies will now be racing to one-up each other. That’s great news for anyone waiting to buy one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the price of the iPhone Duo in India?
The iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB variant and goes up to ₹4,49,900 for the 2TB model.
Q2. When will the iPhone Duo be available in India?
Pre-orders begin on October 16, 2026, with sales starting October 23, 2026.
Q3. Is the iPhone Duo better than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8?
It depends on your priorities. The iPhone Duo offers a premium titanium build, IP68 rating, and iOS integration, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers a lower price, S Pen support, and a more mature Android foldable experience.
Q4. Does the iPhone Duo support a physical SIM card?
No, the iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide.
