Apple Opens iPhone Duo Preorders: First Foldable iPhone Starts at $1,999

Apple has opened a staging page for iPhone Duo preorders, allowing customers to save their preferred color, storage, carrier, and payment method before preorders officially begin at 5 a.m. PT on Friday. According to CNET, the configurator is live on Apple's online storefront, and saving details in advance ensures a faster checkout when the window opens.

The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable phone, unveiled at the company's Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino, California. It features a 7.6-inch display that folds down to a passport-like size, supports split-screen multitasking and Apple Pencil, and introduces new features and animations in iOS 27. The device was announced under the leadership of new CEO John Ternus.

Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 512GB model and goes up to $3,199 for the 2TB version, before carrier subsidies. That makes it the most expensive iPhone ever released. CNET reports that observers expect high demand among early adopters, suggesting that preparing an order in advance could be wise.

The iPhone Duo arrives amid a broader wave of foldable phones from other manufacturers, but it is Apple's first entry into that category. CNET notes that the device is one of the first new products under Ternus, who recently took over as CEO.

For those unsure about upgrading, CNET's coverage includes comparisons with the more conventionally shaped iPhone 18 Pro and details on iOS 27. The publication also acknowledges that even its own reviewer is on the fence, indicating that the foldable's value proposition is still being evaluated.

Key considerations for potential buyers include the high price, the new form factor, and the trade-offs of a folding design. The preorder staging page lets users lock in choices early, but the decision to upgrade will depend on individual needs and willingness to adopt a first-generation product.

As with any new device category, potential buyers should weigh the benefits of the larger, flexible display and multitasking capabilities against the premium cost and the usual risks of early adoption. CNET's ongoing coverage aims to help consumers make an informed choice.