Japanese outlets review Apple's iPhone Duo ahead of its 23 October launch
In short
Japanese outlets published hands-on reviews of Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, which goes on sale on 23 October from 364,800 yen for the 256GB model. Reviewers praised the large inner screen and app pairing but pointed to its weight, width and Touch ID. Toyo Keizai reported that delivery times for preorders are already January 2027.
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Apple's iPhone Duo, described by several Japanese outlets as its first foldable iPhone, goes on sale on 23 October. The 256GB model costs from 364,800 yen, and ASCII.jp said the 2TB model costs 574,800 yen. Toyo Keizai reported that preorders, which began on 16 October, have been strong, with delivery times already at January 2027. [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 ]
Nikkei, ASCII.jp and Keitai Watch said they were able to use the phone for one week before launch. The phone measures 5.4 inches closed and 7.6 inches open. Nikkei wrote that attention has centred on the price, but that in use the device combines features of a smartphone, tablet and PC, so it may be worth the price depending on how it is used. [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 9 ]
Keitai Watch and ASCII.jp both raised the size and weight. The phone is 84.1mm wide, against 71.9mm for the iPhone 18 Pro, and weighs 254g. ASCII.jp gave 211g for the iPhone 18 Pro, while Keitai Watch gave 201g for Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold 8, which it said has a larger screen and is thinner. Both reviewers said one-handed use meant supporting the phone with the right little finger, and ASCII.jp said this became painful over time. [ 1 , 9 ]
On unlocking, the phone has Touch ID in the side power button. Mynavi News said this matches the writer's other Apple products. ASCII.jp said the move away from Face ID felt awkward at first, advised registering several fingerprints and said the design appears built for right-handed users. ITmedia Mobile's summary named the 254g weight and Touch ID operability as remaining issues. [ 2 , 6 , 9 ]
Keitai Watch said the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers easier split-screen controls, while the iPhone Duo can save app pairs and hold at mid-angle in flex mode, which the Galaxy cannot. It said the iPhone Duo is due to support pen input within the year. The camera under the open screen is blurrier than the 12-megapixel outer front camera, and Apple named it the FaceTime camera. Apps not optimized for iOS 27.1 or the iPhone Duo keep the same tall display as earlier iPhones, the outlet said. [ 1 ]
ASCII.jp concluded that the phone was hard to put down and that cost-effectiveness seemed sufficient, despite points to criticize. ITmedia PC USER said it leaves out a telephoto camera and ProRAW while focusing on build and feel, and ITmedia Mobile called it a device for buyers who prize advanced features over the average user. [ 6 , 7 , 9 ]
Why it matters
The reviews weigh a high-priced new device category for Apple against established foldables such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. Outlets say the price and app support will shape how far the phone spreads, while preorders are reported as strong.
Key facts
- The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone and goes on sale on 23 October. [ 2 , 3 , 8 ]
- The 256GB model starts at 364,800 yen; ASCII.jp gave 574,800 yen for the 2TB model. [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 ]
- The screen measures 5.4 inches closed and 7.6 inches open. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The device weighs 254g and is 84.1mm wide, against 71.9mm for the iPhone 18 Pro. [ 1 , 9 ]
- Unlock is by Touch ID on the side power button. [ 2 , 9 ]
- Preorders began on 16 October and Toyo Keizai said delivery was already set for January 2027. [ 3 ]
- Keitai Watch said apps not optimized for iOS 27.1 or the iPhone Duo keep the same tall display as earlier iPhones. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The iPhone Duo goes on sale on 23 October, with the 256GB model priced from 364,800 yen. [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 ]
- The phone measures 5.4 inches closed and 7.6 inches open. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The phone weighs 254g, which outlets cite as a drawback. [ 1 , 6 , 9 ]
- Unlocking uses Touch ID on the side power button. [ 2 , 9 ]
- The hinge can hold the phone at angles part-way between closed and open. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- Whether app developers will update apps for the iPhone Duo quickly. Keitai Watch only expects, without evidence, that many apps will soon support it, given the large number of preorders.
- Whether the phone is worth the price. Outlets differ: ASCII.jp judged cost-effectiveness sufficient, while ITmedia Mobile called it a device for buyers who value advanced features and noted 254g weight and Touch ID as issues; Nikkei said value depends on use.
- Pen input support. Keitai Watch said it is planned within the year; no other document mentions it.