Apple is officially stepping into the foldable arena with the iPhone Duo, available for pre-order since October 16 and in stores on October 23, 2026. The device already outshone the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in buzz at the September 9 conference. Is now the right time to switch? The answer comes down to how you actually use your phone and what you really need.
- Foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, or 18 Pro Max: which one is right for you?
- Foldable iPhone Duo highlights
- Points to consider before adopting the new format
- Prices and availability at Videotron
- FAQ
The foldable iPhone Duo marks Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market, a category long dominated by Samsung with the Galaxy Z Fold. For most users whose iPhone 16 or 17 is still in good shape, the upgrade is likely worth considering only if a larger, more versatile display is a priority.
The foldable iPhone Duo also appeals to anyone looking for a format that is new to Apple, with brand-new features. It supports:
- Professional multitasking
- Extended reading, including in a PC-style layout
- Content creation
- Group video viewing on the back screen
For people who prefer a more conservative design but still want the latest technology, the iPhone 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max devices remain more affordable and will cover the everyday needs of a connected family.
Foldable iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, or 18 Pro Max: which one is right for you?
The foldable iPhone Duo appeals to anyone who wants a format that is new to Apple. Buying an iPhone 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max remains the classic path to stay in the ecosystem you already enjoy.
Why the iPhone Duo is generating more buzz
The foldable format ushers in a new era for Apple, marking its most significant iPhone design shift since the iPhone X in 2017. Technology enthusiasts and mobile professionals alike see it as a potential replacement for the tablet, thanks to its nearly invisible fold and a surface that mimics the calm visual feel of an e-reader.
What the iPhone 18 Pro keeps that is hard to replace
The iPhone 18 Pro builds on a proven formula, pairing the A20 Pro chip with refined cameras and improved battery life over the iPhone 17 Pro. For connected families who use their phones mainly for calls, pictures, moderate streaming, and daily tasks, the iPhone 18 Pro offers a better price-to-performance ratio. The foldable iPhone Duo adds a significant cost for features that pay off mainly if the unfolded screen is used to its full potential every day.
Foldable iPhone Duo highlights
The main appeal rests on three factors: a foldable design, impressive processing power, and seamless integration with Apple Intelligence, including the new AI-powered Siri experience.
Apple’s take on the foldable format
An external screen handles quick tasks (SMS, calls, notifications), and a larger internal screen takes over for productivity and entertainment. Apple is expected to deliver a reworked hinge and an invisible screen fold. This is the first iPhone to offer this kind of display format.
Chip, battery life, and Apple Intelligence
The A20 Pro chip (built on a 2 nm process), the same one found in the iPhone 18 Pro, powers Apple Intelligence locally, building on the features introduced with the iPhone 16. Apple is placing a strong emphasis on local processing and privacy, setting Apple Intelligence apart from competitors such as Galaxy AI, which make greater use of cloud-based AI services.
Multitasking and creativity
The inner display allows you to run two apps side by side, draft longer emails more comfortably, or participate in a video call while taking notes at the same time. For professionals who frequently work on the move, the foldable has enough screen space to replace an 8-inch tablet altogether.
Points to consider before making the switch
Despite its appeal, the foldable format comes with a few trade-offs worth keeping in mind:
- A premium price tag
- A user experience that is still relatively new to many consumers
- Questions about the long-term durability of the hinge and folding display
- A simpler camera system, less advanced than the one on the iPhone 18 Pro
A simpler camera system
The foldable iPhone Duo features a dual 48 MP Fusion camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses, equivalent to the one on the iPhone 17e. Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro, it does not offer ProRes, Apple Log, Pro filters, or variable-aperture optics. For advanced photography and video, the iPhone 18 Pro remains the better choice.
No Face ID, eSIM only
The foldable iPhone Duo uses Touch ID, built into the lock button, instead of Face ID. It is also eSIM-only, as most of the recent mobiles. Customers currently using a physical SIM will need to request an eSIM transfer from their provider before setting up the device.
App layouts need to adapt
The iOS ecosystem has proved its ability to adapt (iPad, Vision Pro), but every new format comes with an adjustment period while third-party apps update their interfaces. Early adopters go through this break-in phase, but they are generally used to it and often welcome the opportunity.
Hinge and durability
A hinge mechanism adds a wear point that a classic iPhone does not have. Apple normally puts a strong focus on mechanical strength, but a foldable device is by nature more fragile than a rigid model when it comes to drops.
Pricing and availability at Videotron
If the new foldable iPhone Duo has caught your eye, you can get it at Videotron. With an eligible Mobile plan, you may also qualify for 24-month financing through the Take-back Credit program. If you are undecided or prefer another Apple model, check out our iPhone comparison tool and pick the features that work for you.
FAQ
What is the foldable iPhone Duo?
It is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, announced at the September 9, 2026 conference. The same event also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The Duo combines an external screen for quick uses and an internal unfolding screen for multitasking.
What are the main technical specs of the foldable iPhone Duo?
The foldable iPhone Duo combines a 7.6-inch internal screen with a 5.4-inch external screen, a grade 5 titanium frame, and IP68 certification. It is powered by the A20 Pro chip (2 nm), the same one as the iPhone 18 Pro, weighs 254 g, and works exclusively with eSIM. The device relies on Touch ID instead of Face ID, and comes with storage options from 256 GB to 2 TB.
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Publié 22-10-2026
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