It’s happening. As of 4pm UAE time today, pre-orders for the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, are officially open. If you’ve been following our countdown all week, you’ve already picked your colour, sorted your storage and set three alarms. Now go and tap that button.
Done it? Congratulations, you’re officially in the foldable club. 🎉
Now comes the hardest part of all: waiting. The Duo lands on Friday 23 October, which gives you exactly seven days to get ready for the best unboxing of your year. So we’ve built you a brand-new countdown, one mission a day, all the way to launch day.
Let’s go. 📱✨
The Launch Week Cheat Sheet
Screenshot it. Again. Your camera roll is used to it by now.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Pre-orders open | Now (from Friday 16 October, 4pm UAE time) |
| Launch day | Friday 23 October |
| Starting price | AED 8,499 (256GB) |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Colours | Star white and night sky |
Day 7 (Friday 16 October): Order Day 🛒
You’re here, which means either you’ve already ordered or you’re reading this with one thumb hovering over “buy”. Either way, finish the job.
Once your order’s in, check your confirmation email and keep an eye on your order status in the Apple Store app. Double-check your delivery address too, because nobody wants their brand-new foldable taking a scenic tour of the wrong building.
Missed the first wave? Don’t panic. Get your order in as soon as you can and keep checking for updates.
Day 6 (Saturday 17 October): Tell Everyone (Subtly)
You’ve earned this. Drop a casual “so… I ordered the Duo” in the group chat and watch the questions roll in. Star white or night sky? Which storage? Can I try it first?
Pro tip: start a waiting list now for who gets the first unfold demo. Charge admission if you like. We won’t judge.
Day 5 (Sunday 18 October): eSIM Check, Final Call
The Duo is eSIM-only worldwide, so if you skipped this mission last week, today’s the day. Confirm your e& or du plan supports eSIM, and if you’re still on a physical SIM, get it sorted now. Launch day is for unfolding, not queueing at a service counter.
Day 4 (Monday 19 October): Back It Up
Back up your current iPhone and make sure it’s updated to iOS 27, so the move to your Duo is as smooth as that hinge. If you never got round to the Great Screenshot Purge, consider this your final warning. Those 4,000 memes aren’t going to delete themselves.
Day 3 (Tuesday 20 October): Gear Up
Two screens, zero scratches. If you didn’t add a case to your order, now’s the time: the slim iPhone Duo Case (AED 319) or the Folio with Kickstand (AED 529), which turns your Duo into a pocket-sized cinema on any cafe table.
And check that charger. With the right high-wattage USB-C adapter, the Duo hits 50% in around 20 minutes, so you can be unboxed and fully powered before your coffee goes cold.
Day 2 (Wednesday 21 October): Plan Your First Big Screen Moment
A 7.6-inch screen deserves a proper debut. Download the shows you’ll watch first, line up the games you’ve been saving, and dream up your very first Split View combo. Maps and messages? Recipes and YouTube? Spreadsheet and… okay, maybe not the spreadsheet.
Day 1 (Thursday 22 October): Launch Eve
Tomorrow’s the day. Make sure someone will be around for the delivery, clear a space on your desk for a proper unboxing, and charge your old iPhone so the transfer goes without a hitch.
Then practise that dramatic unfold one last time. Paperback book, slow and confident. You’ve been training all week for this.
Day 0 (Friday 23 October): LAUNCH DAY 🚀
It’s here. Open the box. Peel the film (the best part, obviously). Unfold.
Set it up, transfer your data, activate your eSIM, and then do the important stuff: snap your first Duo Preview group shot, show off to absolutely everyone, and spend far too long just folding and unfolding it.
Welcome to two screens. You’re going to love it here.
See You on the 23rd
The iPhone Duo is the most exciting iPhone in years, and launch day is now just one week away. Stay with us this week for more Duo coverage, and keep an eye out for our full review once we’ve folded, unfolded and fallen completely in love with it.
Order placed. Countdown on. Seven sleeps to go. 📱💕
