iPhone Duo Pre-Order Guide: AT&T Deal, Hinge Design and How to Prepare

Pre-Order Basics

• Pre-orders: Friday, October 16
• Available: Friday, October 23 in the initial markets, and October 30 in 28 more countries and regions
• Price: starts at $1,999 in the US, or $83.29 a month for 24 months
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB
• Colors: star white and night sky

All of the above is from Apple's announcement. We haven't seen official supply figures, so if you want one at launch, it's worth being ready when pre-orders open.

The AT&T Deal, Explained

AT&T announced its iPhone Duo offers on October 9. The headline is "up to $1,200 off," but the details matter:

• Trade-in offer: up to $1,200 off after 36 monthly bill credits, for new and existing customers. It requires an eligible smartphone with a minimum trade-in value of $230.
• Switcher offer: up to $800 by reward card for customers who bring a new line to AT&T, based on the remaining balance on their old device. The card is delivered in 8 to 10 weeks and requires you to submit your latest bill within 60 days of activation.
• Online offer: up to $200 off per line, after 36 monthly bill credits, when you order online and add a new line. AT&T's announcement doesn't say whether it stacks with the trade-in offer.

The conditions, according to AT&T:

• The phone must be bought on an installment plan, for a minimum of $1,999.99.
• The trade-in offer requires the AT&T Premium 2.0 plan, which is a minimum of $100 a month plus taxes and fees before discounts.
• Credits start within three bills. If you cancel service, the credits stop and you owe the remaining balance on the phone.
• A $35 activation or upgrade fee applies, plus other taxes and fees.
• Offers are for well-qualified customers and are subject to change.

In other words, the discount is spread across three years of bill credits and depends on staying on a premium plan. It's a good offer if you were already planning to stay with AT&T, but compare the total cost against Apple's pricing and other carriers' deals before you decide. We haven't covered other carriers' offers here, so check each carrier's site.

The iPhone Duo Hinge

The hinge is the most important part of any foldable, and it's the main thing people want to know before they spend $1,999. This is what Apple has said so far:

• The hinge is made of more than 100 components and supports the center of the display when the phone is open.
• An integrated magnet array holds the phone closed.
• The hinge cover is 3D-printed with a micro-blasted finish, and the enclosure is grade 5 titanium.
• The inner display has a nano-texture finish that, in Apple's words, "minimizes crease visibility."
• The phone is rated IP68 for splash, water and dust resistance, though Apple says this isn't permanent and may decrease with normal wear. Liquid damage isn't covered by the standard warranty.

What we don't know yet: MacRumors reports that Apple hasn't published fold-test data. Apple says the hinge is built for long-lasting reliability, but independent reviews will be the first real test of how it holds up. Things to look for in reviews:

• How visible and how noticeable the crease is in daily use, not just in photos
• How the hinge feels after weeks of opening and closing
• Whether dust or small particles get near the hinge
• How the inner display stands up to scratches and marks

For a comparison with Samsung's approach, see our guide to Samsung vs Apple foldable design.

How to Get Ready

A few things you can do before October 16:

1. Choose your storage and color. The price rises with storage, so decide in advance. The Duo starts at 256GB.
2. Check your trade-in. Find out the value of your current phone from Apple and your carrier, and see what condition it needs to be in.
3. Back up your current iPhone. Use iCloud or your computer so your data is ready to transfer.
4. Sign in and set payment. Make sure your Apple Account and payment details are up to date. Apple has a page to get ready for iPhone Duo pre-order.
5. Read the carrier terms. Look at plan requirements, credit periods and fees before you commit.

Protect Your Current iPhone While You Wait

If you plan to trade in your current iPhone, its condition usually affects what you're offered, and carriers have their own conditions for eligible trades. We can't promise any particular trade-in value, but keeping the screen free of scratches and the camera lenses clean is a sensible habit while you wait for delivery.

• iPhone screen protectors: HD Clear and Privacy options for the iPhone 18 Pro
• Lens protectors: cover the camera lenses
• Cases: add protection around the edges and corners

Accessories are made for specific models, so products for the iPhone 18 Pro won't fit the Duo. We'll share Duo accessory news when it's available. Until then, if you're staying with your current phone or trading it in later, pick the exact model you own and use our installation tutorial.

Shop all iPhone 18 Pro screen protectors

FAQ

When can I pre-order the iPhone Duo?

Pre-orders begin Friday, October 16, and it's available Friday, October 23 in the initial markets.

How much does the iPhone Duo cost?

It starts at $1,999 in the US for 256GB, or $83.29 a month for 24 months, according to Apple.

What is AT&T's iPhone Duo deal?

Up to $1,200 off with an eligible trade-in, applied as 36 monthly bill credits, and other offers for switchers and online orders. It requires an eligible plan and has other conditions, so read AT&T's terms.

Is the AT&T iPhone Duo deal free money upfront?

No. The trade-in discount comes as bill credits over 36 months, and the credits stop if you cancel service. The switcher offer is paid as a reward card, delivered in 8 to 10 weeks.

Does the iPhone Duo have a crease?

Apple says the nano-textured inner display "minimizes crease visibility," which isn't the same as no crease. Independent reviews will show how noticeable it is.

Is the iPhone Duo hinge durable?

Apple says it's built for reliability, but it hasn't published fold-test data. Wait for independent testing.

Will iPhone 18 Pro accessories fit the iPhone Duo?

No. Cases, screen protectors and lens protectors are made for specific models, so you'll need ones made for the Duo.