iPhone Duo release date rumors: everything we know about Apple’s first foldable

Apple’s foldable is expected to be revealed today, but when you’ll actually be able to buy one remains a bigger question.

Apple is holding its September event today, where the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced alongside the company’s first foldable, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra. The Pro models are expected to go on sale on September 18th, but Apple’s foldable may not arrive at the same time. More recent reports point towards an October release, and there’s now another interesting clue supporting that timeline: dbrand’s new iPhone Ultra cases are listed as “shipping in early October”. Despite this, insider Mark Gurman states the name Apple has landed on is actually Duo.

When could the iPhone Duo be released?

For now, October looks like the most likely release window for Apple’s first foldable, although there’s no confirmed date. That would mean Apple could unveil the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro today but give it a separate retail launch a few weeks later. Given this is an entirely new form factor for Apple, a staggered release wouldn’t be particularly surprising, especially amid reports that initial production could be limited.

dbrand already has iPhone Ultra cases ready

While we’re waiting for Apple to make things official and finally give us the actual name of the latest smartphone, dbrand appears pretty confident that something is coming. The accessory maker already has an entire iPhone “Ultra” section on its website, with dozens of Grip Case designs listed from $54.90. These aren’t just generic placeholder listings either, with dbrand providing detailed images and descriptions of how its cases are designed around the expected folding hardware.

Most notably, there’s dedicated hinge protection. Product images show a book-style folding device with the case extending around its hinge, giving us another indication of the form factor accessory makers are expecting. dbrand also lists MagSafe compatibility and a capacitive Camera Control button, the latter incorporating a built-in PCB for touch input.

Of course, none of this confirms Apple’s plans. Accessory manufacturers regularly prepare products ahead of smartphone launches, and dbrand hasn’t said where its information about the device comes from. Still, having such an extensive range ready to go is interesting when Apple could be only hours away from revealing the real thing.

We could find out today

Apple’s first foldable has been rumored for years, but current reports suggest the wait could finally end at today’s event. The device is expected to use a book-style folding design, opening from a more conventional smartphone into a considerably larger display. Recent rumors have pointed towards a 5.5-inch outer screen and 7.8-inch internal display, potentially giving Apple something closer to a pocketable iPad when unfolded.

Whether it really ends up being called the iPhone Ultra is another matter. But with dbrand already willing to put that name on dozens of cases, we shouldn’t have to wait much longer to find out.