Apple is entering the final stretch before launching its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. According to technical registry data, official sales of the device will start on Friday, October 23, 2026. At the same time, the company has warned in advance about a shortage: users placing pre-orders now will only receive their devices by the end of January. Apple attributes this timeline to anomalously high demand for the new device, which is the first foldable product in the iPhone lineup.
Battery Capacity Confirmed by European Registry
In parallel with the sales announcement, Apple published the technical specifications of the iPhone Duo within the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). It was these official documents that confirmed earlier insider rumors: the foldable iPhone's battery capacity is 4,883 mAh. For comparison, the standard iPhone 18 Pro Max is equipped with a 5,391 mAh battery, while its direct competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, offers 4,800 mAh with a noticeably thinner and lighter body. Meanwhile, China's Huawei Pura X Max claims 5,300 mAh. Thus, in terms of "on-paper" battery life, the foldable iPhone lags behind Apple and Huawei flagships, but holds its ground on par with the Korean competitor.
How Long the Battery Will Last and When It Will Need Replacing
According to calculations provided in the European labeling, the iPhone Duo's battery life under very moderate use is estimated at approximately 51 hours and 30 minutes. This is about 10 hours less than what the iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers. Apple also indicates that the battery retains its performance for over a thousand charging cycles before its capacity drops to 80 percent of its initial level. With daily full charging, the battery will need replacement in roughly three years, and the cost of this service at company service centers will be 229 dollars.
Protection and Repairability at Flagship Level
Despite compromises in battery life, the foldable iPhone Duo features full IP68 water and dust resistance. According to the same documentation, the device's drop resistance and repairability metrics are comparable to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, indicating that Apple did not skimp on structural reliability when transitioning to the foldable form factor.
What This Means for Buyers
The conclusion from the official documentation is definitive: Apple has confirmed the main vulnerability of its first foldable smartphone—the battery, which in terms of capacity and operating time falls short of its own iPhone 18 Pro Max flagship and several competitors. At the same time, IP68 protection, high repairability, and a thousand-cycle charge lifespan show that the company has focused on durability and reliability. Buyers willing to wait for delivery until the end of January due to high demand should keep in mind that the iPhone Duo's battery life is a deliberate compromise for the sake of the foldable form factor, rather than an accidental miscalculation.
