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Five weeks after the Pro models, the first foldable iPhone is here. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are among the first wave. Those who didn't pre-order will need luck today, and the first thing they'll encounter during setup is an update.
The iPhone Duo is available in stores starting today, Friday, October 23. According to Apple, the first wave includes more than 70 countries and regions, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Sales will follow in 28 additional countries on Friday, October 30.
Pre-orders for the device opened on October 16th. Apple itself described the demand as exceptional, and online delivery times were significantly delayed on the very first day. For early adopters, three questions are paramount: Where are devices still available, what are the costs for each configuration, and what should be considered during setup?
Key Facts at a Glance
- The iPhone Duo is available from today in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, starting at €2,299.
- According to Apple, Apple Stores in all three countries have limited quantities available for customers without pre-orders.
- The most recent estimated delivery time online in Germany was the end of January 2027.
- During setup, the device first downloads an update for iOS 27.1.
- The first adapted apps are here, more will follow in the coming weeks.
Prices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
The iPhone Duo is available in Starry White and Night Sky with four storage capacities. In Austria, each upgrade costs €20 more than in Germany.
| Memory | Germany | Austria | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 2.299 € | 2.319 € | 1,999 CHF |
| 512 GB | 2.549 € | 2.569 € | 2,199 CHF |
| 1 TB | 3.049 € | 3.069 € | 2,599 CHF |
| 2 TB | 3.799 € | 3.819 € | 3,199 CHF |
The box contains the device and a USB-C cable, but not a power adapter. AppleCare+ with theft and loss protection costs €20.99 per month or €209.99 per year. According to Apple, damage to the internal display costs €1,149 without a plan, but €99 with AppleCare+. An overview of all iPhone Duo repair costs can help with the decision.
At launch, matching accessories come mainly from Apple itself: the iPhone Duo Case in Sand and Navy for 89 euros, and the Folio with stand in Navy and Taupe for 149 euros. According to first photos, the case attaches with adhesive strips, while the Folio attaches magnetically. Because no power adapter is included and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) only works on the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.2, I have collected both, together with the cases, in a selection of cases and accessories for the iPhone Duo on Amazon, which will grow over time.
No pre-order required to get into the Apple Store?
Apple confirmed on Wednesday that Apple Stores have a limited number of devices available today for customers who haven't pre-ordered. According to the country list Apple provided to 9to5Mac, this also applies to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In France, Japan, South Korea, China, and several other markets, the iPhone Duo is only available for in-store pickup after online ordering.
That sounds more welcoming than the advice from last week. At that time, employees in several Apple Stores were instructed to advise customers without pre-orders against even coming on the day of sale. Apple itself expects a limited number of devices, so those who come without an order should arrive early and not expect to find every color or storage capacity.
On the day of pre-orders, the delivery date in the German Apple Store online was January 25, 2027, for all configurations. Since then, individual buyers have reported earlier delivery dates. Orders are limited to a maximum of two devices per customer.
During setup, an update is performed first
The iPhone Duo ships with iOS 27.1, a version without a public beta. An older build is installed by default, so during initial setup, the device will download an update to the latest build of iOS 27.1. It is recommended to have Wi-Fi and a power adapter available before starting the migration from your old iPhone.
The familiar methods work for switching devices, from quick start to backing up via iCloud. The instructions for transferring data to a new iPhone explain how to do this in detail. If you plan to sell your old device, you should only reset it after doing so.
Apps and features for getting started
Apple yesterday announced nearly 60 apps and games that are optimized for the iPhone Duo or will be soon, including Netflix, Instagram, Zoom, and Slack. Adapted apps will display the "Made for iPhone Duo" badge in the App Store. Microsoft Word and Outlook will follow in the coming weeks.
Split View on the iPhone Duo allows two apps to run side-by-side on a single iPhone for the first time. Siri AI remains unavailable on the iPhone in the EU, and its launch is expected to take months. This restriction does not apply in Switzerland, but a German language version is also unavailable there.
My duo is coming today
My own iPhone Duo is arriving today. Over the next few days, I'll be sharing my everyday experiences, starting with the apps, the fold, and one-handed operation. The lack of Face ID was the most criticized point in the initial reviews.
If you're still undecided, there's no need to make a decision today. With delivery times extending into January, a trip to the store is worthwhile, especially for those who want the device immediately and are flexible regarding color and storage capacity. Whether the Duo or the iPhone 18 Pro is the better fit depends primarily on how much the larger screen is worth to you.
Have you pre-ordered an iPhone Duo – and when is it expected to arrive? Let us know in the comments which color and storage size you chose.
