Apple's $2,000 iPhone Duo Challenges $600 iPad Mini Ahead of Oct. 23 Launch
Updated
Updated · Engadget · Oct 3
Apple's $2,000 iPhone Duo Challenges $600 iPad Mini Ahead of Oct. 23 Launch
3 articles · Updated · Engadget · Oct 3
Summary
October 23 is the key date for Apple's iPhone Duo, a foldable Engadget says could replace an iPad Mini for some buyers but not for users focused on long-form work.
Price is the biggest hurdle: the Duo starts at $2,000 and reaches $3,200, while the 2024 iPad Mini runs from $600 to $900, with cellular adding $150.
Specs favor the Duo, with an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, dual 48MP cameras and 120Hz displays, while the iPad Mini offers a larger 8.3-inch screen versus the Duo's 7.6-inch inner display.
Software and accessories keep the Mini relevant because iPadOS supports stronger multitasking, and the Duo will not support Apple Pencil Pro; USB-C Pencil support also arrives only later in 2026.
A rumored new iPad Mini could narrow the hardware gap, but for now the choice comes down to whether buyers want one premium foldable device or a separate tablet and phone.