Islamabad: Apple has asked developers to optimize their apps and games for the new iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, ahead of the device’s retail launch later this month.
The company says iPhone Duo pre-orders will open on October 16, while general availability will begin on October 23 in more than 70 countries and regions.
As part of the launch preparations, Apple has issued new developer guidance covering app compatibility, screenshots and App Store submissions for the foldable device.
Developers Asked to Recompile Apps with Xcode 27.1
Apple says developers can build or recompile their existing apps using Xcode 27.1, which adds development support for iPhone Duo.
The company is also providing tools that allow developers to preview how their apps will behave across the device’s different folding positions and screen orientations.
Developers can already submit iPhone Duo-optimized apps and games through App Store Connect.
Apple has also updated its screenshot and app-preview specifications so developers can prepare product-page assets suited to the device’s foldable displays.
New Screenshot Requirement Coming in April 2027
Apple says that from April 2027, apps and games submitted to the App Store will be required to include screenshots for iPhone Duo.
The change is intended to make sure users can see how apps appear on the new foldable form factor before downloading them.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display when unfolded and a 5.4-inch outer display when closed, creating new layouts for multitasking, gaming and content viewing.
Apple’s developer push comes as the company prepares to move foldable smartphones into its mainstream iPhone ecosystem, with software optimization expected to play a major role in the user experience.
The device will go on sale from October 23, following pre-orders beginning October 16.