iPhone Duo: Apple confirms small battery with limited lifespan

As early as July, a leaker hinted that the Apple iPhone Duo would have a relatively small battery. And as it turns out, the battery capacity cited by Digital Chat Station is correct. As Apple has now confirmed through the EU energy label, the foldable iPhone has a battery with a capacity of 4,883 mAh.

This makes the battery slightly larger than the 4,800 mAh battery in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 ($1,699 on Amazon), although Samsung's foldable smartphone is significantly thinner and lighter. The Huawei Pura X Max, which is the same thickness as the iPhone Duo, has a larger 5,300 mAh battery. Even the iPhone 18 Pro Max ships with a larger 5,391 mAh battery. According to the information on the EU energy label, this battery should provide a runtime of 51 hours and 30 minutes, over ten hours less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, this runtime is generally only achieved with very moderate use.

According to Apple, the battery lasts for over 1,000 charge cycles before its capacity drops to 80 percent. If the smartphone is fully charged once a day, the battery should therefore be replaced after just under three years, for which Apple charges $229. Interestingly, the iPhone Duo is not only IP68-certified but also receives the same ratings for drop resistance and repairability as the iPhone 18 Pro Max. These specifications are provided by Apple rather than tested by the EU. Just how durable the iPhone Duo actually is will only become clear once the smartphone starts shipping.