iPhone Duo Ships Without Pencil or Fast Charger, Buyers Face $249 in Add-Ons

Apple's iPhone Duo went on sale October 23 without a stylus or fast charger in the box, leaving early buyers to spend up to $249 on separate purchases to reach two headline features. The device is Apple's first foldable phone, and Apple has said its design drew on the proportions of a standard A-series paper notebook.

Apple first disclosed the iPhone Duo's specifications ahead of the October 23 launch. The company said the phone can reach 50 percent charge in about 20 minutes, but only with a suitable power adapter, and the box contains a USB-C cable and no charger. Apple also confirmed Apple Pencil support, a first for any iPhone, allowing users to write notes and sketch on both the outer and inner displays.

Support for the Apple Pencil is scheduled to arrive next week in the iOS 27.2 update, and only the Apple Pencil (USB-C) will work with the device. That stylus is listed at $69, down from $79. For fast charging, Apple sells a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max at $34, marked down from $39, and Anker offers a 100W USB-C charger with a five-foot cable at $29.

Case options are already on the market. The SPIDERCASE Magnetic Case, which has a built-in stand and screen protector, sells for $29, while the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro, a clear MagSafe-compatible case, is $39. Apple's own offerings include the iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand at $129 and the iPhone Duo Case at $79.

The Duo also changes how StandBy mode works. When the phone stands upright, it can show StandBy views even if it is not charging, and two of those views, Home Camera and Home Modular, give access to smart home accessories. For that setup, the Aqara G100 2K camera sells at $39 and the eufy 4K camera at $69.

For drivers, an ESR MagSafe Car Mount that clips to an air vent and holds the phone magnetically is listed at $19, down from $29. AirPods Pro 3 are on sale at Amazon for $199, down from $249. The iOS 27.2 update enabling Pencil support is due next week.