Apple is preparing a unique retail experience for its first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, aimed at adding a premium touch to its most expensive mobile launch to date. According to reports from Mark Gurman via MacRumors, customers who purchase the device at physical Apple Stores in the United States will receive a personalized software greeting.
The reported feature involves a customized startup screen that displays the buyer’s name during the initial setup process, replacing the standard multilingual “Hello” animation that has been a staple of iOS for years. This personalization is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone Duo and limited to Apple’s domestic retail locations.
The move appears designed to drive foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores for a device that marks a significant hardware shift for the company. The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch internal foldable display and a 5.4-inch external cover screen. Priced at $1,999, the device represents Apple’s entry into the ultra-premium foldable market, necessitating a retail strategy that distinguishes it from the standard iPhone lineup.
While Apple has long offered laser engraving for online orders of iPads and AirPods, this software-based personalization would represent a new level of in-store customization. It remains unclear if the name displayed is tied to the customer’s Apple ID or the legal name on the retail receipt, and whether the greeting persists after the initial boot or resets during a factory restore.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to begin on October 16, 2026, at 5 a.m. PT. The official launch and in-store availability will follow on October 23, 2026. For buyers choosing home delivery, there is currently no indication that this specific personalized startup screen will be included in the out-of-the-box experience.
