Apple Unveils the iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable Handset

Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, the company's first entry into the foldable smartphone market. The device arrives seven years after Samsung introduced the category with the Galaxy Fold. Early assessments suggest that the extended period of development has resulted in a polished product. Despite a price point of $1,999, the hardware appears refined. However, potential buyers should be aware of several software and design considerations before making a purchase.

The most immediate challenge for users lies in the software ecosystem. The Duo features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, a form factor that is new to Apple. Many third-party applications have not yet been optimized for these dimensions. While Apple's native apps look good, numerous external apps display as a narrow vertical strip with thick black bars on the sides. Some major applications like Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have been updated for iOS 27.1, but interface elements remain broken in some cases. Apple has also moved navigation controls to a right-hand rail rather than centering them at the bottom. Since the device is currently back-ordered, developers may have time to adjust before many customers receive their phones.

The design marks a significant departure from recent iPhone models. The Duo does not include Face ID. Instead, it relies on Touch ID, with the sensor located on the right side of the device. The thinness of the hardware is likely the reason for this choice. This is the first time Touch ID has appeared on a flagship iPhone, though it has remained on the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks. The Dynamic Island is still present, but it has been relocated to the top-right edge near the outer selfie camera. It appears in the same corner on the inner display during live activities.

Accessories require some attention due to the device's unique shape. The Duo supports MagSafe, but when unfolded and attached to a car dock or tripod, it tips to one side because of uneven weight distribution. Third-party manufacturers may need to use anti-rotation magnets to fix this issue, which could require replacing existing gear. Magnetic wallets can be attached, but because the phone is shorter than other iPhones, they protrude past the bottom edge. Apple has not provided an official fix for this problem.

Photography capabilities are a standout feature of the new phone. Users can take selfies using the superior rear cameras while previewing the image on the outer screen. A control labeled 'Slide to show camera' brings the full camera app to the outer display after flipping the phone. This disables the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. This feature is distinct from 'Duo Preview,' which allows the subject to see the viewfinder, and 'Kids Cue,' which plays Snoopy animations on the outer screen to attract a child's attention.

Multitasking on the inner screen allows users to run two apps side by side. By dragging an app from the bottom to either side of the screen, users can split the view. Tapping the middle bar once makes it glow white and locks the two apps as a pair in the Recent apps menu. However, this pair cannot be saved as a single icon on the home screen.

Users should take care with the inner display. While a case and outer screen protector are reasonable, the matte nano-texture finish on the inner screen is an integral component according to Apple. The company's support page warns against attempting to remove it, as doing so could void the warranty. Apple does not address third-party screen protectors, which might hurt display performance. A damaged finish can be replaced for $19 at an Apple Store or authorized provider, or $49 out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+.

Several conveniences are still on the way. The keyboard can already be split to make typing easier on the wide inner display. A software update later this year will add Reachability, which shifts an app to the left or right instead of pulling it down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil, which should make writing and drawing feel paper-like on the nano-texture screen. There is currently no place to store the stylus on the phone.