Vergecast hosts say iPhone Duo rating fails because it should have been an iPad
David and Nilay argue the dual-screen device should have launched as an iPad to justify its 7/10 rating.
By Emma Mehta ·
The Verge gave the iPhone Duo a 7 out of 10, but the hosts of The Vergecast say that number was not their original plan and may not stand the test of time. They argue the device should have been categorized as an iPad rather than a smartphone.
David and Nilay debated the score on the latest episode, questioning if the rating accurately reflects the product. They suggested the outer screen, which John Gruber of Daring Fireball called the worst iPhone ever, might perform better under a different identity. The hosts proposed that naming it the iPad Duo would change how consumers view the hardware.
The conversation focused on how the device might evolve. While the hosts agreed the Duo will likely improve with updates, they questioned if it will ever become a phone for everyone. They explored whether starting as a tablet would have given the product a clearer market position.
The episode also covered a major cybersecurity flaw in PHP that disrupted the web this week. The hosts discussed the impact on future web development and the rise of AI shopping agents like Muse. They analyzed how retailers are adjusting their customer interactions to accommodate these automated systems.
Additional segments included a look at Brendan Carr, a coming Netflix reboot, and recent Gemini news. The hosts also touched on vibe coding creators, chaos in the AI math world, and the flying Tesla Roadster. Listeners can call the Vergecast Hotline at 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com to share their thoughts.
The debate on the iPhone Duo centered on the challenge of reviewing a large, new idea for the most popular smartphone in history. The hosts noted that assessing such a device requires looking beyond the initial launch. They left the door open for the score to change as the product matures.
Source: The Verge
