First reviews of the foldable iPhone Duo after Apple’s presentation
Almost immediately after the premiere, the company allowed Apple to get acquainted with iPhone Duo on its own. The first impressions were mostly positive, although compromises were unavoidable: in the folded state, the smartphone is noticeably heavier and thicker than some competitors.
Hinge and screen crease
First, journalists note the mechanism’s operation. The hinge moves smoothly, without jerks, and when opening the device, there is no sensation of having to literally “break” the two halves apart.
The fold on the inner screen does not disappear completely. Depending on lighting and viewing angle, it can be noticed, but journalists agree that it is faint. Some barely noticed it visually; others noted that the tactile transition feels less pronounced than expected.
Reporters separately noted the surface of the inner display. It resists glare well, so reflections do not significantly hinder viewing the content.
The under-display front camera was also nearly invisible. When not in use, the area above it almost blends with the display, though a slight surface difference can be noticed from certain angles.
Interface and multitasking
The iPhone Duo behaves most interestingly during folding. The interface does not switch abruptly between states. As the device moves, the system gradually rearranges the content, creating the impression that the image follows the screen’s position.
In its partially unfolded state, Netflix allows video to be displayed on the top half of the screen while keeping controls at the bottom. In this position, the smartphone resembles a small laptop. When fully unfolded, journalists also tested Netflix playback on the large screen without noticeable black bars along the edges.
Another scenario emerges if you set up Duo in a tent configuration. This enables StandBy mode, and connecting the smartphone to a charger is not required for this.
Journalists have had time to test full multitasking. On the internal screen, you can open two apps simultaneously, adjust their allocated space, and drag content between windows. For example, a photo from Photos can be moved directly into Messages. The system also supports app pairs that can then be launched quickly together.
Size and comfort
The iPhone Duo looks unusual when closed. Due to its chosen proportions, the body resembles a passport. The external 5.4-inch screen is comfortable enough for one-handed use, and part of the interface elements are shifted closer to the right edge to make them easier to reach with the thumb.
After the unusual proportions are revealed, they begin to work in favor of the device: more space becomes available for reading, viewing content, and multitasking with multiple applications.
However, the Duo can only be called compact relatively. Weighing 254 grams and measuring 11.3 mm thick when folded, it feels noticeably heavier and thicker than some modern foldable smartphones. This is one of the most frequently mentioned drawbacks in early reviews.
The wide camera platform unexpectedly provides a practical advantage: an iPhone Duo lying on a table barely wobbles when you tap the screen.
Touch ID instead of Face ID
Journalists have evaluated the removal of Face ID differently. Some authors consider the switch to Touch ID a step backward for such an expensive smartphone. Others, on the contrary, note that the fingerprint scanner built into the side button is particularly convenient in a foldable device: the smartphone can be unlocked regardless of whether it is open or closed.
Full evaluation of Apple Pencil support in the initial hands-on was not possible: no styluses were available in the demo area, so there are currently no conclusions about writing or drawing comfort on the internal screen.
Full conclusions about the iPhone Duo will emerge after more extended use, but initial demonstrations already show the main point: the folding mechanism and iOS adaptation do not appear experimental. The primary questions so far relate more to weight, body thickness, and how justified compromises like dropping Face ID will turn out to be.
