First reviews of iPhone Duo: soft display and costly repairs
International tech bloggers and specialist publications praise the iPhone Duo for its barely noticeable display crease and smooth hinge, but point to the screen’s soft coating, multitasking limitations and high repair costs.
Display: the crease is less visible, but hasn’t disappeared completely
The device’s flexible screen has been the main talking point. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which uses ultra-thin glass, Apple has opted for a multilayer design with a softer polymer coating. A special nanotexture reduces glare and makes the crease less noticeable. The top protective layer can also be replaced separately from the OLED panel, reducing the cost of repairing surface damage.
But this design has a downside. The iPhone Duo’s inner surface is noticeably softer than standard protective glass, and the area above the hinge is particularly easy to press in. A single swipe of a finger is enough to clearly feel the crease. This raises questions about how well the coating will withstand scratches, pressure and other mechanical impacts.
Visually, however, the crease is barely distracting. Journalists say it is hardly noticeable during everyday use, though it can still be seen in certain lighting and from some angles. Apple has done a good job of disguising the fold, but hasn’t managed to eliminate its physical characteristics entirely.
Hinge: smooth opening
The folding mechanism is another important part of the design. Journalists praise how smoothly the phone opens and transitions between folded and unfolded states. The hinge offers even resistance, while the body feels quite rigid.
However, a brief hands-on session is not enough to tell how well the mechanism will hold up to years of daily use. The same goes for the inner display’s resistance to gradual wear.
Interface
Software adaptation is considered one of the iPhone Duo’s strengths. The unfolded display makes it easier to work with several apps, read documents and browse websites. iOS 27 adds Split View, which lets users run two apps at once, including opening two Safari windows.
Multitasking does have its limits. The screen is split exactly in half, and window sizes can’t be freely adjusted as they can on an iPad. Users accustomed to more flexible app controls on tablets may find this approach inconvenient.
Battery life during intensive use of the large display remains an open question. The iPhone Duo’s battery capacity and claimed battery life are already known, but full independent tests are not yet available.
Durability and repair costs
Despite its foldable design, the iPhone Duo is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. Under laboratory conditions, the phone can withstand immersion in fresh water at a depth of up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
However, its drop-test results were more modest than those of a standard flagship. According to European labeling, the iPhone Duo survived at least 140 drops without damage when folded and 35 when unfolded. By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro Max survived at least 180 drops.
Apple offers a branded case for $79, which attaches to the phone with adhesive strips. However, it’s not yet known how effectively the accessory protects the device in a fall.
The foldable phone also trails Apple’s regular flagship in repairability. It scored 2.65 out of 5, compared with 3.14 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Replacing the inner folding OLED panel in the US will cost $999 without AppleCare+.
