Daniel Mercer
In an exciting development, Apple has introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, to its product lineup.
As is tradition, following the grand reveal on Wednesday, September 9, Apple invited journalists to a special area to test out the new devices. Unsurprisingly, the iPhone Duo attracted the largest crowd.
Thankfully, Apple had multiple units available, so after some gentle persuasion and a bit of luck, we managed to spend a few minutes with the iPhone Duo. Here’s our initial impression.
Experience Unmatched Smoothness with the iPhone Duo
Fold it halfway, and the iPhone Duo transforms into an elegant clock and photo frame. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
The iPhone Duo operates exceptionally well. The captivating animation that seamlessly transitions between displays when folding or unfolding the phone creates an impressive user experience. Even in these early hours of testing, every task I attempted felt intuitive and was executed with remarkable speed.
The expansive display is stunning, making your previous iPhone feel cramped in comparison. This is particularly noticeable when using the Photos app, which transforms photo browsing into a delightful experience.
Positioning the iPhone Duo in this orientation allows apps to optimize their layout for the available space. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
When flipped vertically (while unfolded), it feels like a larger iPhone. I can easily envision myself reading books, magazines, or browsing the web in this configuration. Netflix, in particular, has been optimized for the foldable display. I was pleased to find that regardless of how I oriented the phone—folded, unfolded, or partially folded—the app adjusted seamlessly, and playback continued without interruption.
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I’ll need more time to evaluate how other applications, particularly third-party ones, perform on the iPhone Duo. it’s already evident that Apple has effectively adapted iOS to function flawlessly with a foldable display.
This foldable device operates in multiple states—folded, unfolded, and several positions in between, and Apple has thoughtfully accounted for this versatility. For instance, if you fold it halfway and set it on a desk, the iPhone Duo becomes a luxurious digital clock and calendar. it allows for two apps to run side by side or stacked vertically, depending on your orientation. To my surprise, I never encountered a moment where the phone faltered or struggled with app performance.
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Design Excellence: What Works Well in the iPhone Duo
The subtle crease on the iPhone Duo is present but hardly noticeable. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
The crease on the display did not detract from my experience. While it exists, it was barely visible, and the screen looked stunning from every angle. The laminated display features multiple layers designed to ensure durability and functionality through continuous folding and unfolding. It also boasts a matte finish, which I find more appealing than the glossy surface of traditional iPhones.
Regarding the design and its unique form factor, Apple seems to have hit the mark. When folded, it resembles a square shape, which may take some getting used to. when unfolded, it essentially transforms into a sleek and refined iPad mini. This balance makes it a strong candidate for my primary device. Holding it completely unfolded feels slightly awkward, as it tends to collect fingerprints on the outer display, but that seems unavoidable.
When fully unfolded, the iPhone Duo is the thinnest iPhone ever created. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
For the first time, Apple has integrated an under-display camera in the iPhone Duo. This feature operates seamlessly; it remains nearly invisible until activated, appearing and disappearing with a stylish animation. Its slightly off-center alignment might seem peculiar when the display is open, but this is unlikely to impact usability.
One concern I have is the slickness of the iPhone Duo’s edges, which can make it challenging to unfold, even with two hands. I have yet to test it with a case, but a non-slip case will likely be essential. Given the high price of $2,000, a protective case is advisable.
Anticipating the iPhone Duo’s Launch
The iPhone Duo is currently showcased in the demo area, but consumers will have to wait until October 23 for its release. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
The iPhone Duo is set to launch in October, approximately a month after the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will be available in just over a week. This timeline means our comprehensive review will arrive a bit later. This delay could be beneficial, allowing developers to optimize their applications for the Duo. So far, Netflix appears to be the only third-party app that has been fully adapted for the Duo’s unique features.
For now, the iPhone Duo stands out as the most intriguing iPhone Apple has introduced in years, and I eagerly anticipate spending more time exploring its capabilities.
