Apple’s first foldable iPhone brings a fresh design, a nearly crease free display and powerful performance to a category that has spent years evolving. However, its high price and missing features leave room for improvement.
Apple iPhone Duo Brings a Fresh Take on Foldable Phones
Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, a device that combines the convenience of a compact phone with the larger screen experience of a tablet. Rather than rushing into the category, Apple appears to have taken time to study the strengths and weaknesses of existing foldable devices before developing its own approach.
According to the TechRadar review by Lance Ulanoff, the iPhone Duo stands out from conventional iPhones in a way that recent generations have struggled to achieve. Its unusual shape, premium materials and folding design attract attention, making it a device that people are likely to notice in public.
The phone features a polished titanium frame and a sophisticated hinge that allows it to open smoothly. When unfolded, the device reveals a 7.6 inch display that offers considerably more room for reading, watching videos, browsing the web and working across multiple applications.
Its external 5.4 inch display is designed for everyday tasks, allowing users to check messages, make calls and access apps without opening the device. The combination creates a smartphone that can transform into a small tablet whenever a larger screen becomes useful.
Apple has also equipped the Duo with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, adding reassurance to a design that includes a complex folding mechanism. The phone is available in Star White and Night Sky finishes.
A Nearly Crease Free Display and Impressive Engineering
One of the most notable features of the Apple iPhone Duo is its internal display. Foldable phones have traditionally struggled with the visible crease running through the centre of the screen, but Apple has taken a different approach with a matte, nano texture finish.
The crease has not disappeared completely, but it is difficult to notice during ordinary use. The display also reduces reflections in bright conditions, making content easier to view outdoors.
The inner screen measures 7.6 inches and uses Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology. Both displays support refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, helping scrolling, animations and compatible games feel smooth. Peak brightness reaches 3,000 nits, which should help maintain visibility in challenging lighting conditions.
The hinge is another highlight. It opens with little effort and holds the device at different angles before lying almost completely flat. This flexibility makes the Duo suitable for video calls, watching content and using supported applications without constantly holding the screen open.
Despite its slim profile when unfolded, the phone is relatively heavy at 254g. It measures just 5.2mm thick in tablet mode and 11.3mm when folded. That makes it thicker and heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, according to the supplied review.
Apple has also introduced changes to the software interface to accommodate the unusual form factor. Split screen multitasking allows users to work with two applications at once, making the larger display more practical than a simple enlarged smartphone screen.
However, the software experience still needs development. Limited support from third party applications could prevent users from getting the most out of the extra screen space.
Cameras, Performance and Everyday Usability
The iPhone Duo features a capable camera system, although it lacks the versatility expected from a premium smartphone at this price.
Its external camera setup includes two 48MP sensors, comprising a main camera and an ultra wide camera. According to the review, both deliver pleasing results, with accurate colours, good low light performance and an expansive field of view from the ultra wide lens.
The phone also includes an 11MP front camera on the outer display and a 4MP camera inside. The inner camera is intended primarily for casual selfies and video calls rather than detailed photography.
The biggest omission is a dedicated telephoto camera. Users who frequently photograph distant subjects may find the absence disappointing, particularly given the device’s premium positioning.
Performance is handled by Apple’s A20 Pro processor, paired with 12GB of RAM. The phone runs iOS 27 and offers storage configurations of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. These specifications suggest a device designed to handle demanding applications, multitasking and everyday productivity.
Battery capacity is listed at approximately 4,800mAh, with support for 60W wired charging and 35W wireless charging. Actual battery life will depend on how often users rely on the larger internal display and how intensively they use the phone.
Security and convenience are less impressive. The absence of Face ID means users must rely on Touch ID to unlock the device. While fingerprint recognition remains useful, it can feel like a step backwards for people accustomed to unlocking an iPhone simply by looking at it.
The external display also presents a usability concern. Moving the status bar and app dock to the right side leaves less horizontal space for applications, potentially making some interfaces feel cramped.
Apple iPhone Duo Price and Final Verdict
The Apple iPhone Duo starts at $1,999.99 in the United States, £1,999 in the United Kingdom and AU$3,499 in Australia for the 256GB version. Higher storage configurations increase the price, with the 2TB model reaching $3,199, £3,199 and AU$5,899.
That makes it one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones. While the device effectively combines a phone and a tablet, its price will put it beyond the reach of many buyers.
Its main competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which the supplied review describes as thinner, lighter and slightly cheaper. Samsung’s established foldable experience also makes it a serious alternative for people who prioritise portability.
Nevertheless, the iPhone Duo has several compelling strengths. Its carefully engineered hinge, reduced screen crease, powerful processor and flexible display make it a notable first entry into the foldable market. For existing iPhone users who want a larger screen without carrying a separate tablet, it offers a distinctive proposition.
The drawbacks are difficult to ignore. The missing telephoto camera, lack of Face ID, cramped outer screen layout and limited third party app optimisation all leave room for improvement.
Ultimately, the Apple iPhone Duo is an ambitious foldable that brings Apple’s design approach to a maturing category. It will appeal most to people who value the combination of iOS and a tablet sized display, but buyers should weigh those benefits against its premium price and compromises.
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