Folding iPhone Duo: Apple enters the foldable race with a $1,999 device

Apple has finally joined the folding smartphone market with the launch of the iPhone Duo. The device arrives seven years after Samsung introduced its first foldable model. Apple spent that time refining the hardware in secret. Early reviews describe the new phone as a solid entry into a competitive category. The starting price is set at $1,999 for consumers.

The hardware features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a larger 7.6-inch inner display. This shape is new to Apple and has caused software issues for some users. Many third-party apps have not been optimized for the new size. Some applications appear as narrow strips with thick black bars on the sides. Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have received updates for the new system. However, some of these still show broken interface elements. Apple also moved navigation controls to the right side of the screen instead of the bottom center.

The iPhone Duo marks a significant design change by dropping Face ID. The phone now uses Touch ID, with the sensor located on the right edge. This is the first time a flagship iPhone has used this fingerprint method since the iPhone SE. The device is very thin, which likely drove this design decision. The Dynamic Island remains on the phone. It is located at the top right corner near the outer camera. This feature also appears in the same corner on the inner display during live activities.

Accessories for the new phone require some adjustment. The device supports MagSafe, but it may tip to one side when unfolded and attached to a car dock or tripod. This happens because of uneven weight distribution. Magnetic wallets can attach to the phone, but they stick out past the bottom edge. This is because the Duo is shorter than other iPhones. Apple has not yet offered an official fix for this issue.

Photography is a strong point for the iPhone Duo. Users can take selfies using the higher quality rear cameras while viewing the preview on the outer screen. A control on the screen allows users to move the full camera app to the outer display. This feature disables the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. The phone also includes a Duo Preview mode that shows the viewfinder to the person being photographed. A separate feature called Kids Cue plays animations on the outer screen to attract a child's attention.

Multitasking on the inner screen allows users to run two apps side by side. Users can drag an app to either side to split the screen. Tapping the middle bar locks the two apps as a pair. This pair can be accessed from the Recent apps menu, but it cannot be saved as a single icon. Apple advises care with the inner display. The matte finish is an integral part of the screen. Apple warns users not to attempt to remove it. A damaged finish can be replaced for $19 at an Apple Store or $49 out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+.

More features are coming in software updates later this year. The keyboard can already be split to make typing easier on the wide display. An upcoming update will add Reachability, which shifts apps to the side instead of pulling them down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. This stylus is not stored on the phone. It is expected to provide a paper-like writing experience on the screen.