Apple’s first-ever foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, makes its official debut today, priced at a steep $2,000. Despite the hefty price tag, critics point out that software optimization has yet to fully catch up with the device’s hardware innovations.
In a recent week-long review by CNN, testers found that while the expansive screen delivered an impressive new experience, app compatibility and user convenience still require significant improvements.
The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display when folded, expanding into a 7.6-inch internal tablet-like screen when unfolded. Folded, it resembles the thickness and size of a passport; unfolded, it functions as a thin tablet smaller than an iPad mini.
A standout physical feature is the virtual absence of the central screen crease that has plagued previous foldable phones on the market.
Users can prop the device halfway like a book or tent to use it as a desktop clock, digital photo frame, or calendar. Certain apps like Camera and Apple Fitness Plus are designed to shift content to the top half of the screen when folded like a laptop.
When fully unfolded, users can shoot selfies with the rear camera while previewing the shot on the outer display, allowing for hands-free photography without a separate tripod.
Multitasking capabilities have also been enhanced. Users can run two apps simultaneously to search for information on one side while working on the other, or drag and drop images directly from the Photos app into Messages.
However, the main drawback is that many major applications have not yet been optimized for this large screen size.
During CNN’s pre-release testing, popular apps like Google Maps, Gmail, and Uber failed to properly utilize the 7.6-inch display, often appearing as small windows in the center of the screen with black side margins.
This lag occurs because developers have yet to update their applications using Apple’s latest software development kits.
While companies like Google, TikTok, Instagram, and Threads pushed updates during the testing period, the unpredictability of how an app will display before launching diminishes the overall user experience.
Conversely, already-optimized apps showcase the true potential of the iPhone Duo. Puzzle games display rich, vibrant graphics across the expanded screen, while Apple Books displays separate pages on each half when slightly folded like a real book.
The biggest hurdle remains the price. Starting at $2,000, the iPhone Duo matches the cost of Apple’s latest 14-inch MacBook Pro.
CNN concluded that unless consumers specifically require a large foldable screen, there is little reason to justify the high price point at launch.
While recognizing the iPhone Duo as a fascinating device that highlights the future potential of the iPhone lineup, reviewers advise prospective buyers to hold off on purchasing for now.
