Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, leaves a strong impression after a week of use as a well-made device that requires delicate care. Its design and software completion exceed expectations, but the satisfaction of using the product comes with growing maintenance burdens.
The first impression was a passing grade. The titanium-based design is sophisticated, and the 254g weight is not overly burdensome for an adult male. Unfolding the screen increases satisfaction, making it ideal for enjoying movies, comics, games, and e-books on a spacious display.
The hinge, which allows the screen to be fixed at various angles, is particularly impressive. It lets users watch videos without a separate stand and use the device as an interior object like a clock or digital photo frame. The smooth animation effects when launching apps or switching screens highlight Apple’s software optimization capabilities.
However, a $3,290 smartphone makes users cautious. Although the iPhone Duo faced initial ‘crack gate’ controversies over inner display fractures, the test unit showed no such defects after a week of use, suggesting that rare isolated issues should not generalize the overall product quality.
Durability Concerns and High Maintenance Costs
Despite normal operation, durability worries persist. The 256GB model’s factory price reaches 3,290,000 won. Using it without a case risks drop damage, while a protective case pushes the weight near 300g. Adding AppleCare to ease damage anxiety drives total purchase costs close to 4,000,000 won, creating a paradox where protecting a daily-use device causes user anxiety.
Screen maintenance also requires attention. The nano-texture display on the inner screen minimizes light reflection, but oil smudges are difficult to wipe away. Apple recommends dedicated polishing cloths, and users cannot remove the nano-texture cover layer themselves, meaning replacements incur extra costs.
App Optimization and Software Limitations
App optimization remains insufficient, with many apps failing to utilize the large screen properly. However, Apple’s entry into the foldable market is expected to encourage app developers to optimize for large displays, benefiting users of devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold as well.
The vertical toolbar placed on the right side of the screen reduces the horizontal space available for content, lowering readability for text-heavy formats like news.
The iPhone Duo demonstrates the appeal of Apple’s first foldable phone alongside the clear limitations of a first-generation device. While design and software show Apple’s strengths, future generations must improve durability, portability, and price accessibility to shift evaluations.
