Apple has introduced its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Duo, which has quickly attracted significant consumer interest despite delayed availability and a premium price point of £1,999. Pre-orders have experienced delays pushing deliveries into January, reflecting strong demand for the new device.
The iPhone Duo is offered in two finishes, Star White and Night Sky, with the latter receiving particular praise for its sleek and recognizable Apple design. The device features a dual-screen setup: a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the exterior serves as the primary screen, while an interior 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers an expanded, foldable workspace. The inner screen is enhanced with a matte nano-texture finish and supports versatile use modes, including propping the phone open vertically or face-down, providing additional functionality when the device is partially folded.
The camera configuration includes a rear dual-lens system, combining a 48-megapixel wide and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. Complementing this is a 12-megapixel cover camera designed for video calls and an under-display FaceTime camera integrated into the foldable screen. Notably, the device allows the rear cameras to be used for selfies by opening the phone with the rear cameras facing the user, while displaying the user on the screen. Apple has also incorporated "Kid Cue," an animation feature on the cover display meant to capture the attention of young children during photo sessions.
Battery life has emerged as a critical consideration for potential buyers, given the dual-screen design. Early impressions suggest that the battery comfortably supports a full day of use, including gaming and media playback, though actual performance will vary by user behavior.
On the software front, apps have been optimized to take advantage of the foldable format. Netflix, for example, has introduced a tabletop mode that divides the screen, playing content on the upper half while turning the lower half into a control interface. Multitasking is facilitated by the ability to run two apps side-by-side, allowing for activities such as watching video content while browsing the web simultaneously.
While the iPhone Duo showcases Apple’s technological advancements and maintains the brand’s reputation for quality, questions remain regarding whether foldable devices will appeal broadly to consumers. The decision to adopt the new form factor will likely be influenced heavily by its high price and individual user preferences.
