Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo Arrives at $1,999 With Software Gaps

Apple has released the iPhone Duo, its first folding smartphone, at a price of $1,999. The launch comes seven years after Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold, marking the end of a long period of development for the category. While the hardware design is considered refined, the software experience presents immediate challenges for buyers who purchase the device now.

The primary friction point lies in app compatibility. The Duo features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, a form factor that many third-party developers have not yet adapted to. On the inner screen, numerous applications display as a narrow vertical strip with thick black bars on either side. Although Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have received updates for iOS 27.1, some of these apps still exhibit broken interface elements. Apple has also shifted navigation controls to a right-hand rail rather than the traditional bottom center position. Since the phone is currently back-ordered for several weeks, developers may complete their optimizations before many customers receive their devices.

The device also signals a major shift in security design by dropping Face ID. Apple has installed a Touch ID sensor on the right side of the phone, likely due to the device's thin profile. This is the first time a flagship iPhone uses fingerprint scanning, though the technology remains on the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks. The Dynamic Island feature persists but has moved to the top-right edge near the outer selfie camera, appearing in the same location on the inner display during live activities.

Physical accessories require specific attention. While the phone supports MagSafe, it tilts to one side when unfolded and attached to car docks or tripods because of uneven weight distribution. Third-party manufacturers may need to use anti-rotation magnets to fix this. Standard magnetic wallets also protrude past the bottom edge of the shorter device, and Apple has not provided an official solution for this issue.

Camera functionality offers a distinct advantage for users. The rear cameras are superior to the front-facing lens, allowing users to take high-quality selfies by previewing on the outer screen. A 'Slide to show camera' control moves the full camera interface to the outer display while disabling the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. This feature is separate from Duo Preview, which shows the viewfinder to the subject, and Kids Cue, which displays Snoopy animations to engage children.

Multitasking is handled by dragging apps to the sides of the inner screen to run two programs side by side. Tapping the central bar locks the pair together in the Recent apps menu, though users cannot save the pair as a single icon. Apple advises caution with the inner display's matte nano-texture finish, stating it is an integral component. The company warns against removing the finish, as doing so could void the warranty. A damaged finish costs $19 to replace with AppleCare+ or $49 out of warranty, while a cracked inner display costs $999 without coverage.

Future software updates will add Reachability, which shifts apps horizontally, and support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. The pencil is designed to work with the nano-texture screen for writing and drawing, though the phone lacks a built-in storage slot for the stylus.