Apple has introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which was announced earlier this month. Priced at $1,999, the Duo aims to address common issues with foldable devices, such as fragility and the prominent crease that can appear when opened. Nicole Nguyen from The Wall Street Journal noted that when using the Duo's nearly iPad Mini-sized display for watching Netflix, the crease was hardly noticeable.
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The iPhone Duo matches the battery life and water and dust resistance of the iPhone 18 Pro but contrasts with its 2x camera zoom capability compared to the 8x zoom found in the 18 Pro. The Duo will be available for purchase next month, but it carries an $800 premium over the regular iPhone models.
Brian X. Chen of The New York Times highlighted that the iPhone Duo represents the most significant design change for the iPhone in nearly two decades, aimed at distinguishing itself from the multitude of standard smartphones on the market. As smartphone prices have increased significantly, with some new Macs and iPads rising by as much as 29% due to an industry-wide memory chip shortage, many consumers are seeking a more compelling reason to invest in new devices.
Mark Spoonauer of Tom’s Guide pointed out that in comparison to other foldable smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, the iPhone Duo offers greater durability and superior performance. The inner display is described as breathtaking and the device will also support a magnetically attached stylus. However, Spoonauer noted that the Duo is somewhat heavier and thicker than expected.