Apple's recently announced iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, has generated significant discussion, particularly regarding its name. Although foldable phones are not new, having been available in the Android market for some time, the iPhone Duo signals a new direction for Apple. Much of the conversation revolves around its use of the term "Duo," which many associate with Microsoft’s Surface Duo foldable devices.
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The internet has been active with critiques, drawing parallels between Apple’s new device and the Microsoft products. However, this naming convention isn’t entirely unprecedented for Apple. In fact, the company previously utilized the "Duo" name for its PowerBook Duo laptop, introduced in 1992. The PowerBook Duo was notable for its portability and compatibility with a docking station to transform it into a desktop setup, though it ultimately struggled with popularity due to its limited specifications.
In addition to the PowerBook Duo, Apple's current trademarks include the MagSafe Duo Charger, launched in 2020, which allows for simultaneous wireless charging of two devices. This suggests that Apple has a history with the duo branding that predates its latest smartphone.
Microsoft’s Surface Duo debuted in 2020 and was characterized as a two-screen device running Android, but it received mixed reviews, with critiques noting its shortcomings as a phone and tablet. A year later, Microsoft released the Surface Duo 2, which also faced criticism for its design flaws and unreliable software. The Surface Duo line has since been discontinued, with the planned Surface Duo 3 scrapped in 2023, indicating that these devices did not have a lasting legacy.
Though some argue that Apple's usage of "Duo" is a direct borrowing from Microsoft, it appears the connection is more historical than competitive. Given that Apple has used the name in various contexts over the years, the response to the iPhone Duo may reflect a shift away from the failures of the Surface Duo.