Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, goes on sale on Friday, 23 October, and online pre-orders sold out in minutes. Tech critic David Phelan has been testing the device ahead of its launch and describes it as "a revelation" that is likely to take foldable phones mainstream.
Design and Displays
The iPhone Duo is almost like an iPad mini that folds in half. When open, the display measures 7.6 inches with very thin bezels; folded, it is about the size of a passport and weighs almost exactly the same as the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The build quality is immaculate, featuring a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, and the original Ceramic Shield on the rear. The hinge is easy to open and can be adjusted to stay in multiple positions, including flat, half-open, or tent-like.
Both displays are OLED, rich, and colourful. The outer screen matches the pixel density of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at 460 pixels per inch. The inner screen has a slightly lower resolution at 430ppi but features a nano-texture finish that eliminates reflections and fingerprints, making the crease completely invisible. The aspect ratio is consistent whether open or closed, and the inner camera is hidden under the display.
Cameras and Performance
The iPhone Duo has two rear cameras: a main and an ultra-wide, both with 48-megapixel resolution. There is no telephoto lens, but the main camera can achieve a 2x optical zoom equivalent by cropping, dropping resolution to 12 megapixels. A notable feature is the ability to show subjects their own preview on the front screen, and a feature called Kid Cue plays Snoopy cartoons to attract a subject's attention.
The Duo has the same fast processor as the iPhone 18 Pro, delivering excellent performance. Battery life manages a full day but requires an overnight charge. The phone uses Touch ID in the side button instead of Face ID, which the reviewer missed, though an Apple Watch can be set to unlock the phone.
Software and Verdict
App developers are updating apps for the new screen, with Instagram, Threads, and Facebook optimised in one day. Netflix, Sonos, and Slack are also ready. New software allows multitasking with two apps side by side, and Apple's own apps, including Safari, shine on the device.
The iPhone Duo is expensive and takes some getting used to, but the extra screen real estate in a pocketable phone is a key benefit. The invisible crease is better than other foldables, and the hinge adjusts perfectly. The only absences are the telephoto lens and Face ID. The Duo is "effortlessly seductive" and likely to take foldable phones mainstream.
