Apple's Foldable Debut Carries a High Price and Software Gaps

Apple has finally released its first folding smartphone, a move that ends a seven year wait following Samsung's introduction of the Galaxy Fold. The new device, known as the iPhone Duo, is priced at 1,999 dollars. While early reviews suggest the hardware has been carefully refined over those years, buyers should be aware of several software limitations and design choices before making a purchase.

The most immediate challenge for new owners is the software experience. The phone features a 5.4 inch outer screen and a 7.6 inch inner display, dimensions that are new to the Apple ecosystem. Many applications have not yet been adjusted for this specific aspect ratio. Apple's own apps look polished, but third party programs often appear as a narrow vertical strip with large black bars on the sides. Although Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have been updated for iOS 27.1, some of these still show broken interface elements. Apple has also shifted navigation controls to the right side of the screen rather than the bottom. Since the device is back ordered for several weeks, developers may have time to fix these issues before many customers receive their phones.

The iPhone Duo also breaks from recent design trends by dropping Face ID. Instead, it relies on Touch ID, with the sensor located on the right edge. The thin profile of the device is likely the reason for this change. This is the first time a flagship iPhone has used this fingerprint technology since the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks retained it. Some users may prefer the speed of facial recognition, while others may appreciate the return of a physical touch sensor. The Dynamic Island feature remains, but it has moved to the top right corner near the outer selfie camera. It appears in the same location on the inner display during live activities.

Accessories will require some adjustment. The phone supports MagSafe, but its weight distribution causes it to tip when attached to car docks or tripods once unfolded. Third party makers may need to add anti rotation magnets to fix this issue, meaning existing gear might not fit. Magnetic wallets attach normally but extend past the bottom edge because the phone is shorter than previous models. Apple has not yet offered an official solution for this gap.

Photography offers some unique benefits. Users can use the higher quality rear cameras for selfies while viewing the frame on the outer screen. A control labeled Slide to show camera brings the full camera app to the outer display, including modes and styles. This disables the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. This is separate from Duo Preview, which lets the subject see the viewfinder, and Kids Cue, which uses Snoopy animations on the outer screen to engage children.

Multitasking has been updated for the wider inner display. Users can drag an app from the bottom to either side to run two applications side by side. Tapping the middle bar once locks the pair, making them accessible from the recent apps menu. However, these pairs cannot be saved as a single icon on the home screen.

Care is needed for the inner display. Apple states that the matte nano texture finish is an integral part of the screen and warns users not to attempt to remove it. Doing so could void the warranty. Third party screen protectors are not officially supported and might affect display performance. A damaged finish can be replaced for 19 dollars at an Apple Store or authorized provider, or 49 dollars if out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs 999 dollars to repair without AppleCare plus.

Several conveniences are still on the way. The keyboard can currently be split for easier typing on the wide screen. A software update later this year will add Reachability, allowing users to shift apps to the sides instead of pulling them down. Another update will add support for the USB C Apple Pencil, the only model compatible with the device. This should make writing and drawing feel more natural on the textured screen, though there is no built in storage for the stylus.