Apple Unveils iPhone Duo at $1,999 With Touch ID Return

Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first entry into the folding smartphone category, at a starting price of $1,999. This release marks a major strategic move for the company, arriving seven years after Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold. Early assessments suggest that the extended development period allowed Apple to refine the hardware significantly, resulting in a device that is described as a pretty dang good foldable. However, the premium price tag and specific design choices mean that consumers should understand the product's current limitations before making a purchase decision.

The most immediate challenge for the iPhone Duo lies in its software ecosystem. The device features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, a form factor that is new to Apple. Consequently, many third-party applications have not yet been optimized for these dimensions. While Apple’s own redesigned apps function well, numerous other services appear as a narrow strip down the center of the screen with thick black bars on the sides. Developers for Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp have already released updates for iOS 27.1, though some of these apps, including Instagram, still exhibit broken interface elements. Apple has also shifted navigation elements to the right rail instead of the bottom center. Since the device is currently back-ordered for several weeks, developers may have time to resolve these issues before many customers receive their units.

In a notable departure from recent iPhone design trends, the Duo does not include Face ID. Instead, Apple has returned to Touch ID, placing the sensor on the right side of the device. The thinness of the phone is likely the primary reason for this change. This is the first time Touch ID has appeared on a flagship iPhone, although it has remained available on the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks. The Dynamic Island feature survives the redesign, relocated to the top-right edge around the outer selfie camera. It also appears in the same corner on the inner display during live activities.

Accessories present some initial complications for users. The phone supports MagSafe, but when unfolded and attached to car docks or tripods, it tips to one side due to uneven weight distribution. Third-party manufacturers may need to implement anti-rotation magnets to address this, which could require consumers to replace existing gear. Magnetic wallets can be attached, but because the Duo is shorter than other iPhones, they extend past the bottom edge. Apple has not yet provided an official fix for this issue.

Photography capabilities are a standout feature of the new device. Users can take selfies using the superior rear cameras while previewing the image on the outer screen. After launching the camera and flipping the phone, a control labeled Slide to show camera brings the full camera app to the outer display. This includes access to modes and Photographic Styles, while the inner screen is disabled to prevent accidental touches. This feature is distinct from Duo Preview, which allows the subject to see the viewfinder, and Kids Cue, which plays Snoopy animations on the outer screen to capture a child's attention.

Multitasking functionality allows users to drag an app from the bottom to either side of the inner screen to run two applications side by side. Tapping the middle bar once causes it to glow white and locks the two apps as a pair. These pairs are accessible from the Recent apps menu, though they cannot be saved as a single icon on the home screen.

Care is advised for the inner display. While a case and outer-screen protector are reasonable accessories, the matte nano-texture finish on the inner screen is an integral component according to Apple. The company's support page warns users not to attempt to remove it, as doing so could void the warranty. Apple does not address third-party screen protectors, which might impact display performance. A damaged finish can be replaced at an Apple Store or authorized provider for $19, or $49 out of warranty. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+ coverage.

Several conveniences are scheduled for future release. The keyboard can already be split to facilitate typing on the wide inner display. A software update later this year will add Reachability, which shifts an app to the left or right rather than pulling it down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil. Only that specific model is supported, and it should make writing and drawing feel paper-like on the nano-texture screen. Currently, there is no place to store the stylus on the phone.