8 Things to Know About the iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo reintroduces Touch ID to flagship iPhones and removes Face ID, potentially changing how you authenticate. Your existing MagSafe wallet may no longer fit correctly on the device.

Apple's new iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999, introduces a foldable form factor with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. Many third-party apps are not yet optimized for these unique screen sizes and the new navigational elements, which have been moved to the right rail. Face ID has been replaced by Touch ID, integrated into the power button on the right side, while the Dynamic Island feature has been relocated. The device supports MagSafe, but accessory compatibility, particularly for wallets, may be an issue due to the phone's dimensions. Users can leverage the larger inner screen for split-screen multitasking and app pairing. Apple advises against removing the nano-texture finish on the inner display, with repair costs for damaged finishes or cracked screens being $19 and $999 respectively, outside of AppleCare+. A software update later this year will introduce Apple Pencil support for the USB-C model and a Reachability feature to aid one-handed use.

The iPhone Duo's foldable design introduces challenges for app developers, with many applications still requiring optimization for its dual-screen setup and altered navigation. This staggered app support suggests a market where foldable devices necessitate significant developer adaptation, potentially creating a tiered user experience based on app compatibility. As more foldable devices enter the market, the pressure on developers to support these new form factors will increase, impacting the usability and appeal of these premium devices. Developers who lag in optimization risk alienating users and hindering the adoption of innovative hardware. Apple's decision to revert to Touch ID on the iPhone Duo, while keeping the Dynamic Island, signals a pragmatic approach to hardware constraints and user preference. The move away from Face ID on a flagship foldable might indicate the technology's current bulk or power requirements are not conducive to such a thin, folding design. This could imply a continued coexistence of biometric authentication methods across Apple's lineup, catering to different device types and user needs. It also raises questions about the long-term future of Face ID in Apple's foldable strategy.

The iPhone Duo's design necessitates new accessory considerations, particularly with MagSafe wallets that may awkwardly protrude due to the device's unique dimensions. While Apple's core MagSafe functionality remains, the uneven weight distribution of the unfolded device could also impact car mounts and tripods. This highlights how hardware innovations in form factor can disrupt the established accessory ecosystem, creating opportunities for third-party innovation in custom solutions, but also potentially frustrating users with existing gear. The impending addition of Apple Pencil support and a Reachability feature via software updates underscores the evolving functionality of foldable smartphones. The Pencil support, specifically for the USB-C model, points to a strategic integration of stylus input as a key differentiator for large-screened mobile devices. The Reachability update aims to mitigate ergonomic challenges posed by the expansive inner display, addressing a common usability concern in larger phones and suggesting a future where software plays a crucial role in adapting hardware to user needs.