I’ve reviewed almost every Android foldable this year — here’s how the iPhone Duo compares

The iPhone Duo's software issues mean many apps do not work as well on it as they do on Android foldables.

Apple has entered the foldable market with its new iPhone Duo, priced at $2,000. While the device boasts premium hardware, a smooth hinge, and a unique matte-finish inner display that helps mask the crease, it faces significant challenges, particularly with software optimization. Many apps do not scale correctly to the larger screen or utilize the new right-hand rail, resulting in wasted space and awkward user experiences. The cover screen is also criticized for feeling cramped due to this rail. In terms of physical design, the Duo is notably heavier and slightly thicker than many Android foldable competitors. Despite its IP68 rating and improved battery life over some rivals, the Duo's camera setup is considered basic compared to the triple-lens systems found on most Android foldables. The device also struggles with multitasking capabilities, lagging behind the competition.

The iPhone Duo's primary weakness lies in its software ecosystem, where app optimization for foldable form factors is nascent. While Apple's hardware is competitive, the reliance on third-party developers to adapt their applications for the Duo's unique screen real estate and UI elements leaves a significant gap compared to the more mature foldable app landscape on Android. This forces users into awkward workarounds or experiences that feel cramped, underscoring the challenge of launching a new hardware category when software integration is not yet seamless across the board.

This situation highlights a critical dependency for new device categories, where hardware innovation can be significantly hampered by software inertia. For users, it means a potentially premium experience is diminished by functional limitations in everyday applications, a stark contrast to the slicker, more optimized app performance seen on established Android foldables. The disparity suggests that while Apple can match Android on build quality and some unique features like the matte display, the user experience is still trailing due to software.