Still early, but after three days of using the iPhone Duo as my main phone, a few things are becoming clear.
1. Form factor and hinge
Sleek, solid and easy to pocket. The hinge feels satisfying and precise, and holds its position well at different angles. My previous foldable experience was with the Honor Magic, and the Duo feels very refined.
2. On-screen controls favour right-handed use
I am right-handed, but strangely I tend to hold the phone mostly in my left hand. Some frequently used on-screen controls and quick-access icons are positioned on the right side of the display. This often forces me to use my right hand as well. Better one-handed accessibility, or the ability to reposition these controls, would help.
3. Folded vs unfolded
I still use it mainly in the folded position. But I find myself unfolding it fully much more often than I did with the Honor Magic. That probably says something about how useful the larger display actually is.
4. App optimisation is still the weak point
Many apps are not yet properly optimised for the larger display or different folding states. Sometimes it is just an awkward layout. At other times it becomes genuinely irritating, particularly when filling in forms. This is probably my biggest frustration so far.
5. Apple Pencil support
Support for the USB-C Apple Pencil is a major plus. Writing on the matte display surface feels very comfortable. This could become one of my favourite features.
6. Camera system
The cameras are good. Coming from my previous iPhone 16 Pro Max, there is nothing I seriously miss in everyday use. Of course, I am not comparing it with the newer 17 or 18 Pro models.
7. Touch ID and changing orientation
One small adjustment is muscle memory. When I unfold the Duo and use it in portrait orientation, I sometimes momentarily forget where the Touch ID button is. With so many ways to hold and position the device, the physical controls are not always where my fingers instinctively expect them to be.
8. I don’t really miss Face ID
Perhaps surprisingly, I don’t really miss Face ID. My Apple Watch also helps with unlocking in supported situations, while Touch ID itself works well. So far, the change has bothered me much less than I expected.
9. Unfolded portrait mode could be better
The home-screen icon layout when fully unfolded in portrait orientation could make better use of the available display. I understand that many people will probably use the larger screen mainly in landscape orientation, but portrait mode still feels as though it could be better optimised.
10. Battery life is impressive
This has been one of the pleasant surprises. With my previous iPhone, I routinely carried a MagSafe power bank. After three days with the Duo, I haven’t felt the need to carry one.
11. MagSafe accessories don’t quite fit the form factor
My existing MagSafe accessories still attach, but their physical dimensions don’t suit the Duo’s shorter body very well. My MagSafe wallet, Plaud and power bank all extend beyond the edge of the phone. They work, but the fit is awkward.
After 3 days?
Most of the time, the Duo works as a compact iPhone in its folded state. But when I need more screen space, I simply unfold it.
And interestingly, I am unfolding it much more often than I expected.
For me, that may ultimately be the strongest argument for this form factor.