Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Apple is exploring a Safari fix for the iPhone Duo’s outer display
Apple is exploring a Safari change for the iPhone Duo’s outer screen after users found that browser controls leave little room for websites.
The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display, and Safari’s controls sit along its right side.
That layout means websites have an unusually narrow space for content on the outer screen.
Apple says websites cannot currently extend behind those controls, though designers could use that area for things such as a wider header background.
Simply letting sites extend underneath the controls could hide important content on some websites that are not designed for it.
Apple is investigating a safer, easier approach and has asked web developers to share ideas.
Apple has not announced a fix or a release date.
Apple is exploring ways to let websites use more of the iPhone Duo’s outer display in Safari.
WebKit’s Jen Simmons said websites currently cannot extend behind Safari’s controls on the outer display.
Safari’s right-aligned controls take up space and leave websites with a narrow area for content.
Apple said using the existing viewport setting could obscure important content on some websites.
Simmons invited developers to share ideas for a better approach.
- Who
- Apple, with WebKit’s Jen Simmons discussing the issue.
- What
- Apple is exploring ways for websites to make better use of the iPhone Duo’s outer display in Safari.
- When
- October 23, 2026, when the article was published.
- Where
- Safari on the iPhone Duo’s outer display.
- Why
- Safari’s controls leave websites with limited screen space, and websites cannot currently extend behind those controls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chance Miller’s iPhone Duo review described Safari’s controls as reducing usable space on the outer display.
Jen Simmons discussed the outer-display limitation in a WebKit post about Safari 27.1 and said Apple was exploring ways to address it.
- Outer display
- 5.4 inches
- Browser
- Safari 27.1
- Device
- iPhone Duo
- WebKit contributor
- Jen Simmons
What people are saying
We would like to give web designers and developers the ability to design and use that space in more creative ways.
We are investigating if there’s a better way to accomplish the same result — something more foolproof and perhaps easier for you to use.
If you have ideas, we’d love to hear them.