Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
Early reviews find Apple's foldable iPhone Duo powerful but compromised
Apple's first foldable iPhone, the Duo, is set to launch on Friday.
Reviewers tested it for a week and found a device that folds into a compact phone and opens into a larger, tablet-like screen.
They describe it as fun but full of compromises, with its new design sometimes making everyday tasks less convenient than on a standard iPhone.
The Duo uses Apple's A20 Pro chip, and tests found its performance close to the iPhone 18 Pro.
Some third-party apps do not yet fill the inner display, leaving unused space or appearing with borders around them.
Reviewers say the phone is also expensive, though the sources do not give its price.
Developers still need time to adapt their apps, and one reviewer suggests waiting a few months if app support is important.
Apple’s iPhone Duo is the company’s first foldable iPhone and a major change to the iPhone’s form factor.
The device combines a compact, notebook-style design when folded with a 7.6-inch inner display when unfolded.
A 9to5Mac reviewer said the Duo was more comfortable to hold and carry than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, despite being heavier.
The Verge’s senior smartphone reviewer said she had used the Duo for the past week and invited subscribers to ask questions.
- Who
- Apple made the iPhone Duo. Reviewers at The Verge and 9to5Mac wrote about using it.
- What
- The iPhone Duo is a foldable iPhone with a 7.6-inch inner display.
- When
- The reviews were published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Verge’s senior smartphone reviewer used the iPhone Duo while working on a review.
The Verge and 9to5Mac published articles about the iPhone Duo.
- Inner display
- 7.6 inches
- Weight
- 254 grams
- Thickness when folded
- 11.3 millimeters
- Thickness when unfolded
- 5.2 millimeters
- Published
- October 21, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
I’m The Verge’s senior smartphone reviewer and I’ve been using the iPhone Duo for the past week.
That extra weight and thickness is well worth the trade-off.