Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 13 hrs ago
Some apps are optimized for Apple's new foldable iPhone, but many are not
Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo is now on sale, with an inner screen that can be opened wide or folded into different positions.
Apps marked “Made for iPhone Duo” can use features such as split-screen layouts and hands-free viewing.
Optimized examples include Netflix, NYT Cooking, Fantastical and Microsoft Word.
But many popular Japanese apps remain unoptimized, including LINE, PayPay, TVer and Pokémon Go.
On the large screen, some of these apps appear in their usual narrow layout with black space on either side, rather than showing more information.
This matters because the device’s larger screen is less useful when familiar apps cannot adapt to it.
Apple plans new app requirements from April 2027 for apps submitted or updated in the App Store, and developers are expected to work toward broader compatibility.
Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo has some apps optimized for its screens and folding positions, while many popular apps are not.
Optimized apps use features such as the larger inner display, split-screen layouts and hands-free viewing modes.
Apps that are not optimized may appear at their old size with black bars, or stretch without showing more information.
ITmedia lists LINE, PayPay, TVer and Pokémon GO among Japanese apps that are not optimized.
Apple plans to require new Duo screenshots and builds using a new software development kit for apps submitted or updated from April 2027.
- Who
- Apple and developers of apps for the iPhone Duo.
- What
- Some apps have been adapted to the foldable phone, but many popular apps are not yet optimized.
- When
- The phone launched on October 23, 2026. ITmedia’s information was current as of October 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
- Where
- The iPhone Duo and Apple’s App Store.
- Why
- The phone’s two displays and folding positions allow new app layouts, but many apps have not been updated for them.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The iPhone Duo went on sale, according to ITmedia.
ITmedia’s app compatibility information was current as of this time.
Apple plans to require apps submitted or updated to the App Store to include iPhone Duo screenshots and be built with a new software development kit.
- Starting price
- $2,000
- Japanese apps not optimized
- LINE, PayPay, TVer and Pokémon GO
- Optimized streaming app
- Netflix
- App Store label
- Made for iPhone Duo
- Planned requirement date
- April 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
The iPhone Duo is easily the most experimental iPhone that Apple has released.
On the other hand, the device is so new to iOS that some of your most frequently used apps may not yet be optimized to take advantage of the added screen space.
Posts on X
I turned iPhone Duo into a real-life notebook where you can type anywhere in your own handwriting or with one of 12 fonts I designed myself. Type or draw, then close it. The next time you open the book, it shows your most recent note or the one captured nearest to your current