Apple’s debut foldable iPhone is receiving a mix of admiration for its sleek design and near-invisible screen crease. However, critics have raised concerns about its bulky build, camera limitations, and inconsistent app support, making the $1,999 device a challenging option for many buyers.
Additionally, initial reports suggest that the high-priced gadget may be susceptible to cracking.
The iPhone Duo is set to launch in stores on Friday, boasting reviews of 8.8 out of 10 from Engadget and 7 out of 10 from both The Verge and WIRED.
Engadget referred to this eagerly awaited entry into the foldable market as “worth the wait,” while The Verge labeled it a “messy, expensive, good time.” WIRED went as far as calling it an “astonishingly good first foldable.”
The device features a 7.6-inch matte display that effectively minimizes glare, and its innovative hinge allows for smooth operation at various angles.
Despite this, several posts on Reddit indicated disappointment among some users by Friday afternoon.
One user lamented, “iPhone Duo screen cracked within 6 hours of ownership.” They recounted removing the device to show a friend when they noticed an issue around the internal hinge, which led to an audible crack that broke the screen along the hinge. Remarkably, there were no visible signs of damage on the screen or hinge.
This user rushed back to an Apple store, where staff provided a replacement Duo.
Another Reddit user shared a video showcasing a cracked device, noting that others were experiencing similar issues in the same area.
Still, reviewers praised the durable titanium construction and the device’s smooth folding mechanism. Although the crease was less visible than before, several reviewers noted that it remains evident from certain angles and can be felt when touching the screen.
Apple’s anti-reflective finish also has its downsides; colors might appear less vivid, and blacks not as deep compared to the company’s non-folding premium iPhones.
Weighing in at 254 grams and measuring 11.3 millimeters thick when folded, the Duo’s bulkiness was a frequent complaint.
The small 5.4-inch outer display received mixed feedback as well, with some reviewers loving its compact design while others felt that apps were somewhat cramped.
The Wall Street Journal provided one of the more critical reviews, stating that the device suffers from “Too Much iPhone, Too Little iPad.”
Despite an expansive inner display, the Duo doesn’t quite deliver the productivity of an iPad due to limited multitasking features and keyboard support, according to the Journal.
Software issues also emerged as a significant drawback. While Apple’s own apps transition seamlessly between screens, many third-party apps were found to be poorly optimized.
Wired’s Julian Chokkattu highlighted the issue: “Thick, black bars on the sides, with a phone-sized app in the middle of this tablet-like display.” Engadget’s Sam Rutherford referred to this gap as “the biggest growing pain you’ll face on Apple’s first foldable.”
Even multitasking, while possible, has its confines. Users can only operate two apps in a strictly enforced 50-50 split, with no option to add a third floating window.
Chokkattu further elaborated on this, noting, “If you have two apps split-screen on the Duo, Apple won’t let you resize one app to be slightly bigger than the other like you can on Android.”
Nonetheless, as developers adjust their offerings for this new format, these issues could improve. Wired reported that several popular apps had updates during the Duo’s testing phase, and Creative Strategies noted a surge in the number of apps optimized for the device in just a week.
However, some limitations won’t be resolved through software updates. Despite being Apple’s priciest iPhone, the Duo doesn’t come with the company’s best camera system.
The primary and ultrawide cameras received decent scores; however, numerous reviewers felt they fell short compared to the iPhone 18 Pro, especially in low-light scenarios.
Critically, the hidden 4-megapixel camera beneath the inner display disappointed many, with Gizmodo pointing out that it produced washed-out images.
Gizmodo’s Raymond Wong voiced frustration over this, saying, “It feels absurd that a $2,000 phone—the most expensive iPhone ever—does not have the most versatile camera system that Apple has to offer,” mentioning issues like lens flares and smeared details.
That said, the foldable design does bring some unique photographic benefits, such as utilizing the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies while checking the view on the outer display.
Battery performance seemed to impress many reviewers, although it still didn’t match the capabilities of Apple’s top standard iPhones.
Tom’s Guide found the Duo lasted 13 hours and 20 minutes in a 5G web-browsing test, which outperformed the 10 hours and six minutes from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 but was substantially less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s 17 hours and 31 minutes.
Other reviewers noted they could get through a normal day without needing a charge, though heavy use of the larger display could rapidly deplete the battery.
The varying ratings reflected differing opinions on whether the innovations of the Duo justify its compromises. Tom’s Guide hailed it as the “best designed foldable yet,” while 9to5Mac affirmed that a traditional iPhone still represents a more practical option for most users.
The Post has reached out to Apple for comment.
