Apple Hardware: The $1,999 iPhone Duo ships with fingerprint security

Apple has released its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, pricing the device at $1,999. The launch follows a seven-year gap since Samsung introduced the category with the Galaxy Fold. Wired’s initial review describes the hardware as a "pretty dang good foldable," suggesting the extended development period yielded a refined product.

The device marks a sharp departure from recent iPhone design standards. Apple has removed Face ID, opting instead for a Touch ID sensor located on the right side. This is the first time a flagship iPhone has relied on fingerprint authentication, a feature previously reserved for the iPhone SE, iPads, and MacBooks. The Dynamic Island remains but has moved to the top-right edge near the outer selfie camera.

Software compatibility presents immediate challenges for early adopters. The phone features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, a form factor that many third-party applications have not yet addressed. While Apple’s own apps are optimized, others like Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp appear as narrow strips with thick black bars on the sides. Instagram still displays broken interface elements despite receiving an update for iOS 27.1. Apple has also shifted navigation controls to the right rail, abandoning the bottom-center placement.

Physical accessories require adjustment for the new shape. The device supports MagSafe, but its uneven weight distribution causes it to tip when attached to car docks or tripods. Magnetic wallets extend past the bottom edge because the Duo is shorter than standard iPhones. Apple offers no official accessory solution for these fit issues.

Photography tools leverage the dual-screen setup. Users can take selfies using the rear cameras while viewing the preview on the outer screen. A control labeled "Slide to show camera" moves the full camera interface to the outer display, disabling the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. The system also includes "Duo Preview," which shows the subject the viewfinder, and "Kids Cue," which plays Snoopy animations to hold a child’s attention.

Maintenance costs are specific and detailed. Apple states that the matte nano-texture finish on the inner screen is an integral component and warns users, "Don't attempt to remove it." A damaged finish costs $19 in-store or $49 out of warranty for replacement. A cracked inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+ coverage. A case and outer-screen protector are recommended, but third-party inner-screen protectors may affect display performance.

Multitasking allows users to drag apps to the sides of the inner screen for side-by-side viewing. Tapping the middle bar locks two apps as a pair for quick access in the Recent apps menu, though they cannot be saved as a single icon. The keyboard can be split to aid typing on the wide display.

Future software updates scheduled for later this year will add Reachability, which shifts apps to the left or right rather than pulling them down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil, the only stylus model compatible with the device. The phone does not include a slot to store the stylus.