The initial unveiling of iOS 26 beta by Apple in 2025, showcasing a significant software reimagining through Liquid Glass, was met with indifference—not only by me but by numerous users.
This development solidified my decision to forsake the iPhone 15 Pro Max during my impending upgrade in favor of an Android device.
Historically, I oscillated between these two operating systems out of enthusiasm for each. Nonetheless, I sensed that the iPhone had reached a plateau, and with the advent of Liquid Glass, Apple appeared to merely add a decorative flourish to an already lackluster offering.
The hardware failed to captivate me, and the new operating system left much to be desired, in my personal opinion.
I didn’t harbor any illusions about Android surpassing Apple in hardware innovation. While manufacturers like Samsung have ventured into foldable phones—a concept I found somewhat appealing—I was reluctant to spend nearly $2,100 on one.
After a prolonged tenure with the iPhone, originating from the iPhone 11, I believed a fresher perspective would do me well. I am pleased to report that my new Galaxy S25 Ultra has exceeded my expectations since the transition.
Despite the occasional idiosyncrasies associated with Android and some of the recent changes Google has implemented, such as curtailing sideloading, I haven’t yearned for my iPhone.
The adjustment back to Android was surprisingly seamless, and I feel a newfound satisfaction in moving away from Apple. However, the emergence of the iPhone Duo has certainly piqued my interest.
Folding phones have always intrigued me
My fascination with folding phones has long endured, though whether their execution has compelled me to purchase one remains debatable.
The pronounced crease and associated durability concerns have typically dissuaded me from these devices.
However, Samsung has made notable strides with successive iterations of its Z Fold series, and I would assert that the current landscape for foldable phones is improving.
The recent introduction of the passport-style Galaxy Z Fold 8 signals a much-needed evolution in this segment.
This backdrop heightens my anticipation for Apple’s exploration of a similar design with the iPhone Duo. I am not suggesting that this device will resolve all my reservations surrounding foldable technology.
The aspiration for a creaseless experience on such devices seems almost fantastical. Nonetheless, it is Apple’s innovative approach that has genuinely captured my attention, compelling me to consider investing more than $2,000 in a smartphone.
Despite lingering apprehensions regarding overall durability and potential irritations from a crease, for the first time in many years, Apple seems to be embracing novel ideas.
This assertion may sound somewhat severe; however, it feels accurate to say that the recent iterations of the iPhone—stretching from the iPhone 14 to the latest iPhone 18—have not significantly advanced the paradigm. Not in ways that truly resonate with users, at least.
The iPhone Duo feels like Apple is finally doing its thing again
It is evident that the iPhone Duo necessitates certain compromises that seem illogical. The inherent limitations of a slimmer design come with caveats, particularly the omission of features like Face ID, which has become integral to the iPhone experience in recent years. Yet, on a fundamental level, the iPhone Duo embodies a return to Apple’s innovative essence.
I vividly recall an era when each new iPhone release represented a tangible evolution from its predecessor. The enhancements were far beyond mere incremental AI advancements that have characterized recent launches.
The iPhone 18 continues to reflect this spirit, yet the addition of the Duo suggests that Apple may be rediscovering its foundational principles.
While Android has also experienced stagnation in the hardware realm, the proliferation of manufacturers has enabled a broader array of intriguing concepts—such as Honor’s Robot Phone featuring an integrated camera gimbal—to emerge more frequently than we observe with Apple.
This statement does not imply that Apple is altogether revisiting innovation. Rather, the company appears to be leveraging insights derived from competitors’ successes and reinterpreting them through its lens.
Even as Apple enters the foldable arena as a newcomer, the company seems poised to adeptly navigate its challenges. This prospect fills me with excitement regarding Apple’s future endeavors.
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