Apple’s recently unveiled iPhone Duo represents the most exhilarating advancement in the iPhone lineage in nearly a decade.
Nevertheless, it would be prudent for most consumers to refrain from making a purchase—at least for the time being.
Having spent the past week evaluating Apple’s inaugural foray into the folding phone arena, which is set to debut on Friday, the device genuinely elicits an “oh wow” reaction.
Its allure captivated even my mother-in-law. Friends, typically indifferent to new smartphones, eagerly desired a firsthand experience.
After years of iterative upgrades focused on enhanced chip performance and marginally improved cameras, it is invigorating to witness Apple innovate anew, despite competitors like Samsung and Motorola having marketed folding phones for several years.
Apple’s iPhone Duo is the most exciting iPhone in nearly a decade. But most people should hold off.
Consumer interest is palpable. Within mere hours of the pre-orders opening on October 16, delivery timelines on Apple’s online platform began extending to January, with the company declaring the demand to be “extraordinary.”
However, elevated demand is not the sole factor contributing to this delay. According to Bloomberg’s tech columnist Mark Gurman, Apple anticipated supply limitations and proceeded with global sales regardless.
Technology site TechSpot estimates production yields—the fraction of acceptable, functioning devices meeting Apple’s quality standards—at approximately 60%, suggesting that 40% of the iPhone Duos produced are deemed subpar.
This scenario sets a challenging precedent for Apple CEO John Ternus, whose initial significant product launch faces a three-month backlog for eager customers.
When folded, the Duo resembles a passport more than a typical smartphone: broader and shorter than a conventional iPhone, featuring a 5.4-inch outer display. Its ergonomics are commendable, comfortably fitting into one’s hand.
However, those seeking the convenience of Face ID will be disappointed, as Apple has reverted to utilizing Touch ID integrated within the power button—a change I found unexpectedly challenging to adjust to.
Weight emerges as a significant consideration. At 254 grams, the Duo surpasses the conventional iPhone and exceeds even the taller iPhone 18 Pro Max, which weighs 249 grams. It undoubtedly imparts a sense of heft while carried in a pocket.
Upon unfolding, users are greeted with a 7.6-inch screen, slightly smaller than an iPad mini’s display, adorned with a matte finish that Apple claims reduces glare and obscures the central crease.
Yet, I found myself using it sparingly. On an average day, I would only unfold the Duo four or five times but would engage with it in its closed state around 100 times.
The iPhone hasn’t felt this revolutionary since the iPhone X removed the home button in 2017. Yet, the majority of users will be more than satisfied with a standard iPhone, particularly at a much lower price point.
A partial blame for this phenomenon falls on the applications. Apple categorizes them into three distinct tiers: those designed for the Duo, which utilize the complete inner screen; those that occupy most of the display; and the oldest apps, which merely float in the center surrounded by black space, rendering them somewhat lackluster even with a zoom feature.
Multitasking capabilities are also limited, allowing only two apps to be viewed side by side, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, which accommodates three applications along with floating windows.
Nonetheless, improvements in app functionality have been noted. During my week with the Duo, updates for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads enhanced their usability and performance on the expansive screen.
However, my preferred news apps, AFL app, banking services, and public transport applications still remain unoptimized.
With a substantial number of daily apps unprepared, the act of unfolding the device almost feels like an inconvenience. You can run only two apps side by side, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 runs three, plus floating windows.
The Duo truly excels while in transit. On a three-hour flight to Cairns on a family trip to Port Douglas, my toddler and I enjoyed snippets of Finding Nemo on the inner display, which was vibrant and visually striking.
Throughout the journey, the battery charge depleted by a mere 10%.
Similarly, during my return on the tram following work, indulging in Netflix or watching the NBA on the Duo far surpassed using a standard smartphone. This form factor’s standout application is its ability to function as a tablet that conveniently folds into one’s pocket.
Battery performance is commendable. Typically, I would retire for the night retaining around 50% charge, not requiring a recharge until midday the following day—a robust day and a half of usage.
However, consumers should not expect top-tier photography from the Duo. While it offers respectable quality, it pales in comparison to the exceptional capabilities of Apple’s Pro models.
The zoom feature maxes out at 2x, lacking the variable-aperture primary camera found in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Frequently, I didn’t notice the limitations, but during a visit to the zoo, my attempts to capture images of distant animals fell significantly short of my expectations.
Nonetheless, the Duo presents a singular ability unmatched by any other iPhone. The Kid Cue function animates images on the outer display, successfully drawing the attention of young children, including my toddler, who promptly looked toward the camera. Yet, for those placing a premium on photography, the Pro Max remains the superior choice.
This brings us to pricing considerations. The Duo begins at $3,499 for 256GB, escalating to $5,899 for the 2TB model, setting a new high watermark in iPhone pricing.
Across all storage configurations, the Duo commands an excessive $1,200 premium over its equivalent Pro Max, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $2,699.
Under Apple’s Afterpay financing plan, the entry-level Duo incurs a monthly charge of around $146 over two years, with approximately $50 per month attributable to the foldable design.
Moreover, it is exclusively eSIM-compatible, necessitating verification from your service provider if you continue to utilize a conventional SIM card. A demonstration of Apple’s iPhone Duo at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 19.
So, who is this device truly for? I find the Duo enchanting, and since the iPhone’s last transformative leap with the iPhone X in 2017, I believe this device warrants attention.
However, the majority of consumers will find satisfaction with a standard iPhone at a considerably reduced price.
Frequent travelers and individuals enduring lengthy commutes are likely to derive the greatest benefits from the Duo.
Creative professionals and note-takers will likewise find it appealing, particularly with the anticipated arrival of Apple Pencil support later this year—though this feature will be limited to the more economical USB-C variant with no dedicated storage for the pencil.
In any case, patience may yield rewards by waiting for the second iteration, anticipated to refine app compatibility and address initial shortcomings.
I am confident the Duo will experience strong sales. Nonetheless, I remain skeptical regarding its necessity for all consumers, or whether foldable phones will usurp the traditional smartphone.
At present, the Duo serves as a remarkable supporting act, while the conventional iPhone retains the mantle of main attraction.
Source link: Watoday.com.au.
