After years of fans complaining that the beloved iPhone mini disappeared, Apple brought back a pint-sized phone that costs as much as a MacBook Pro. The author, previously critical of the iPhone 16e, emphasized how Apple should have never discontinued a small iPhone SE or the iPhone mini. Many users shared similar traits, preferring smaller phones for ease of use and being slow to upgrade. The iPhone mini was a perfect mix of small enough to take anywhere while still being capable enough to do daily tasks, yet it was considered an underperformer.

The author expected Apple to abandon the idea of a small iPhone forever. However, the iPhone Duo arrived with significant ambition in a small package. Initially rumored to be two iPhone Airs stuck together, credible leaks suggested the iPhone Duo would be a squat little device. While a vocal subset of users still begs Apple to bring back the iPhone mini proper, the author now has to live with the new announcement.

The primary issue is the price. The iPhone Duo costs $2,000 minimum. The author hates how much iPhones cost, noting that any new model is too expensive. Normally, rare upgrades allow for justification of the cost over time. However, upgrading now after a recent purchase causes the price-per-day of ownership to skyrocket, making the investment difficult to justify despite the desire for a smaller device.